Abstract
BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive dysfunction in elderly individuals. There have been extensive studies on behavioral abnormalities in ApoE-deficient (Apoe(shl)) mice, which have been described as AD mouse models. Spontaneously hyperlipidemic mice were discovered in 1999 as ApoE-deficient mice due to ApoE gene mutations. However, behavioral abnormalities in commercially available Apoe(shl) mice remain unclear. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the behavioral abnormalities of Apoe(shl) mice. RESULTS: Apoe(shl) mice showed decreased motor skill learning and increased anxiety-like behavior toward heights. Apoe(shl) mice did not show abnormal behavior in the Y-maze test, open-field test, light/dark transition test, and passive avoidance test. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the utility of Apoe(shl) mice in investigating the function of ApoE in the central nervous system.