Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
08:01
Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors
Published on: February 28, 2017
Decreased sensory responses in osteocalcin null mutant mice imply neuropeptide function
Patricia Patterson-Buckendahl1, Agnieszka Sowinska, Stephanie Yee
1Center of Alcohol Studies Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. buckendp@rci.rutgers.edu
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|February 22, 2012
Summary
Osteocalcin (OC) plays a role in sensory stress responses. Mice lacking OC exhibit altered behaviors to various sensory stimuli, suggesting its involvement in sensory information transmission.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Osteocalcin (OC) is a bone protein influencing mineralization.
- OC synthesis is regulated by hormones affected by stress.
- OC expression is found in sensory ganglia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of osteocalcin in behavioral responses to stressful sensory stimuli.
- To compare the sensory stress responses of osteocalcin knockout mice with wild-type mice.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral quantification in nine groups of mice (4-14 months old).
- Comparison of osteocalcin knockout mice with wild-type counterparts.
- Six distinct behavioral tests assessing responses to sensory stimuli (e.g., tactile, thermal).
Main Results:
- Osteocalcin knockout mice showed significantly altered responses to stimuli like saline injection, Von Frey fibers, balance beam tasks, heat, and cold.
- No significant difference in muscle strength was observed (hanging wire test).
- Data suggests OC's involvement in processing sensory information.
Conclusions:
- Osteocalcin is implicated in the transmission of sensory information related to stress.
- Absence of osteocalcin leads to abnormal behavioral responses to diverse sensory challenges.
