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Motoneuron loss in the abducens nucleus of wobbler mice
Brain Research
|February 24, 1987
Abstract:
The 'wobbler' mutant mouse can be recognized at about 4 weeks of age by its tremor and atrophy of forelimb muscles. In addition to degeneration of spinal motoneurons, especially in cervical spinal cord, selected bulbar motoneurons have also been reported to degenerate in the mutant. We examined a cranial motor nucleus and found a 31% loss of abducens motoneurons in 4-5-week-old wobbler mice as compared to age-matched control mice.
Insights
The wobbler mouse model exhibits muscle atrophy and tremors. Researchers found a significant 31% loss of abducens motoneurons in these mice, indicating cranial nerve involvement in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- The 'wobbler' mouse is a model for motor neuron disease.
- It displays forelimb muscle atrophy and tremors starting around 4 weeks of age.
- Spinal motoneuron degeneration, particularly in the cervical cord, is a known feature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cranial motor nucleus involvement in wobbler mice.
- To quantify the loss of abducens motoneurons in this model.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of cranial motor nuclei.
- Stereological counting of abducens motoneurons.
- Comparison between wobbler mice and age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- A 31% loss of abducens motoneurons was observed in 4-5-week-old wobbler mice.
- This loss was statistically significant compared to control littermates.
- The findings confirm degeneration in cranial motor nuclei.
Conclusions:
- Abducens motoneuron degeneration is a pathological feature of the wobbler mouse.
- This suggests that the wobbler mutation affects not only spinal but also cranial motoneurons.
- The cranial nerve involvement provides further insight into the pathophysiology of this motor neuron disease model.