Characterization of hemizygous SOD1 and wild-type transgenic mice with the SHIRPA primary screen and tests of sensorimotor function and anxiety-

Authors
R. Lalonde, M. Dumont, E. Paly, J. London, C. Strazielle.

Lab
Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, INSERM U614, Rouen, France ; CHUM/St-Luc, Montréal, Canada ; Université de Paris 7 Denis-Diderot, EA 3508 Paris, France ; Laboratoire de Pathologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire des Nutriments, Faculté

Journal
Brain Research Bulletin

Abstract
SOD1 is one of several overexpressed genes in Down's syndrome. In order to dissect genetic causes of the syndrome, hemizygous human wild-type SOD1 transgenic mice were compared to FVB/N non-transgenic controls at 3 months of age in the SHIRPA primary screen of neurologic function as well as in tests of motor activity and coordination. The responsiveness of SOD1/wt transgenic mice to visual and somatosensory stimuli was reduced in placing, pinna, corneal, and toe-pinch tests. In addition, SOD1/wt transgenic mice crossed fewer segments on a stationary beam. On the contrary, there was no intergroup difference for motor activity and anxiety in open-field and emergence tests and for latencies before falling on the stationary beam, coat-hanger, and rotorod. These results indicate mild deficits in sensorimotor responsiveness in a mouse model expressing human SOD1 and that the overexpressed gene may be responsible for some Down symptoms.

BIOSEB Instruments Used:
Aron Test or Four Plates Test (LE830),Rotarod (BX-ROD)