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Figure 3 | Molecular Neurodegeneration

Figure 3

From: Associations between brain microstructures, metabolites, and cognitive deficits during chronic HIV-1 infection of humanized mice

Figure 3

Effect of HIV-1 infection of humanized CD34-NSG mice on cognition. (A) Schematic diagram is illustrated showing the experimental plan used and results. Three consecutive trials of OFA testing were done at 12–13 weeks after HIV-1 infection. Replicate control mice were injected with PBS for OFA testing at the same time intervals. Mice were tested using 20 min sessions for three consecutive days (3 trials). Mice were bled from sub-mandibular vein under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia for flow cytometry and VL measurements. Total distance travelled measured in the floor plane and vertical entries were measured in the vertical plane. These reflect the exploratory and habituation behavior of the mice in a new environment. Both measurements were reduced by the 2nd and 3rd trials in uninfected controls reflecting habituation. HIV-1 infected animals exhibit continued anxiety. *, p < 0.05 compared to 1st trial and #, p < 0.05 compared to 2nd trial. Values are mean ± SEM. (B) OFA testing was performed longitudinally before infection and 4 and 8 weeks after HIV-1 infection (n = 8 for both control and infected animals). At each time point mice were tested for OFA using 20 min session for three consecutive days (3 trials). Time spent and distance traveled in the center compared to the periphery was automatically measured. The ratios were analyzed to assess anxiety behavior and long term memory of environment. By 8 weeks, control mice showed memory of the environment and reduced anxiety by spending more time in the central bright zone compared to HIV-1 infected mice. * = p < 0.05 compared to trial 1 of pre-infection OFA, and # = p < 0.05 compared to the corresponding trial performed at the same time from controls. Values are mean ± SEM. (B, bottom right) First five minute travel paths with distance travelled for representative control and HIV-1 infected mice from trial 3 of an 8 week time point are shown.

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