Document Type
Grant
Publication Date
9-1-2013
Department
Chemistry & Psychology
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and is correlated with various comorbidities, including Alzheimer’s disease in 50% of affected individuals. The Tc1 mouse model contains a copy of Hsa21, producing an animal model of DS. In an effort to understand the correlation between DS and Alzheimer’s disease, this study compared the learning and memory abilities with hippocampal and cortical brain pathology in the Tc1 mouse model. Genotyping of Tc1 mice indicated that Hsa21 was transmitted with a 25.0% frequency. Tc1 mice underwent open field, dark-light, and step down test of inhibitory avoidance tests at set timepoints. Acquisition of a hippocampal-dependent short-term memory task was intact while long-term memory trended towards impairment. Relative brain weight of Hsa21 positive subjects was significantly higher than control littermates with lateral ventricle area profoundly increased. Histological screening for Alzheimer’s-like neuropathology showed neurofibrillary tangles in the cortex of all Hsa21+ mice and a diffuse plaque in one Hsa21+ subject. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze β-amyloid 1-42 levels in control and Hsa21+ mice. This heterogeneity in pathology is consistent with the spectrum of neuropathological deficits, including Alzheimer’s, seen in patients with DS.
Content Notes
Poster
Unique Identifier
gspstugrants_2014_Noterman_Maria.pdf
First Advisor
Francis Mann
Second Advisor
Richard Deyo
