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Neurologic and motor dysfunctions in APP transgenic mice
Robert Lalonde1, Ken-Ichiro Fukuchi, Catherine Strazielle
1Departement de Psychologie, Universite de Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France. robert.lalonde@univ-rouen.fr
Reviews in the Neurosciences
|October 24, 2012
Summary
Transgenic mice with gene mutations for autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease show increased mortality and neurological deficits. These models, exhibiting amyloid plaques and vascular issues, mimic late-stage Alzheimer's symptoms, aiding disease research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pathology
Background:
- Autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) is linked to specific gene mutations.
- Transgenic mouse models are crucial for studying ADAD hallmarks like amyloid plaques and cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gene mutations underlying ADAD on transgenic mouse models.
- To analyze mortality rates, neurological functions, and motor coordination in these models.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing transgenic mouse lines expressing human mutated or wild-type amyloid precursor protein (APP).
- Comparing survival rates and neurological assessments between transgenic and non-transgenic mice.
- Examining the role of amyloid plaques, including vascular accumulation, in observed phenotypes.
Main Results:
- APP transgenic mice exhibited higher mortality rates compared to controls.
- Elevated mortality was associated with vascular amyloid accumulation, suggesting cerebrovascular involvement.
- Neurological abnormalities, including myoclonic jumping, seizures, and motor coordination deficits, were observed in APP mutants.
- These neurological signs mirrored symptoms seen in late-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- Transgenic mouse models with ADAD-related gene mutations accurately replicate key pathological and clinical features of Alzheimer's disease.
- Cerebrovascular factors play a significant role in the increased mortality observed in these models.
- The neurological deficits in these mice provide valuable insights into disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
