Tau reduction diminishes spatial learning and memory deficits after mild repetitive traumatic brain injury in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Because reduction of the microtubule-associated protein Tau has beneficial effects in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy, we wanted to determine whether this strategy can also improve the outcome of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

We adapted a mild frontal impact model of TBI for wildtype C57Bl/6J mice and characterized the behavioral deficits it causes in these animals. The Barnes maze, Y maze, contextual and cued fear conditioning, elevated plus maze, open field, balance beam, and forced swim test were used to assess different behavioral functions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 7 Tesla) and histological analysis of brain sections were used to look for neuropathological alterations. We also compared the functional effects of this TBI mo

SUBMITTER: Cheng JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4281043 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature