ISSN:
1573-6830
Keywords:
prion protein
;
PrP-gene knockout mice
;
latent learning
;
long-term memory
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract 1. The cellular prion protein, designated PrPc, is a key molecule in the prion diseases but its physiological function remains unknown. To elucidate whether PrPc plays some role in the central nervous system, we established a line of mice in which the PrP gene had been disrupted and subsequently conducted long-term observations. 2. Performance in latent learning and passive avoidance was evaluated using water-finding and step-through tests, respectively. 3. PrP –/– mice showed impaired performance in the water-finding test, indicating a disturbance in latent learning, at 23 weeks of age. In the step-through test, although the PrP –/– mice showed normal learning ability and short-term memory retention, they evidenced a significant disturbance in long-term memory retention. 4. These results indicate that PrPc is needed for certain types of learning and memory and that the loss of function of this protein may contribute to the pathogenesis of prion diseases.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1026315006619
Permalink