Characterization of learning and memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5, a murine model of AIDS

J Neuroimmunol. 1999 Mar 1;95(1-2):65-72. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(98)00259-8.

Abstract

Mice infected with an immunosuppressive murine leukemia virus mixture, LP-BM5 show a profound immunosuppression described as murine acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the present study, we characterized learning and memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5. Spontaneous alternation behavior in a Y-maze and latent learning (spatial attention) in a water-finding test, as well as spatial reference and reversal learning in a water maze test, were significantly impaired in the mice infected with LP-BM5. These deficits appeared in the absence of any motoric and visual impairment as assessed by open-field, rotarod and visual water maze tests. These results suggest that cognitive functions are impaired in the mice infected with LP-BM5. Furthermore, LP-BM5-infected mice may be useful as a model for the AIDS dementia complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Dementia Complex / immunology
  • AIDS Dementia Complex / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Attention / physiology
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cell Division / immunology
  • Cognition Disorders / immunology
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / virology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Leukemia Virus, Murine*
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Maze Learning / physiology*
  • Memory Disorders / immunology
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Memory Disorders / virology*
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Movement / physiology
  • Murine Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Murine Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / physiopathology*