Impaired spatial working and reference memory in segmental trisomy (Ts65Dn) mice

Behav Brain Res. 1998 Feb;90(2):199-201. doi: 10.1016/s0166-4328(97)00116-2.

Abstract

To evaluate the cognitive phenotype of the segmental trisomy 16 (Ts65Dn) mouse, a model of Down Syndrome (DS, trisomy 21), we assessed spatial working and reference memory using a 12-arm radial maze (RAM). Ts65Dn mice made a greater number of reference memory errors across trials compared to control mice. Both genotypes showed improvement across trials, although improvement was slower in Ts65Dn mice. Ts65Dn mice also made a greater number of working memory errors on the RAM, and in contrast to control mice, did not improve across trials, always performing at near-chance levels. These results provide evidence for both spatial working and reference memory deficits in Ts65Dn mice, characteristics of cognitive dysfunction.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition Disorders / genetics*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Memory Disorders / genetics*
  • Memory Disorders / psychology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Neurologic Mutants
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Trisomy / genetics*
  • Trisomy / physiopathology*