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Author Spotlight: Exploring Neural Correlates of Defensive Behaviors in Fear Learning and Extinction
Published on: December 15, 2023
Investigating panic-like defensive behaviors in mice using the beetle mania task
Paloma Molina Hernandes1, Jefferson Manoel do Nascimento Silva2, Monali Campos Buzzo3
1Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences, Humanities and Languages of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo, Brazil.
The Beetle Mania Test (BMT) effectively models panic-like reactions in mice. C57BL/6 mice exhibit heightened panic responses in smaller arenas, demonstrating strain-specific differences in this novel behavioral test.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ethology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Panic disorder is a debilitating condition.
- Existing models often focus on respiratory symptoms.
- Novel behavioral tests are needed to study non-respiratory panic-like behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the Beetle Mania Test (BMT) as a novel ethologically relevant model for panic-like behavior in mice.
- To investigate strain-dependent differences in panic-like responses using the BMT.
- To assess the impact of arena size and prior exposure on panic-like behavior.
Main Methods:
- Mice of four different strains (C57BL/6, Balb/c, Swiss, CD1) were tested in the BMT.
- Behavioral responses, specifically undirected jumps, were quantified as an index of panic-like behavior.
- The effect of arena size (small vs. large) and prior exposure was evaluated.
- Pharmacological manipulations with clonazepam (anti-panic) and FG-7142 (panic-inducing) were performed.
Main Results:
- Male C57BL/6 mice displayed significantly more panic-like jumps compared to Balb/c, Swiss, and CD1 strains.
- Panic-like jumping was enhanced in a smaller arena, suggesting increased perceived threat.
- Responses were attenuated after prior exposure to the test.
- Clonazepam reduced, while FG-7142 enhanced, panic-like jumping in the small arena.
Conclusions:
- The BMT, particularly in a small arena, serves as a reliable model for evaluating non-respiratory panic-like behaviors.
- Significant strain-dependent differences exist in the expression of panic-like responses, with C57BL/6 mice being the most reactive.
- The BMT offers a valuable tool for preclinical research into panic disorder and related conditions.
