Characterization of neuronal differentiation tracer mouse for novel developmental neurotoxicity evaluation system

Abstract

Current risk assessment of DNT has been immature, yet. We here generated transgenic mouse in which the luciferase (Luc) gene expressed under the control of a promoter of neuronal differentiation marker for DNT evaluation. The Luc expression pattern was consistent with the synaptic formation pattern during developmental periods, suggesting that Luc expression reflects the state of neuronal differentiation. Our reporter mouse could be a potential tool in DNT studies and “visualization” of neuronal differentiation using in vivo imaging may be applied to a novel DNT in vivo evaluation system.