The phenotypic characteristics of heterozygous reeler mouse

Histological and behavioral traits are associated with reelin (Reln) haplo-insufficiency in heterozygous reeler mouse (rl/+/−). These phenotypic traits are an, ∼50% decrease of brain Reln mRNA and Reln protein, an accumulation of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d)-positive neurons in subcortical white matter, an age-dependent decrease in prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), and neophobic behavior on the elevated plus-maze. Possible analogies between these rl+/− phenotypic traits and signs of psychosis vulnerability are discussed.