Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 69
Filter
Add more filters










Publication year range
1.
Genes Brain Behav ; 17(7): e12469, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29457871

ABSTRACT

Aggression between male conspecifics is a complex social behavior that is likely modulated by multiple gene variants. In this study, the BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains (RIS) were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying behaviors associated with intermale aggression. Four hundred and fifty-seven males from 55 strains (including the parentals) were observed at an age of 13 ± 1 week in a resident-intruder test following 10 days of isolation. Attack latency was measured directly within a 10-minute time period and the test was repeated 24 hours later. The variables we analyzed were the proportion of attacking males in a given strain as well as the attack latency (on days 1 and 2, and both days combined). On day 1, 29% of males attacked, and this increased to 37% on day 2. Large strain differences were obtained for all measures of aggression, indicating substantial heritability (intraclass correlations 0.10-0.18). We identified a significant QTL on chromosome (Chr) 1 and suggestive QTLs on mouse Chrs 1 and 12 for both attack and latency variables. The significant Chr 1 locus maps to a gene-sparse region between 82 and 88.5 Mb with the C57BL/6J allele increasing aggression and explaining about 18% of the variance. The most likely candidate gene modulating this trait is Htr2b which encodes the serotonin 2B receptor and has been implicated in aggressive and impulsive behavior in mice, humans and other species.


Subject(s)
Aggression/physiology , Chromosomes, Mammalian , Quantitative Trait Loci , Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B/genetics , Alleles , Animals , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Chromosome Mapping , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred DBA , Social Behavior
2.
Genes Brain Behav ; 16(8): 790-799, 2017 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28544613

ABSTRACT

The open field is a classic test used to assess exploratory behavior, anxiety and locomotor activity in rodents. Here, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying behaviors displayed in an open field, using a panel of 53 BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains with deep replication (10 per strain and sex). The use of these strains permits the integration and comparison of data obtained in different laboratories, and also offers the possibility to study trait covariance by exploiting powerful bioinformatics tools and resources. We quantified behavioral traits during 20-min test sessions including (1) percent time spent and distance traveled near the wall (thigmotaxis), (2) leaning against the wall, (3) rearing, (4) jumping, (5) grooming duration, (6) grooming frequency, (7) locomotion and (8) defecation. All traits exhibit moderate heritability making them amenable to genetic analysis. We identified a significant QTL on chromosome M.m. 4 at approximately 104 Mb that modulates grooming duration in both males and females (likelihood ratio statistic values of approximately 18, explaining 25% and 14% of the variance, respectively) and a suggestive QTL modulating locomotion that maps to the same locus. Bioinformatic analysis indicates Disabled 1 (Dab1, a key protein in the reelin signaling pathway) as a particularly strong candidate gene modulating these behaviors. We also found 2 highly suggestive QTLs for a sex by strain interaction for grooming duration on chromosomes 13 and 17. In addition, we identified a pairwise epistatic interaction between loci on chromosomes 12 at 36-37 Mb and 14 at 34-36 Mb that influences rearing frequency in males.


Subject(s)
Exploratory Behavior , Grooming , Quantitative Trait Loci , Animals , Chromosomes/genetics , Female , Locomotion/genetics , Male , Mice , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Reelin Protein
3.
Genes Brain Behav ; 14(8): 591-606, 2015 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26449520

ABSTRACT

Variation in hippocampal neuroanatomy correlates well with spatial learning ability in mice. Here, we have studied both hippocampal neuroanatomy and behavior in 53 isogenic BXD recombinant strains derived from C57BL/6J and DBA/2J parents. A combination of experimental, neuroinformatic and systems genetics methods was used to test the genetic bases of variation and covariation among traits. Data were collected on seven hippocampal subregions in CA3 and CA4 after testing spatial memory in an eight-arm radial maze task. Quantitative trait loci were identified for hippocampal structure, including the areas of the intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fibers (IIPMFs), stratum radiatum and stratum pyramidale, and for a spatial learning parameter, error rate. We identified multiple loci and gene variants linked to either structural differences or behavior. Gpc4 and Tenm2 are strong candidate genes that may modulate IIPMF areas. Analysis of gene expression networks and trait correlations highlight several processes influencing morphometrical variation and spatial learning.


