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Published on: March 17, 2015
Evidence for a supportive role of classical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) in the exploration behavior of
Daniel Beis1, Rainer K W Schwarting, Alexander Dietrich
1Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 1, 35033 Marburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Non-selective classical transient receptor potential (TRPC) cation channels share important roles in processes of neuronal development and function. To test the influence of TRPC6 activity on behavior, we developed a TRPC6-deficient (TRPC6(-/-)) mouse model in a BALB/c genetic background. Both, TRPC6(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were analyzed first for their general health and reflex status (modified SHIRPA protocol) and then in three different behavioral tests (marble-burying test, square open field and elevated star maze). No abnormalities were detected in the SHIRPA protocol. Most interestingly, TRPC6(-/-) mice showed no significant differences in anxiety in a marble-burying test, but demonstrated reduced exploration in the square open field and the elevated star maze. Therefore, TRPC6 channel activity may play a yet unknown role for exploration behavior.
