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Reduced anxious behavior in mice lacking the CCK2 receptor gene
Yukiko Horinouchi1, Jotaro Akiyoshi, Aki Nagata
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Oita Medical University, Hasama-Machi, Oita 879-5593, Japan.
Summary
Mice without the Cholecystokinin 2 (CCK2) receptor gene exhibit reduced anxiety behaviors. These CCK2 receptor-deficient mice show increased exploration in standard anxiety tests, suggesting a key role for CCK2 receptors in anxiety regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Cholecystokinin 2 (CCK2) receptors are implicated in mediating anxiety responses.
- Standard mouse models, including exploratory behavior tests, are used to study anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the CCK2 receptor in anxiety.
- To evaluate the behavior of mice lacking the CCK2 receptor gene in standard anxiety models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standard anxiety models: the black and white test box and the elevated plus-maze.
- Compared the exploratory behavior of mice lacking the CCK2 receptor gene to control mice.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking the CCK2 receptor gene showed significantly increased transitions between boxes in the black and white test.
- These mice also displayed significantly more head dips in the elevated plus-maze compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The absence of the CCK2 receptor gene is associated with reduced anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
- These findings suggest that CCK2 receptors play a significant role in the neurobiological mechanisms of anxiety.