Subject(s)
Hippocampus/anatomy & histology , Hippocampus/physiology , Spatial Learning/physiology , Animals , Chromosome Mapping , Female , Genetic Association Studies , Genetic Variation , Male , Maze Learning/physiology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred DBA , Quantitative Trait Loci , Species Specificity , Structure-Activity Relationship
4.
Behav Brain Res ; 251: 75-84, 2013 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23327738

ABSTRACT

Autism is a pervasive disorder characterized by a complex symptomatology, based principally on social dysfunction. The disorder has a highly complex, largely genetic etiology, involving an impressive variety of genes, the precise contributions of which still remain to be determined. For this reason, a reductionist approach to the study of autism has been proposed, employing monogenic animal models of social dysfunction, either by targeting a candidate gene, or by mimicking a single-gene disorder characterized by autistic symptoms. In the present review, we discuss this monogenic approach by comparing examples of each strategy: the mu opioid receptor knock-out (KO) mouse line, which targets the opioid system (known to be involved in the control of social behaviors); and the Fmr1-KO mouse, a model for Fragile X syndrome (a neurodevelopmental syndrome that includes autistic symptoms). The autistic-relevant behavioral phenotypes of the mu-opioid and Fmr1-KO mouse lines are described here, summarizing previous work by our research group and others, but also providing novel experimental evidence. Relevant factors influencing the validity of the two models, such as sex differences and age at testing, are also addressed, permitting an extensive evaluation of the advantages and limits of monogenic mouse models for autism.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder/genetics , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Disease Models, Animal , Social Behavior , Animals , Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein/genetics , Fragile X Syndrome/genetics , Mice
6.
J Neurogenet ; 21(4): 197-208, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18161583

ABSTRACT

This report analyses the genetic underpinnings of the proportions of the hippocampal terminal fields in the mouse at the midseptotemporal level. We used 5 inbred strains and all possible F(1) crosses between them (diallel cross). Broad heritabilities ranged from 11 to 53%. Additive genetic variation was present for all phenotypes analyzed. Directional dominance was found for the relative size of the suprapyramidal mossy fiber terminal field only. For the stratum lacunosum-moleculare, ambidirectional dominance emerged. These findings suggest that, in evolutionary history, directional selection has operated for a proportionally large suprapyramidal terminal field. For all other hippocampal variables (viz. the relative sizes for the strata oriens, pyramidale, radiatum, lacunosum-moleculare, CA4, intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber terminal field and the absolute size of the regio inferior) past stabilizing selection was inferred.

7.
Neuroscience ; 150(2): 251-9, 2007 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17981399

ABSTRACT

Numerous data from human and animal studies suggest that hippocampal plasticity might be a key element in depression. However, the connection remains loose at best and further data are needed. Human studies are of necessity limited, but animal models can help providing further insight. Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) is a commonly used model because it mimics depression-like phenotypes satisfactorily. Its rationale is based on the underlying stress-induced difficulties found in many depressed patients. We therefore studied learning and hippocampal neurogenesis in mice from three different inbred strains subjected to UCMS. Learning was assessed in different hippocampus-dependent and independent tasks. The rate of survival of newly generated brain cells was determined in behaviorally-naive animals. Results demonstrated a dramatic reduction of surviving new brain cells in both the hippocampus and the subventricular zone of UCMS-treated animals. This reduction was observed both for neurons and for other cells of the hippocampus. Behavioral data demonstrated an impairment of hippocampus-dependent learning, whereas hippocampus-independent learning was spared. However, the specific results were strongly dependent on strain and sex so that there does not appear to be a direct causative relationship between the deficits in neurogenesis and behavior.


