Learning and memory in S100-beta transgenic mice: an analysis of impaired and preserved function.
S100-beta, a calcium-binding astrocytic protein from chromosome 21, has been implicated in CNS function generally and the hippocampus in particular. Elevated levels of S100-beta have been observed reliably in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome. Groups of transgenic mice, carrying multiple S100-beta gene copies, and nontransgenic controls were administered a series of behavioral tests (delayed spatial and nonspatial non-matching-to-sample, radial arm maze, socially acquired food preference) that assessed a wide range of cognitive functions. Consistent with the widespread presence of S100-beta throughout the brain, transgenic mice exhibited learning or memory impairment on all tasks. The dementia-like cognitive profile of S100-beta mice represents a promising model for studying comparable cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Winocur
G
G
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. winocur@psych.utoronto.ca
Roder
J
J
Lobaugh
N
N
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; D009418:S100 Proteins
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; D009418:S100 Proteins; C579160:S100B protein, human