Novel behavioural characteristics of the APPSwe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

In order to better understand animal models of Alzheimer's disease, novel phenotyping strategies have been established for transgenic mouse models. In line with this, the current study characterised male APPxPS1 transgenic mice on mixed C57BL/6JxC3H/HeJ background for the first time for social recognition memory, sensorimotor gating, and spatial memory using the cheeseboard test as an alternative to the Morris water maze. Furthermore, locomotion, anxiety, and fear conditioning were evaluated in transgenic and wild type-like animals. APPxPS1 males displayed task-dependent hyperlocomotion and anxiety behaviours and exhibited social recognition memory impairments compared to wild type-like littermates. Spatial learning and memory, fear conditioning, and sensorimotor gating were unaffected in APPxPS1 transgenic mice. In conclusion, this study describes for the first time social recognition memory deficits in male APPxPS1 mice and suggests that spatial learning and memory deficits reported in earlier studies are dependent on the sex and genetic background of the APPxPS1 mouse line used. Furthermore, particular test conditions of anxiety and spatial memory paradigms appear to impact on the behavioural response of this transgenic mouse model for Alzheimer's disease.

► There are inconsistencies in the behavioural phenotype of APPxPS1 transgenic mice.
► Male APPxPS1 mice showed task-dependent hyperlocomotion and increased anxiety.
► Transgenic mice exhibited normal spatial cognition and fear conditioning.
► APPxPS1 mice displayed impaired social recognition memory.
► Sensorimotor gating of APPxPS1 males was unaffected.