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Learning deficits in rats overexpressing the dopamine transporter
Nadine Bernhardt1, Maike Kristin Lieser1, Elizabeth-Barroeta Hlusicka1,2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|September 23, 2018
Summary
Dopamine transporter gene-overexpressing rats show significant learning and memory impairments. This is linked to reduced integration of new neurons in the hippocampus and altered dopamine signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Dopamine plays a crucial role in motor control, motivation, and cognition.
- Imbalances in dopamine homeostasis are linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dopamine transporter gene overexpression leads to learning and memory deficits.
- To examine changes in adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a dopamine-overexpressing rat model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the dopamine transporter gene-overexpressing (DAT-tg) rat model and control rats.
- Assessed learning and memory using the Morris water maze, radial arm maze, and discrimination reversal tasks.
- Investigated adult hippocampal neurogenesis through post-mortem analysis of newly generated neurons.
Main Results:
- DAT-tg rats demonstrated a significant inability to acquire information and use spatial strategies.
- Reduced integration of adult-born neurons was observed in the hippocampal circuitry of DAT-tg rats.
- Alterations in striatal dopamine signaling were noted in DAT-tg rats.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine homeostasis imbalance, as modeled by DAT-tg rats, results in pronounced learning and memory deficits.
- Impaired neurogenesis and altered dopamine signaling likely contribute to the observed behavioral deficits.
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