title: Characterization of the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: part 2. Behavioral and cognitive changes.
abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by distinct behavioral and cognitive deficits that differ from those observed in normal aging. Transgenic models of AD are a promising tool in understanding the underlying mechanisms and cause of disease. The triple-transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) is the only model to exhibit both Abeta and tau pathology that is characteristic of the human form. The present study characterized the performance of 3xTg-AD mice on several tasks measuring behavioral and cognitive ability. Aged 3xTg-AD females exhibited a higher level of fear and anxiety demonstrated by increased restlessness, startle responses, and freezing behaviors. No differences were observed in muscle strength and visuo-motor coordination. Understanding the behavioral manifestations that occur in this model of AD may aid in the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of AD symptomology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4.
authors.forename: Roxanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sterniczuk
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Antle
authors.forename: Frank M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Laferla
authors.forename: Richard H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Dyck
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D053764:Presenilin-1; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000235:genetics; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; C508853:PSEN1 protein, human; D053764:Presenilin-1; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases