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Published on: May 15, 2019
Glucocorticoid receptor transgenic mice as models for depression.
1Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), J5, Mannheim, D-68159, Germany.
Brain Research Reviews
|May 26, 2007
Summary
Glucocorticoid receptor mutant mice offer valuable insights into human depression by mimicking alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system and exhibiting comparable behavioral and pharmacological traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mutant mice are crucial in vivo models for human diseases.
- Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mutations impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system.
- These models show promise for studying complex diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for altering GR expression and function in mice.
- To discuss the relevance of these mutant mice as models for depression.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GR manipulation in mice.
- Analysis of HPA-system alterations in GR mutants.
- Comparison of behavioral and pharmacological data with human depression.
Main Results:
- GR mutations lead to HPA-system alterations resembling those in depressed patients.
- Behavioral and pharmacological similarities enhance the disease modeling potential.
- Various approaches exist to modify GR expression and function.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoid receptor transgenic mice are promising models for depression research.
- These models provide valuable insights into the pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of depression.
- Further investigation into GR function is warranted for understanding and treating depression.
