Behavioral Characterization ofGCLM-Knockout Mice, a Model for Enhanced Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH) is a major player in cellular defense against oxidative stress. Deletion of the modifier subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLM), the first and the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of GSH, leads to significantly lower GSH levels in all tissues including the brain.GCLM-knockout (Gclm−/−) mice may thus represent a model for compromised response to oxidative stress amenable toin vitroandin vivoinvestigations. In order to determine whether the diminished GSH content would by itself cause behavioral alterations, a series of behavioral tests were carried out comparing young adultGclm−/−with wild-type mice. Tests included the rotarod, acoustic startle reflex and prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex, open field behavior, and the platform reversal variant of the Morris Water Maze. Results showed no differences betweenGclm−/−and wild-type mice in any of the neurobehavioral tests. However, more subtle alterations, or changes which may appear as animals age, cannot be excluded.