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Published on: August 4, 2018
Characterization of aged male BALB/ccenp mice as a model of dementia
Nashelly Esquivel1, Yenela García1, Bestraida Lores1
1Laboratorio de Antianémicos y Nutracéuticos, Centro Nacional de Biopreparados (BioCen). Beltrán main road km 1 1/2, Mayabeque, Cuba.
Abstract:
Dementia is defined as cognitive impairment in more than one cognitive area and leads to an abnormal degree of impairment in the ability to remember past events. Among mice models of dementia the most used strains are SAMP8 and C57BL/6. There is no reference to characterizing a model of dementia in naturally aged mice of the BALB/c strain, or to the minimum age at which these animals can be used. The aim of this study was the characterization of aged male BALB/ccenp mice as a model of dementia from the evaluation of behavioural, pathological and biochemical markers. One hundred and twenty mice were used and 10 of these were analysed from 8 to 9 months of age, and every 4 months, in a comparative way to young control animals from 4 to 5 months. At the age of 12-13 months there was cognitive impairment in the animals from the Y-maze and object recognition tests and this impairment was maintained at 16-17 months of age. An increase in oxidative damage to proteins in the brains of aged animals was also found in relation to young animals; as well as a decrease in the concentration of triglycerides. At the age of 16-17 months, a significant decrease in the size of the thymus and brain was obtained. We consider that it's a very useful option to use animals 12-13 months of age where there are symptoms of cognitive deficiency, histopathological and biochemical elements characteristic of dementia.
Insights
Aged BALB/c mice at 12-13 months exhibit cognitive decline and dementia biomarkers. This study characterizes them as a potential dementia model, showing impairment and brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Dementia involves cognitive impairment, with SAMP8 and C57BL/6 strains commonly used as models.
- Limited characterization exists for BALB/c mice as a dementia model, particularly regarding age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize aged male BALB/c mice as a potential dementia model.
- To evaluate behavioral, pathological, and biochemical markers of dementia in this strain.
Main Methods:
- 120 male BALB/c mice were analyzed at ages 4-5 months (control) and 8-17 months (aged).
- Behavioral tests (Y-maze, object recognition), oxidative damage assessment, triglyceride levels, and organ size measurements were performed.
Main Results:
- Cognitive impairment was observed in BALB/c mice at 12-13 months, persisting at 16-17 months.
- Increased protein oxidative damage and decreased triglyceride levels were found in aged mice.
- Significant thymus and brain size reduction occurred in 16-17 month old mice.
Conclusions:
- BALB/c mice aged 12-13 months show cognitive deficits and dementia-related markers.
- These aged BALB/c mice represent a viable model for dementia research.
- The study establishes the utility of BALB/c mice for studying age-related cognitive decline.
