MOTOR LEARNING IN LURCHER MUTANT MICE

Lurcher mutant mice, characterized by degeneration of the olivo-cerebellar system, were evaluated in two tests of motor coordination: the inclined screen test and the tilted platform test. Lurcher mutants were not impaired, in comparison to normal littermate controls, in the inclined screen test. In the tilted platform test, lurcher mutants fell more quickly than normal mice. However, with repeated testing, the amount of time spent on the platform by lurcher mutants and controls increased at the same rate within a 3 day period. These results demonstrate that lurcher mutants, although ataxic, have spared motor capabilities. In a test where motor deficits occurred, rapid improvement was seen. Thus, in spite of massive cerebellar degeneration, there was no evidence of a decreased rate in motor learning.