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Signal Attenuation as a Rat Model of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Published on: January 9, 2015
Predictive validity of a non-induced mouse model of compulsive-like behavior
D M Greene-Schloesser1, E A Van der Zee, D K Sheppard
1Behavioral and Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biology and Wildlife & Institute of Arctic Biology, PO Box 756100, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6100, USA.
Behavioural Brain Research
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a mouse model exhibiting compulsive-like behaviors relevant to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Selective breeding created mice with exaggerated nesting and digging, which were reduced by OCD medications, validating the model for OCD research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Models
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) requires effective spontaneous animal models.
- Previous research established distinct high (BIG) and low (SMALL) nest-building mouse lines through selective breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a novel mouse model for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors.
- To assess the face and predictive validity of selected mouse lines for OCD research.
Main Methods:
- Bidirectional selection over 55 generations for nest-building behavior in Mus musculus.
- Assessment of compulsive-like digging behavior (marble burying).
- Evaluation of anxiety-like behaviors using open field and elevated plus maze tests.
- Pharmacological testing with fluoxetine, clomipramine, and desipramine to assess predictive validity.
Main Results:
- BIG mice exhibited significantly higher compulsive-like nesting and digging behaviors compared to SMALL mice.
- SMALL mice displayed higher anxiety-like behaviors, differentiating compulsive from anxiety traits.
- Chronic administration of OCD-effective drugs (fluoxetine, clomipramine) reduced compulsive-like behaviors in BIG mice.
- Desipramine, an ineffective antidepressant for OCD, did not alter nesting behavior, reinforcing predictive validity.
Conclusions:
- The selectively bred BIG mice demonstrate robust face and predictive validity as a non-induced animal model for compulsive-like behaviors relevant to OCD.
- This model provides a valuable tool for investigating the neurobiology of OCD and for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics.
