AGE-RELATED WEIGHT LOSS IN THE 5XFAD MOUSE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A BEHAVIOURAL AND HORMONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The 5xFAD mice exhibit weight loss at 9 months of age. We investigated age-related changes in body weight, feeding behaviour, activity levels, feeding-related hormones, and proteins regulating adipogenesis and thermogenesis in female 5xFAD mice and their WT controls. The 5xFAD mice were hypoactive in climbing and rearing (p<0.05), and were frequently still (p<0.05). Differences in food intake and body weight occurred at 9 and 12 months of age, where WT ate and weighed more (p<0.05). The 5xFAD mice had less white adipose tissue (WAT); p<0.05). Expression of leptin mRNA, UCP-2, UCP-1, and HSL were measured in WAT and did not differ between genotypes (p<0.05). Transgenic mice expressed more UCP-1 (p<0.05). At 9 and 12 months of age, the 5xFAD mice ate less, had a lower body weight and were hypoactive. At 12 months of age the 5xFAD mice had less body fat and expressed less leptin, UCP-2, and HSL mRNA.