NOGO-66 receptor deficient mice show slow acquisition of spatial memory task performance.
The Nogo-66 receptor (NgR1) is part of a co-receptor complex on neurons that transmits a signal for inhibition of neurite outgrowth. In addition, NgR1 function has also been related to other disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimers disease. Here, we studied the effect of life-long deletion of NgR1 (ngr(--)) in tests for cognition and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. In the water maze, ngr(--) mice learned to locate the hidden platform as well as wild type mice, although with slower acquisition. Deletion of NgR1 did not affect amphetamine- or phencyclidine (PCP)-induced hyperactivity, two models of positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Taken together, ngr(--) animals show slower acquisition of a spatial learning and memory task.