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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
Abstract:
Osteocalcin, the most abundant member of the family of extracellular mineral binding gamma-carboxyglutamic acid proteins is synthesized primarily by osteoblasts. Its affinity for calcium ions is believed to limit bone mineralization. Several of the numerous hormones that regulate synthesis of osteocalcin, including glucocorticoids and parathyroid hormone, are also affected by stressful stimuli that require energy for an appropriate response. Based on our observations of OC responding to stressful sensory stimuli, the expression of OC in mouse and rat sensory ganglia was confirmed. It was thus hypothesized that the behavioral responses of the OC knockout mouse to stressful sensory stimuli would be abnormal. To test this hypothesis, behaviors related to sensory aspects of the stress response were quantified in nine groups of mice, aged 4-14 months, comparing knockout with their wild-type counterparts in six distinctly different behavioral tests. Resulting data indicated the following statistically significant differences: open field grooming frequency following saline injection, wild-type > knockout; paw stimulation with Von Frey fibers, knockout < wild-type; balance beam, knockout mobility < WT; thermal sensitivity to heat (tail flick), knockout < wild-type; and cold, knockout < wild-type. Insignificant differences in hanging wire test indicate that these responses are unrelated to reduced muscle strength. Each of these disparate environmental stimuli provided data indicating alterations of responses in knockout mice that suggest participation of osteocalcin in transmission of information about those sensory stimuli.
Insights
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.
