Unusual brain connection changes and problems with spatial memory in mice with the Huntington's disease mutation

R6/2 mice with Huntington's disease gene expression show marked alterations in synaptic plasticity and impaired spatial cognitive performance.

• Significant changes in synaptic plasticity were observed at both CA1 and dentate granule cell synapses in R6/2 mice.
• Impaired spatial cognition was demonstrated in the Morris water maze test.
• Alterations in synaptic plasticity appeared at CA1 synapses weeks before being observed in the dentate gyrus.
• Deficits in synaptic plasticity occurred before any overt symptoms of Huntington's disease were evident.
• The temporal and regional changes in synaptic plasticity correspond with the development of neuronal intranuclear inclusions.

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