Home › Neuroscience › Assessment of Spontaneous Alternation, Novel Object Recognition and Limb Clasping in Transgenic Mouse Models of Amyloid-β and Tau Neuropathology
Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Assessment of Spontaneous Alternation, Novel Object Recognition and Limb Clasping in Transgenic Mouse Models of Amyloid-β and Tau Neuropathology

DOI: 10.3791/55523-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform Y-maze spontaneous alternation test for working memory assessment
  • ✓ Conduct novel object recognition test for intermediate-term memory evaluation
  • ✓ Execute limb clasping test to measure corticospinal motor function
  • ✓ Interpret behavioral screening results in transgenic amyloid-β and tau mouse models
Protocol

Described here is a staged, behavioral screening approach that can be used to screen for compounds that exhibit in vivo efficacy on cognitive and functional motor behaviors in transgenic mouse models of β-amyloidosis and tauopathy. These methods are optimized to screen compounds for activity in short-term and working memory tasks.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~45-60 min per mouse (across all three behavioral tests)
Model organism
Transgenic Mouse (amyloid-β and tau neuropathology models)

Steps

1
Perform Y-maze spontaneous alternation test

Place mouse in Y-maze and record arm entries over defined trial period to assess working memory via spontaneous alternation behavior. This test measures the mouse's natural preference to explore novel arms rather than return to previously visited ones.

▶ 00:58
2
Conduct novel object recognition intermediate-term memory test

Allow mouse to explore familiar and novel objects in a designated arena during sample and test phases. Measure time spent with novel object versus familiar object to quantify intermediate-term memory retention.

▶ 02:37
3
Assess limb clasping corticospinal motor function

Suspend mouse by tail and observe for spontaneous limb clasping behavior, which indicates corticospinal motor dysfunction. Score clasping intensity and duration as a marker of motor impairment.

▶ 06:01
4
Interpret and record behavioral test results

Compile and analyze data from all three behavioral assessments to evaluate cognitive and motor phenotypes. Compare results across transgenic models to determine compound efficacy or disease progression.

▶ 07:25
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