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Self-biting induced by activation of L-type calcium channels in mice: serotonergic influences
Suhail Kasim1, Kiyoshi Egami, H A Jinnah
1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md 21287, USA.
Abstract:
The L-type calcium channel activator +/-Bay K 8644 has recently been shown to provoke self-injurious biting in young mice. Since the serotonergic systems have been implicated in the expression of self-injurious behavior in both humans and animals, the present studies tested whether drugs influencing serotonin systems could modify the ability of +/-Bay K 8644 to cause this behavior. The ability of +/-Bay K 8644 to provoke self-biting behavior was increased by the serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine or the monoamine oxidase inhibitor clorgyline. On the other hand, the ability of +/-Bay K 8644 to provoke self-biting was decreased by depletion of serotonin with p-chlorophenylalanine or 5,7-dihyroxytryptamine. These results suggest that the ability of +/-Bay K 8644 to provoke self-injurious behaviors may be mediated by serotonergic influences.
Insights
The L-type calcium channel activator Bay K 8644 induces self-injurious biting in mice. Serotonin system drugs alter this behavior, suggesting a role for serotonin in self-harm.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a complex issue observed in humans and animals.
- The serotonergic system is known to play a role in the modulation of various behaviors, including SIB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the serotonergic system on Bay K 8644-induced self-injurious biting in young mice.
- To determine if modulating serotonin levels affects the expression of this specific behavior.
Main Methods:
- Administration of the L-type calcium channel activator, +/-Bay K 8644, to young mice.
- Treatment with drugs affecting the serotonin system: serotonin uptake inhibitor (fluoxetine), monoamine oxidase inhibitor (clorgyline), and serotonin depletion agents (p-chlorophenylalanine, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine).
- Observation and quantification of self-biting behavior.
Main Results:
- The serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine and monoamine oxidase inhibitor clorgyline increased Bay K 8644-induced self-biting.
- Depletion of serotonin using p-chlorophenylalanine or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine decreased Bay K 8644-induced self-biting.
- These findings indicate a modulatory role for serotonin in the observed behavior.
Conclusions:
- The serotonergic system significantly influences the expression of self-injurious biting behavior induced by the L-type calcium channel activator +/-Bay K 8644.
- Targeting the serotonin system may offer potential therapeutic strategies for managing self-injurious behaviors.