General Information
Mouse: (C3Heyl-/-x CB57BL/6)F1 x C3Heyl-/-
Mice with a homozygous G insertion in exon 4 (416insG) of the Pitx3 gene. Mice also have two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Pitx3 gene (C345A and C986A)
Corresponding human genotype: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the Pitx3 gene may represent a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in certain populations.
Mutated gene: Pitx3
References: Rosemann 2010
Loss of dopaminergic neurons
- 12 weeks: significant reduction of of TH and dopamine transporter expression are observed in both the SN and the VTA
Dopamine Homeostasis
- Not reported
Inclusions
- Not reported
Motor Behaviours
- 12 weeks: sex-specific alterations are observed in spontaneous activity with female mice exhibiting reduced total distance travelled, mean velocity, rearing, board entry and hole exploration. This phenotype could be related to anxiety-related behavior in females.
Rotarod test show no differences compared to control.
Reduced grip strength is observed in male and female Eyl mice
Response to dopaminergic treatment
- Not reported
Non motor Behaviours
- 12 weeks: mice show hyperalgesia toward thermal, mechanical and chemical stimuli. Female Eyl mice show increased anxiety. Conversely, male show a decreased anxiety-related behaviour compared to controls.
- 10-16 weeks: depression-like symptoms (anhedonia), evidenced using the sucrose preference test, is observed in Eyl mice. This symptom can be reversed by chronic treatment with an anticholinergic antidepressant (imipramine).
Electrophysiology
- Not reported
Neuroinflammation
- Not reported
Updated 21-06-2018