Subject(s)
Cell Proliferation , Hippocampus/physiopathology , Learning Disabilities/physiopathology , Neuronal Plasticity/physiology , Stress, Psychological/physiopathology , Animals , Cell Division/physiology , Cell Survival/physiology , Chronic Disease/psychology , Depressive Disorder/etiology , Depressive Disorder/physiopathology , Down-Regulation/physiology , Female , Learning Disabilities/etiology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred DBA , Neurons/physiology , Sex Characteristics , Species Specificity , Stem Cells/physiology , Stress, Psychological/complications , Stress, Psychological/psychology
8.
Genes Brain Behav ; 3(4): 249-51, 2004 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15248870

ABSTRACT

This note explores the effect of within-strain sample sizes on the correlations between a phenotype and a molecular-genetic marker in a battery of inbred strains. It is shown that the maximum correlation possible between a molecular marker and a behavioral or neuronal phenotype equals the additive-genetic correlation. How close the strain correlation will approach the additive-genetic correlation depends only on heritability and within-strain sample sizes. The equations derived can be used to optimize designs of studies attempting to localize Quantitative Trait Loci utilizing Recombinant Inbred Strains, provided information about the heritability of the character under study is available.


Subject(s)
Animals, Inbred Strains/genetics , Chromosome Mapping/statistics & numerical data , Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics , Quantitative Trait, Heritable , Recombination, Genetic , Animals , Genetic Markers , Models, Genetic , Sample Size
10.
Behav Brain Res ; 125(1-2): 127-32, 2001 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11682103

ABSTRACT

A large variety of apparatus and procedures are being employed to measure mouse exploratory behaviour. Definitions of what constitutes exploration also vary widely. The present article reviews two studies whose results permit a genetic dissection of behaviour displayed in an open-field situation. The results agree that factors representing exploration and stress/fear underlie this type of behaviour. Both factors appear to be linked to neuroanatomical variation in the sizes of the hippocampal intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fibre terminal fields. Multivariate analysis of genetic correlations may render important insights into the structure of behaviour and its relations with neuroanatomical and neurophysiological systems.


Subject(s)
Arousal/genetics , Exploratory Behavior/physiology , Mice, Inbred Strains/genetics , Phenotype , Animals , Brain Mapping , Hippocampus/physiology , Mice , Mice, Neurologic Mutants/genetics , Mossy Fibers, Hippocampal/physiology , Species Specificity
11.
Physiol Behav ; 73(5): 827-31, 2001 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11566215

ABSTRACT

Mice of the inbred C57BL/6JNmg substrain carry a mutation decreasing the size of the zinc-rich hippocampal intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fibre (IIPMF) terminal fields. In the present experiment, it was investigated whether this neurological mutation has also effects on other characteristics of the brain. No morphological differences were found in two other laminated neural structures, the olfactory bulb, where the accessory granular layer is also rich in zinc terminals, and the cerebellum. However, the mutants had a somewhat inferior performance on a motor function task known to test cerebellar involvement. The present findings confirm that previously found effects of this mutation on different types of behaviour are most probably due to the IIPMF. These substrains provide a powerful tool to localise the gene involved and subsequently investigate the plausible pathways leading from gene to behaviour.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum/anatomy & histology , Hippocampus/anatomy & histology , Mice, Inbred C57BL/genetics , Mice, Neurologic Mutants/genetics , Olfactory Bulb/anatomy & histology , Animals , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Brain Mapping , Genetics, Behavioral , Male , Mice , Mossy Fibers, Hippocampal/diagnostic imaging , Phenotype , Pyramidal Cells/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography
12.
Hippocampus ; 10(3): 213-25, 2000.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10902891

ABSTRACT

Correlations between the densities of ionotropic glutamate, GABA(A), and serotonin binding sites in the hippocampus of seven inbred mouse strains and strain-specific learning capacities in two types of maze were studied. Binding site densities were measured with quantitative receptor autoradiography. Learning capacities were determined in a water maze task as well as in spatial and nonspatial versions of an eight-arm radial maze. The densities of most binding sites differed significantly between the strains in the subfields of Ammon's horn (CA1 and CA3) and the dentate gyrus, except for serotonin binding sites in CA1. By comparing the different strains, significant receptor-behavioral correlations between the densities of the GABA(A) receptors and the activity-dependent behavior in the water maze as well as the spatial learning in the radial maze were found. The densities of D,L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxalone propionate (AMPA) and kainate receptors correlated positively with learning capacity in the spatial eight-arm radial maze. We conclude that hereditary variations mainly in AMPA, kainate, and GABA(A) receptor densities are involved in behavioral variations in spatial and nonspatial learning tasks.


