title: Aggression in cataract-bearing alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout mice.
abstract: The Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc epitope is the key antigen in the hyperacute rejection of pig-to-man xenotransplantation. In the alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (alpha-1,3GT-KO) mouse - a model for xenograft donor pigs - a targeted mutation of the alpha-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene (Ggta1) has been constructed. These mice are depleted of the carbohydrate antigen and besides the mice are also known to develop cortical cataracts. The present study aimed at evaluating the morphology and the degree of the cataract in a population of alpha-GT KO mice, its age of onset, its progression and the impact the cataract may have on aggression, anxiety and perception of light. The alpha-gal epitope could be shown in the lenses with lectin GS1 B4 in all wild-type and none of the alpha-GT KO mice. Histology showed apparent cataract in all alpha-GT KO mice from six weeks of age. Apart from a single wild-type mouse with a small degree of microscopically visible cataract without epithelial involvement at the age of 30 weeks none of the wild-type mice showed signs of cataract. Behavioural testing demonstrated significantly more mounting behaviour and a longer duration of attacking in the alpha-GT KO mice. Apart from this, the agonistic behaviour was not influenced by genotype. Neither did the genotype affect anxiety or perception of light.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Bioethics and Risk Assessment, Division of Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 15, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. dobj@life.ku.dk
authors.forename: Dorte Bratbo
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sørensen
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.forename: Annette Kjaer
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Ersbøll
authors.forename: Svend
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kirkeby
authors.forename: Anthony J F
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: d'Apice
authors.forename: Axel Kornerup
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D002386:Cataract / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005838:Genotype; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D014785:Vision, Ocular
chemical_list: C036655:1,3-alpha-D-glucan synthase; D005964:Glucosyltransferases