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Published on: September 25, 2013
Late development of OCD-like phenotypes in Dlgap1 knockout mice
Kimino Minagawa1, Takashi Hayakawa2,3, Hayato Akimoto2,3
1Division of Genomic Epidemiology and Clinical Trials, Clinical Trials Research Center, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan. minagawa.kimino@nihon-u.ac.jp.
Dlgap1 knockout mice develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors, including excessive grooming and anxiety, at older ages. Fluvoxamine treatment significantly alleviated these OCD-like phenotypes in Dlgap1 KO mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Variants in the Dlgap1 gene are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Previous studies did not observe OCD-like phenotypes in Dlgap1 knockout (KO) mice due to short observation periods.
- OCD-like phenotypes may develop in Dlgap1 KO mice at later ages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of OCD-like phenotypes in Dlgap1 KO mice over time.
- To assess the impact of age on the manifestation of these phenotypes.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of fluvoxamine in Dlgap1 KO mice.
Main Methods:
- Dlgap1 KO mice were observed for one year.
- Behavioral assessments included modified SHIRPA primary screen and open-field test.
- Mice were treated with fluvoxamine to evaluate therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Homozygous Dlgap1 KO mice exhibited excessive self-grooming and skin lesions starting at older ages.
- Anxiety-like behaviors were observed in Dlgap1 KO mice.
- Flouxamine treatment significantly reduced grooming and skin lesions.
Conclusions:
- Dlgap1 KO mice are a valuable model for studying OCD pathogenesis.
- The findings suggest translational relevance for OCD treatment.
- Further research into Dlgap1's role in OCD is warranted.