Subject(s)
Hippocampus/physiology , Maze Learning/physiology , Receptors, GABA/metabolism , Receptors, Glutamate/metabolism , Receptors, Serotonin/metabolism , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Autoradiography , Dentate Gyrus/physiology , Dizocilpine Maleate/pharmacokinetics , Escape Reaction/physiology , Kainic Acid/metabolism , Learning/physiology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C3H , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred DBA , Mice, Inbred Strains , Muscimol/pharmacokinetics , Receptors, GABA-A/metabolism , Serotonin/metabolism , Species Specificity , Tritium , alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid/metabolism
13.
Physiol Behav ; 71(5): 517-23, 2000 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11239670

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous behavior patterns were assessed in eight different behavioral situations in two lines of mice, BR and BS, previously selected for their sensitivity to an anxiogenic benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor inverse agonist, Methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM). BR is highly resistant, and BS, highly sensitive to beta-CCM-induced seizures. Tests used included an assessment of general locomotor activity, several situations classically used for measuring fear-motivated behaviors (open field, thigmotaxis, elevated plus-maze, light-dark discrimination, staircase), a test for measuring exploration (holeboard), and a test for measuring nociception (hot-plate). In the absence of beta-CCM, the results provide evidence of reduced motor activity and higher levels of anxiety in the BR line as compared to the BS line.


Subject(s)
Anxiety/genetics , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Convulsants/pharmacology , Animals , Anti-Anxiety Agents/pharmacology , Anxiety/drug therapy , Carbolines/pharmacology , Discrimination, Psychological/drug effects , Exploratory Behavior/drug effects , Mice , Mice, Inbred Strains , Motor Activity/genetics , Pain Measurement/drug effects , Postural Balance/drug effects , Reaction Time/drug effects
14.
Neurogenetics ; 2(3): 171-5, 1999 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10541591

ABSTRACT

Brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are involved in intermale aggression in mice. It was therefore expected that animals genetically selected for their sensitivity to the convulsive effects of methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM; BS, beta-CCM sensitive, and BR, beta-CCM resistant), a benzodiazepine (BZ) inverse agonist that specifically binds to the BZ site on the GABA-A receptor complex, would differ in their levels of aggressive behavior. Using two different aggression tests, in two independent experiments, we showed that BS mice are more aggressive than BR animals. The precise mechanisms underlying the observed line differences in beta-CCM sensitivity and aggression remain to be determined.


Subject(s)
Aggression/physiology , Brain Chemistry/genetics , GABA-A Receptor Agonists , Animals , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Brain Chemistry/drug effects , Carbolines/pharmacology , Convulsants/pharmacology , Female , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C3H , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred CBA , Mice, Inbred DBA , Mice, Inbred NZB , Pharmacogenetics , Reaction Time/genetics , Social Isolation , Species Specificity
15.
Brain Res ; 835(1): 68-73, 1999 Jul 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10448197

ABSTRACT

The effect of the non-pseudoautosomal region of the Y chromosome on spatial learning in a radial maze task was examined in two inbred mouse strains, NZB and CBA/H, and their respective congenics for the Y(NPAR). Seven variables reflecting learning performance, learning strategy and lateralisation were measured. We found no substantial effect of the Y(NPAR) on radial maze learning, but modest influences on behavioral strategies. These findings are in agreement with previous results regarding the sizes of the intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber (IIPMF) terminal fields.


Subject(s)
Maze Learning/physiology , Y Chromosome/genetics , Animals , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Female , Genotype , Male , Mice , Mice, Congenic , Mice, Inbred CBA , Mice, Inbred NZB , Mutation/physiology
16.
Behav Brain Res ; 98(1): 39-43, 1999 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10210520

ABSTRACT

Males from two substrains of C57BL/6J mice, which have been found to differ for open-field exploration, radial-maze learning, and the sizes of their hippocampal intra- and infra-pyramidal mossy fibre (IIPMF) terminal fields, were compared for offensive aggression, thermoregulatory nest-building, and their behaviour in the Light-Dark choice test. The substrain with the smaller IIPMF showed higher aggression and more nest-building behavior than the one with the larger IIPMF, whereas only tentative differences were found in the Light Dark choice test. These findings confirm and expand on previously found genetic links between the IIPMF and behaviours in mice. These substrains provide a powerful tool to localise the gene involved and subsequently investigate the pathway leading from gene to behaviour.


