Strategies for the development of animal models for bipolar disorder: new opportunities and new challenges

The paucity of appropriate animal models for bipolar disorder is repeatedly mentioned as one of the critical factors hindering research into the pathophysiology of the disorder and the development of truly novel treatments. Recent advances in our understanding of the biological basis of bipolar disorder can be used to identify and develop better models. One possibility that is discussed in a separate chapter of this book is the use of molecular biology techniques to develop animals with targeted mutations related to genes implicated in the disorder. However, the development of such animals may not be enough for usable and helpful models. Additional strategies should, therefore, be combined with targeted mutation methodology to develop good model animals and good tests that will significantly impact our ability to further explore the underlying biology of bipolar disorder and to develop better drugs and treatments.The present chapter presents a short introduction related to commonly used models and discusses some of the possible strategies for advancement. These strategies include developing better tests, exploring separate tests for the different domains of the disease, creating test batteries, and developing models for endophenotypes. In addition, the chapter raises the possibility of identifying better model animals using comparative biology approaches. The chapter presents two different ways for identifying advantageous model animals using either specific strains of laboratory animals or using the natural diversity of nontraditional model animals.In summary, it is concluded that while each strategy offers significant contributions, it is important to combine the different approaches in order to be able to achieve novel, appropriate, and predictive models for bipolar disorder.