Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by demyelination in the central nervous system. The cuprizone-induced demyelination model is often used in mice to test novel treatments for multiple sclerosis. However, despite significant demyelination, behavioural deficits may be subtle or...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2022-12-01
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| Series: | Brain Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/12/1687 |
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| author | Kelly F. Paton Sheein Hong Andrew Biggerstaff Bronwyn M. Kivell |
| author_facet | Kelly F. Paton Sheein Hong Andrew Biggerstaff Bronwyn M. Kivell |
| author_sort | Kelly F. Paton |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by demyelination in the central nervous system. The cuprizone-induced demyelination model is often used in mice to test novel treatments for multiple sclerosis. However, despite significant demyelination, behavioural deficits may be subtle or have mixed results depending on the paradigm used. Furthermore, the sex differences within the model are not well understood. In the current study, we have sought to understand the behavioural deficits associated with the cuprizone-induced demyelination model in both male and female C57BL/6J mice. Using Black gold II stain, we found that cuprizone administration over 6 weeks caused significant demyelination in the corpus callosum that was consistent across both sexes. Cuprizone administration caused increased mechanical sensitivity when measured using an electronic von Frey aesthesiometer, with no sex differences observed. However, cuprizone administration decreased motor coordination, with more severe deficits seen in males in the horizontal bar and passive wire hang tests. In contrast, female mice showed more severe deficits in the motor skill sequence test. Cuprizone administration caused more anxiety-like behaviours in males compared to females in the elevated zero maze. Therefore, this study provides a better understanding of the sex differences involved in the behavioural aspects of cuprizone-induced demyelination, which could allow for a better translation of results from the laboratory to the clinic. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T17:15:36Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-bd9ea3cf9e564ff094ec2e868e086c14 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-3425 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T17:15:36Z |
| publishDate | 2022-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Brain Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-bd9ea3cf9e564ff094ec2e868e086c142023-11-24T13:39:59ZengMDPI AGBrain Sciences2076-34252022-12-011212168710.3390/brainsci12121687Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in MiceKelly F. Paton0Sheein Hong1Andrew Biggerstaff2Bronwyn M. Kivell3Centre for Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New ZealandCentre for Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New ZealandCentre for Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New ZealandCentre for Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New ZealandMultiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by demyelination in the central nervous system. The cuprizone-induced demyelination model is often used in mice to test novel treatments for multiple sclerosis. However, despite significant demyelination, behavioural deficits may be subtle or have mixed results depending on the paradigm used. Furthermore, the sex differences within the model are not well understood. In the current study, we have sought to understand the behavioural deficits associated with the cuprizone-induced demyelination model in both male and female C57BL/6J mice. Using Black gold II stain, we found that cuprizone administration over 6 weeks caused significant demyelination in the corpus callosum that was consistent across both sexes. Cuprizone administration caused increased mechanical sensitivity when measured using an electronic von Frey aesthesiometer, with no sex differences observed. However, cuprizone administration decreased motor coordination, with more severe deficits seen in males in the horizontal bar and passive wire hang tests. In contrast, female mice showed more severe deficits in the motor skill sequence test. Cuprizone administration caused more anxiety-like behaviours in males compared to females in the elevated zero maze. Therefore, this study provides a better understanding of the sex differences involved in the behavioural aspects of cuprizone-induced demyelination, which could allow for a better translation of results from the laboratory to the clinic.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/12/1687cuprizonedemyelinationmotor coordinationanxietysex differencesmultiple sclerosis |
| spellingShingle | Kelly F. Paton Sheein Hong Andrew Biggerstaff Bronwyn M. Kivell Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice Brain Sciences cuprizone demyelination motor coordination anxiety sex differences multiple sclerosis |
| title | Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice |
| title_full | Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice |
| title_fullStr | Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice |
| title_short | Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice |
| title_sort | sex differences in the behavioural aspects of the cuprizone induced demyelination model in mice |
| topic | cuprizone demyelination motor coordination anxiety sex differences multiple sclerosis |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/12/1687 |
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