Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Genetic Manipulation of the Mouse Developing Hypothalamus through In utero Electroporation
11:48

Genetic Manipulation of the Mouse Developing Hypothalamus through In utero Electroporation

Published on: July 24, 2013

16.6K

Conserved Hypothalamic c-Fos Activation Pattern Induced by the mGlu5 Receptor Antagonist MPEP during Peri-pubertal

I Inta1, M Bettendorf2, P Gass1

  • 1RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany.

Pharmacopsychiatry
|April 22, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) activates similar brain stress pathways in juvenile mice as in adults, despite changes in mGluR5 receptor expression. This conserved activation in stress and circadian rhythm areas is key for understanding juvenile mood disorder treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • 2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) is a selective mGluR5 receptor antagonist investigated for anxiolytic potential.
  • MPEP activates hypothalamic stress areas in adults, but its effects on the juvenile brain are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neuronal activation patterns induced by MPEP in the juvenile mouse brain.
  • To determine if MPEP targets similar brain regions in peri-pubertal mice as observed in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical analysis of c-Fos expression, a marker of neuronal activity.
  • MPEP administration in C57BL6/N mice at peri-pubertal stages (P16, P24, P32, P40).

Main Results:

  • MPEP induced conserved activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVNh) and extended amygdala.
  • Robust activation of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was observed.
  • These effects occurred despite diminished hypothalamic mGluR5 expression during development.

Conclusions:

  • MPEP exhibits a conserved brain activation pattern in juvenile versus adult mice.
  • The findings highlight conserved roles of mGluR5 antagonists in stress and circadian rhythm regulation during development.
  • Results are significant for understanding juvenile mood disorder treatments involving mGluR5 antagonists.

More Related Videos

An Invasive Method for the Activation of the Mouse Dentate Gyrus by High-frequency Stimulation12:26

An Invasive Method for the Activation of the Mouse Dentate Gyrus by High-frequency Stimulation

Published on: June 2, 2018

8.4K
Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats06:38

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

16.5K

Related Concept Videos

Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway02:33

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...