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Spatial reversal learning in preclinical scrapie-inoculated mice
1Department of Psychology, University of Wales Swansea, UK.
Neuroreport
|April 10, 1996
Summary
Scrapie infection impairs spatial learning reversal in mice during the preclinical phase, evidenced by a temporary performance deficit and abnormal learning patterns preceding clinical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Prion Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting animals.
- Understanding the early cognitive deficits in scrapie is crucial for disease progression insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spatial learning and reversal learning abilities in mice inoculated with scrapie.
- To determine the timeline of cognitive impairment relative to the onset of clinical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Two-choice spatial discrimination tasks were used to assess acquisition and reversal learning.
- Behavioral testing was conducted at various time points prior to the onset of clinical symptoms in scrapie-inoculated mice and control groups.
Main Results:
- Spatial acquisition and reversal learning were normal in mice tested 138 and 103 days before clinical symptoms.
- A transient deficit in reversal learning was observed 65 days before symptom onset.
- All late preclinical groups (68, 65, and 33 days before symptoms) exhibited abnormal reversal learning patterns, including rapid extinction and a plateau in performance.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive deficits, specifically in reversal learning, occur during the preclinical phase of scrapie.
- These deficits correlate with the onset of neuropathological changes.
- Spatial learning impairment is an early indicator of scrapie progression.