title: Optimal methods to characterize the G93A mouse model of ALS.
abstract: In the present study, we used the SOD1 (G93A) mutant transgenic mice as a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This model is widely used as a laboratory tool to study experimental treatments in vivo for ALS to investigate new therapeutic strategies for this neurodegenerative disease. Such studies require the objective quantification of different parameters while mice develop the disease. We have applied a battery of different and specific tests: scoring of motor deficits by a trained observer, weighing, survival measure, hanging wire test, rotarod task and electromyography, most of them commonly used to evaluate G93A animals. We have critically compared these methods, showing the significant influence of gender on the onset of symptoms, and the optimal moment to apply each test. These results should be taken into account in future therapeutic assays on this ALS model.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Genetica Bioquimica y Grupos Sanguineos, Zaragoza, Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Miana-Mena
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: Gema
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yagüe
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mendez
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ciriza
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zaragoza
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Osta
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001835:Body Weight / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012372:ROC Curve; D012737:Sex Factors; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000235:genetics*; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: C109415:SOD1 G93A protein; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase