Figure 4

The transgene pGFAP-BDNF delays the onset of anxiety disturbances in R6/2 mice. The plus maze paradigm (A) was used to evaluate anxiety levels at 7, 10 and 12 weeks of age in wt, pGFAP-BDNF, R6/2 and R6/2:pGFAP-BDNF mice. The percentage of time spent on the open arms was monitored. The open field paradigm (B) was performed to check spontaneous locomotor and exploratory activities at 7, 10 and 12 weeks of age in wt, pGFAP-BDNF, R6/2 and R6/2:pGFAP-BDNF mice by recording the distance covered during 10 min. Values are expressed as mean ± s.e.m. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA because different cohorts of animals were used for the different stages of the disease's progression. * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01, as compared to wt mice; $ p < 0.05 and $$ p < 0.01, as compared to pGFAP-BDNF mice (n = 8-12/genotype).