Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Neuroscience

Supervisor

Dr. Marco Prado

2nd Supervisor

Dr. Vania Prado

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

Behavioural testing in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suffers from lack of standardization and reproducibility issues between laboratories. In order to solve this, a touchscreen system has been developed for mice based on the CANTAB. There are several cognitive dysfunctions that occur due to AD, including deficits in attention that can be tested using the touchscreens. In this study, we tested two mouse models of familial AD (5xFAD and 3xTG) with mutations that lead to an accelerated rate of amyloidosis. Both male and female mice were tested at two separate locations in order to test for the reproducibility of results. Mice were tested as they aged (4.5, 7, 10 months) in order to establish when cognitive symptoms first appear, with the 3xTG line showing deficits at 4.5 months and the 5xFAD at 7 months. The results obtained between the two sites were not significantly different for either line.

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