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Dynamic characteristics and adaptability of reflex eye movements of Fyn-kinase-deficient mice
1Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical School, Yakushiji 3311, Minamikawachi, Tochigi, Japan. hiromasa@jichi.ac.jp
Abstract:
Fyn-kinase is expressed widely in the entire brain, including the cerebellum. Fyn-kinase-deficient mice are known to exhibit hypersensitivity to ethanol. To evaluate the cerebellar functions of Fyn-kinase, we examined the dynamic characteristics of the horizontal optokinetic response (HOKR) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (HVOR) and its adaptability in Fyn-kinase-deficient mice. The HOKR was induced by sinusoidal oscillation of a checkered screen and the HVOR was induced by sinusoidal oscillation of a turntable in darkness. The HOKR gains of mutant mice were higher than those of the wild-type mice, and the HVOR phases of mutant mice were less advanced than those of the wild-type mice. However, no difference was noted in the adaptability of the HOKR induced by 1 h of sustained screen oscillation between the mutant and wild-type mice. The cerebellar functions appear to be unaffected by Fyn-kinase knockout.
Insights
Fyn-kinase deficiency impacts eye movement control in mice, affecting horizontal optokinetic response and vestibulo-ocular reflex. However, cerebellar function adaptability remains unchanged in these Fyn-kinase-deficient mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fyn-kinase is prevalent in the brain, particularly the cerebellum.
- Fyn-kinase-deficient mice display heightened sensitivity to ethanol.
- Cerebellar functions are crucial for motor control and sensory integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Fyn-kinase in cerebellar function.
- To assess the impact of Fyn-kinase deficiency on dynamic characteristics and adaptability of the horizontal optokinetic response (HOKR) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (HVOR).
Main Methods:
- Fyn-kinase-deficient and wild-type mice were used.
- Horizontal optokinetic response (HOKR) was induced via sinusoidal screen oscillation.
- Vestibulo-ocular reflex (HVOR) was induced via sinusoidal turntable oscillation in darkness.
Main Results:
- Mutant mice showed higher HOKR gains compared to wild-type.
- Mutant mice exhibited less advanced HVOR phases than wild-type.
- No significant difference in HOKR adaptability was observed between mutant and wild-type mice after sustained oscillation.
Conclusions:
- Fyn-kinase deficiency alters specific parameters of HOKR and HVOR.
- Cerebellar functions, particularly adaptability, appear to be unaffected by Fyn-kinase knockout.