mPer1 and mPer2 mutant mice show regular spatial and contextual learning in standardized tests for hippocampus-dependent learning

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2006 Mar;113(3):347-56. doi: 10.1007/s00702-005-0322-4. Epub 2005 Jun 15.

Abstract

Learning and memory, like most physiological processes, seem to be under the control of circadian rhythm. The recently cloned mPer1 and mPer2 genes play an important role in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. In this study, we tested mPer1 and mPer2 mutant mice in two different learning and memory paradigms, a water-maze place navigation task and contextual fear conditioning. In both learning tests, the hippocampus is critically involved. None of these learning types were affected by the mutations, suggesting that mPer1 and mPer2 do not play a major role in the regulation of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / physiology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / physiology
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Period Circadian Proteins
  • Space Perception / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Per1 protein, mouse
  • Per2 protein, mouse
  • Period Circadian Proteins
  • Transcription Factors