The phenotypic characteristics of heterozygous reeler mouse

Histological and behavioral traits are associated with reelin (Reln) haplo- insufficiency in heterozygous reeler mouse (rl+/-). These phenotypic traits are an similar to 50% decrease of brain Rein mRNA and Rein protein, an acc umulation of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH- d)-positive neurons in subcortical white matter, an age-dependent decrease in prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI); and neophobic behavior on the elev ated plus-maze. Possible analogies between these rl+/- phenotypic traits an d signs of psychosis vulnerability are discussed. (C) 1999 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.