Characterization of learning and memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5, a murine model of AIDS

Mice infected with an immunosuppressive murine leukemia virus mixture, LP-B M5 show a profound immunosuppression described as murine acquired immune de ficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the present study, we characterized learning a nd memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5. Spontaneous altern ation behavior in a Y-maze and latent learning (spatial attention) in a wat er-finding test, as well as spatial reference and reversal learning in a wa ter maze test, were significantly impaired in the mice infected with LP-BM5 . These deficits appeared in the absence of any motoric and visual impairme nt as assessed by open-field, rotarod and visual water maze tests. These re sults suggest that cognitive functions are impaired in the mice infected wi th LP-BM5. Furthermore, LP-BM5-infected mice may be useful as a model for t he AIDS dementia complex. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.