The use of 3-nitropropionic acid to create a model of aging in mice

Abstract

This experiment was designed to create an aging model in mice that is more cost-effective, time-efficient, and easier for the animals to recover from than traditional models. This model was designed using intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), a mitochondrial toxin that is known to damage the striatum. The striatum has been shown in previous literature to play a large role in the aging process. This experiment compared two cumulative doses of 3NP: 540 mg/kg, 720 mg/kg, and a saline control. The 540 mg/kg dose was given at either a steady dose every other day or an increasing dose given twice a day. These dosing schedules were both compared to one another and control mice to assess which was the most effective at creating cognitive and motor deficits when mice receiving these respective treatments were tested on the Stone T-Maze (STM) and rotarod. It was found that an escalating dose of 3NP impaired retention in the STM and motor function on the rotarod task.