Immunodepression reduces learning performance in male laboratory mice (Mus musculus)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Behavioral Biology

Background:

• Theoretical and empirical studies suggest a trade-off between immunocompetence and learning.
• Investment in immune function may constrain cognitive processes like learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of experimentally reduced immune responsiveness on learning performance in male BKW mice.
• To determine if immune suppression affects performance in a combined odour/spatial learning task.

Main Methods:

• Male BKW mice were treated with antithymocyte serum (ATS) to experimentally depress cellular immunity.
• Learning performance was assessed using a radial maze task where choices were guided by familiar odours.
• Haemagglutination titre was measured to assess immune responsiveness.

Main Results:

• Temporary depression of cellular immunity using ATS led to a significant reduction in learning performance, indicated by fewer correct choices.
• A positive correlation was observed between haemagglutination titre and the proportion of correct maze entries.
• No significant influence of female odour on learning performance was detected.

Conclusions:

• Experimentally induced immune depression impairs performance in a combined odour/spatial learning task.
• Individual differences in immune responsiveness influence learning capabilities.
• The observed effects were not mediated by changes in corticosterone or testosterone levels.