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Contextual and Cued Fear Conditioning Test Using a Video Analyzing System in Mice
Published on: March 1, 2014
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Contextual fear conditioning is enhanced in mice lacking functional sphingosine kinase 2
Mona Lei1, Adeena Shafique2, Kani Shang3
1Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia; Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Behavioural Brain Research
|June 20, 2017
Summary
Sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) is crucial for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) synthesis in the brain. Its absence impacts fear conditioning responses in mice, highlighting SPHK2
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a key neuroprotective signaling molecule.
- S1P signals via G-protein coupled receptors, influencing neural development and glutamate release.
- Sphingosine kinases (SPHK1 and SPHK2) synthesize S1P, with SPHK2 being more abundant in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) in mouse behavior and neurological functions.
- To determine the impact of global SphK2 knockout on motor capabilities, anxiety, learning, and memory.
Main Methods:
- Global SphK2 knockout mice (SphK2-/-) were used.
- Behavioral tests included elevated plus maze, cheeseboard, contextual and cued fear conditioning, and fear extinction.
- Brain S1P levels were measured.
Main Results:
- SphK2 knockout led to an 85-90% reduction in brain S1P levels.
- SphK2-/- mice showed increased freezing in novel contexts and enhanced contextual fear conditioning.
- No significant differences in anxiety, motor function, or spatial memory were observed between knockout and control mice.
- SphK2-/- mice did not exhibit freezing in response to cue presentation.
Conclusions:
- SphK2 is responsible for the majority of S1P synthesis in the mouse brain.
- SPHK2 plays a significant role in fear conditioning responses, particularly in freezing behavior.
- The study elucidates the specific behavioral roles of SPHK2-mediated S1P signaling in the central nervous system.
