Mouse models of immune dysfunction: their neuroanatomical differences reflect their anxiety-behavioural phenotype.

ABSTRACT: Extensive evidence supports the role of the immune system in modulating brain function and behaviour. However, past studies have revealed striking heterogeneity in behavioural phenotypes produced from immune system dysfunction. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we studied the neuroanatomical differences among 11 distinct genetically modified mouse lines (n = 371), each deficient in a different element of the immune system. We found a significant and heterogeneous effect of immune dysfunction on the brains of both male and female mice. However, by imaging the whole brain and using Bayesian hierarchical modelling, we were able to identify patterns within the heterogeneous phenotype. Certain structures-such as the corpus callosum, midbrain, and thalamus-were more likely to be affected by immu

SUBMITTER: Fernandes DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9205773 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature