The increased density of the habenular neurons, high impulsivity, aggression and resistant fear memory in Disc1-Q31  L genetic mouse model of depression.

The increased density of the habenular neurons, high impulsivity, aggression and resistant fear memory in Disc1-Q31 L genetic mouse model of depression. Behav Brain Res. 2020 May 15;:112693 Authors: Lipina TV, Khrapova MV, Serykh A, Dubrovina NI, Petrova ES, Mikhnevich N, Starostina MV, Amstyslavskaja TG Abstract Mood disorders affect nearly 300 million humans worldwide, and it is a leading cause of death from suicide. In the last decade, the habenula has gained increased attention due to its major role to modulate emotional behavior and related psychopathologies, including depression and bipolar disorder, through the modulation of monoamines' neurotransmission. However, it is still unclear which genetic factors may directly affect the function of the habenula and hence, could contribute to the psychopathological mechanisms of mood disorders. Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) gene is among robust gene-candidates predisposing to major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in humans. DISC1-Q31 L, a well-established genetic mouse model of depression, offers a unique opportunity for translational studies. The current study aimed to probe morphological features of the habenula in the DISC1-Q31 L mouse line and detect novel behavioral endophenotypes, including the increased emotionality in mutant females, high aggression in mutant males and deficient extinction of fear memory in DISC1 mutant mice of both sexes. The histol...
Source: Behavioural Brain Research - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research