Modeling mania in preclinical settings: A comprehensive review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Animal Models

Background:

• Understanding the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) manic episodes is limited.
• Existing animal models for mania possess restricted face, construct, and predictive validity.
• Current models do not integrate recent pathophysiological frameworks like neuroprogression in BD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history, validity, and limitations of current animal models for mania.
• To explore novel genetic models, including knockout mice for key signaling pathways.
• To examine recent trends in preclinical models for understanding BD's neuroprogressive and recurrent nature.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing and novel animal models for mania.
• Analysis of genetic models targeting neurotransmission, synapse formation, and intracellular signaling.
• Evaluation of models in the context of neuroprogression and recurrence in BD.

Main Results:

• The validity of current animal models for mania remains significantly limited.
• Novel genetic models, such as knockout mice, offer potential improvements.
• Adaptation of existing paradigms may also enhance preclinical research.

Conclusions:

• Existing animal models for mania have substantial limitations in validity and scope.
• Novel approaches, particularly genetic models, show promise for advancing research.
• Further development and adaptation of preclinical models are crucial for understanding BD.