Motor discoordination in mutant mice heterozygous for the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

In the brain, the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) is a major subtype of receptors for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which mediates the release of calcium from intracellular stores. The motor function of knockout mice heterozygous for IP3R1 (IP3R1+/-) was assessed. An impairment of motor coordination was observed in IP3R1+/- mice in the rotating rod test. There was no observable difference between genotypes in spontaneous motor activity, grip strength, the hanging test, or walking pattern. These results suggest that IP3R1 plays a substantial role in motor coordination.