Abnormal synaptic organization between granule cells and Purkinje cells in the new ataxic mutant mouse, pogo

Neurosci Lett. 2000 Nov 17;294(2):77-80. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(00)01547-0.

Abstract

The pogo mouse is a new ataxic mutant derived from the Korean wild mouse. The pathological manifestations include difficulty in maintaining normal posture and the inability to walk straight. The ataxia becomes apparent at about 2 weeks of age. Electron microscopic studies of the pogo/pogo homozygous cerebellum, revealed that the ectopic spines emanating from the primary dendrite of Purkinje cells were observed. Major difference between pogo/pogo homozygous and non-affected pogo/+ heterozygous was the synaptic organization of the molecular layer. Parallel fiber varicosities were larger than normal and a single fiber often established synaptic contacts with up to four dendritic spines of a Purkinje cell. This correlation between the presence of altered synaptic organization in the cerebellum and ataxia in pogo/pogo mutant mice warrants further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ataxia / genetics
  • Ataxia / pathology*
  • Calbindins
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Cerebellum / pathology*
  • Cerebellum / ultrastructure
  • Dendrites / pathology
  • Dendrites / ultrastructure
  • Heterozygote
  • Homozygote
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Neurologic Mutants*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Phenotype
  • Purkinje Cells / pathology*
  • Purkinje Cells / ultrastructure
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / metabolism
  • Synapses / pathology*
  • Synapses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Calbindins
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G