Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
04:20
Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
Published on: November 11, 2022
Estradiol or diarylpropionitrile decrease anxiety-like behavior of wildtype, but not estrogen receptor beta knockout,
Alicia A Walf1, Carolyn J Koonce, Cheryl A Frye
1Department of Psychology, University at Albany-State University of New York, USA.
Behavioral Neuroscience
|October 1, 2008
Summary
Estrogen (E-sub-2) influences mood, and this study shows the estrogen receptor beta (ERss) is key for E-sub-2
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogen (E-sub-2) affects mood and anxiety, but specific estrogen receptor (ER) targets are unclear.
- Estrogen receptor beta (ERss) is a potential mediator of E-sub-2's effects on anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of ERss in mediating the anxiolytic-like effects of E-sub-2.
- To determine if ERss influences anxiety, motor, and nociceptive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Examined anxiety, motor, and nociceptive behavior in ovariectomized wildtype (WT) and ERss knockout (ssERKO) mice.
- Administered vehicle, 17ss-estradiol (E2), or diarylpropionitrile (DPN) to mice.
- Assessed behavior using open field, elevated plus maze, elevated zero maze, social interaction, activity monitor, tailflick, and pawlick tests.
Main Results:
- E2 and DPN increased anxiety-reducing behaviors in WT mice but not in ssERKO mice.
- These effects were specific to anxiety-like behaviors, with no impact on motor activity or pain thresholds.
- Results support the hypothesis that ERss mediates E-sub-2's anxiolytic-like effects.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptor beta (ERss) plays a significant role in modulating anxiety-like behaviors influenced by E-sub-2.
- ERss is a critical target for understanding and potentially treating anxiety disorders.
