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Impaired water maze learning performance without altered dopaminergic function in mice heterozygous for the GDNF mutation
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 15:27 authored by Gerlai, R, McNamara, A, Derek Choi-LundbergDerek Choi-Lundberg, Armanini, M, Ross, J, Powell-Braxton, L, Phillips, HSExogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) exhibits potent survival-promoting effects on dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway that is implicated in Parkinson's disease and also protects neurons in forebrain ischemia of animal models. However, a role for endogenous GDNF in brain function has not been established. Although mice homozygous for a targeted deletion of the GDNF gene have been generated, these mice die within hours of birth because of deficits in kidney morphogenesis, and, thus, the effect of the absence of GDNF on brain function could not be studied. Herein, we sought to determine whether adult mice, heterozygous for a GDNF mutation on two different genetic backgrounds, demonstrate alterations in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system or in cognitive function. While both neurochemical and behavioural measures suggested that reduction of GDNF gene expression in the mutant mice does not alter the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, it led to a significant and selective impairment of performance in the spatial version of the Morris water maze. A standard panel of blood chemistry tests and basic pathological analyses did not reveal alterations in the mutants that could account for the observed performance deficit. These results suggest that endogenous GDNF may not be critical for the development and functioning of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system but it plays an important role in cognitive abilities.
History
Publication title
European Journal of NeuroscienceVolume
14Issue
7Pagination
1153-1163ISSN
0953-816XDepartment/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Blackwell PublishingPlace of publication
EnglandRepository Status
- Restricted