No spatial memory deficit exists in Kunming mice that recently recovered from motor defects following 3-nitropropionic acid intoxication

Abstract

Objective Numerous studies have described both motor defects and cognitive impairments in several strains of rodents following 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) intoxication. In the present study, we investigated spatial recognition memory in Kunming mice that just recovered from motor defects induced by 3-NP. Methods Mouse model was made by systemic subacute 3-NP treatment, and spatial recognition memory was measured through the Y-maze Test, a simple two-trial recognition test. Results (1) On day 15 following 3-NP treatment, affected Kunming mice did not show motor defects in the Rotarod test and presented normal gait again. (2) In the following Y-maze test after 1h interval, the percentage (90.0%) of mice showing novel arm preference in 3-NP treatment group was significantly higher than the random chance level (50%), although it was only slightly higher than that (83.3%) in control group. On day 45 after 3-NP treatment, mice failed to choose unfamiliar novel arm as first choice, and the same occured in the control group. (3) For both post-intoxicated (on day 15 and day 45 following 3-NP treatment) and control groups, the duration in the novel arm and the frequency of entering it, were longer and higher compared with familiar start and other arms. For these mice that recently recovered from motor defects following 3-NP intoxication, no spatial memory deficits were observed through Y-maze Test. Conclusion Kunming mice used in our assays might possess resistance to cognitive impairment induced by 3-NP, which is consistent with previous findings in Swiss EPM-M1 mice.

Central nervous system-specific alterations in the tryptophan metabolism in the 3-nitropropionic acid model of Huntington's disease

“…A further elevation of the cumulative dose (N 100 mg/kg) results in more expressed weakness and rigidity (Brouillet, 2014). However, subsequent to the termination of the subacute toxin regimen in mice in the widely-applied experimental setup (as used in the current study), the detected alterations in motor functioning tend to abate and then cease (Fernagut et al, 2002a,b;Li et al, 2009). It should be noted, however, that the extended application of 3-NP in a considerably higher cumulative dose resulted in persistent locomotor deficits in one study on mice (Stefanova et al, 2003).…”

“…However, in a simple 2-trial Y-maze paradigm, performed on the 15th day after termination of the administration of 3-NP to mice (in a cumulative dose of 320 mg/kg), the intoxicated animals did not display any 3-NP-induced memory impairment (Li et al, 2009).…”

“…A number of publications have reported 3-NP-evoked alterations in motor and cognitive performance in rodents (Borlongan et al, 1995b;El Massioui et al, 2001;Brouillet et al, 2005;Li et al, 2009). The described alterations in motor functioning are highly reminiscent of those characteristic of human juvenile HD, such as rigidity, bradykinesia, dystonia and gait disturbances (Nance and Myers, 2001).…”

“…The described alterations in motor functioning are highly reminiscent of those characteristic of human juvenile HD, such as rigidity, bradykinesia, dystonia and gait disturbances (Nance and Myers, 2001). Although it seems clear that higher cumulative doses of 3-NP cause motor and cognitive impairments, the motor dysfunctions observed undergo a considerable amelioration after the cessation of toxin administration (El Massioui et al, 2001;Fernagut et al, 2002b;Li et al, 2009). Early studies raised the possibility that the KP is altered in 3-NP models (Csillik et al, 2002;Luchowski et al, 2002), but this has not yet been further investigated.…”

Inhibition of Pulmonary Surfactants Synthesis during N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate‐Induced Lung Injury

“…Male Sprague–Dawley rats, weighing 220 ± 20 g and male Kunming mice [11], weighing 25 ± 5 g were obtained from the Experimental Animal Center of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (Changsha, China). Culture medium, TRIZOL reagent, kits for PCR, RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR were purchased from Invitrogen (Gaithersburg, MD, USA).…”