Subject(s)
Behavior, Animal/physiology , Mice, Inbred C57BL/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Phenotype , Animals , Arousal/genetics , Brain Mapping , Chromosome Mapping , Exploratory Behavior/physiology , Hippocampus/physiology , Male , Mice , Nerve Fibers/physiology , Pyramidal Tracts/physiology , Species Specificity
18.
Brain Res ; 787(1): 85-90, 1998 Mar 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9518562

ABSTRACT

Mice were selectively bred according to their sensitivity or their resistance to the convulsive effects of a 4-mg/kg dose of methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM), a benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor inverse agonist. The selection proved to be easy, with a clear separation of the two lines, convulsing with short latencies or resistant, already at the first generation of selection. Selection of a third line of animals convulsing with long latencies did not succeed. 3H-Ro 15-1788 binding analysis provided evidence for a strong decrease in Bmax in the resistant line.


Subject(s)
Carbolines/pharmacology , Convulsants/pharmacology , GABA Agents/pharmacology , Selection, Genetic , Animals , Female , Flumazenil/metabolism , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred Strains , Radioligand Assay , Species Specificity
19.
Dev Psychobiol ; 32(4): 339-51, 1998 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9589222

ABSTRACT

The present experiment attempted a behavior-genetic dissection of early behavioral development in laboratory mice. To this end, we used a full, replicated diallel cross to uncover the genetical architecture as well as the multivariate genetic structure underlying early behavioral ontogeny. A number of standard sensorimotor tests were administered on postnatal Days 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 17, and 22 to a total of 622 pups from 120 litters (4-6 pups per litter) from a four times replicated complete diallel cross between five inbred mouse strains. The first day on which an animal showed adult performance was taken as its score on that test. MANOVA did not show any effects of the pup's sex on the speed of development. Hayman's analysis of variance for diallel tables indicated no or only weak additive-genetic effects. Dominance was absent in almost all cases, except for the auricular startle response, where weak directional dominance for fast development was found. These results are in accordance with an evolutionary past of directional selection for well-canalized development. Factor analyses of the phenotypic and additive-genetic correlation matrices indicate that at least two factors are necessary to describe the behavioral variation.


Subject(s)
Behavior, Animal/physiology , Crosses, Genetic , Mice, Inbred Strains , Adaptation, Psychological/physiology , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Animals, Newborn/genetics , Animals, Newborn/growth & development , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Female , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred Strains/genetics , Mice, Inbred Strains/growth & development , Phenotype
20.
Behav Genet ; 27(1): 67-73, 1997 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9145545

ABSTRACT

Mus spretus is extensively used in interspecific mouse backcross analyses employed to generate genetic linkage maps. However, little is known about its behavior and neuroanatomy, phenotypes for which large interstrain differences have been observed in Mus musculus domesticus. Behavioral and hippocampal neuroanatomical variables were measured in adult male mice from the inbred strains C57BL/6J (Mus musculus domesticus) and SEG (Mus spretus). Clear differences were found for behavioral responses to novelty in an open field, SEG being much less active than C57BL/6J. Morphometrical analysis of hippocampal terminal fields, visualized with Timm's stain, revealed strain differences only for the size of the intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber terminal fields, which were about 3 x larger in C57BL/6J than in SEG. In addition, absolute left-right differences were larger in SEG for the stratum radiatum and stratum oriens. In spite of these behavioral and neuroanatomical differences, the phenotypical scores obtained for SEG do not exceed the range observed for Mus musculus domesticus inbred strains.


Subject(s)
Arousal/genetics , Exploratory Behavior/physiology , Genotype , Hippocampus/anatomy & histology , Motor Activity/physiology , Animals , Brain Mapping , Crosses, Genetic , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred Strains , Models, Genetic , Phenotype
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...