Altered alertness of vasopressin-secreting transgenic mice

We evaluated behavior and cognitive performance in a line of transgenic mice that overexpress the rat gene for vasopressin. Open field testing revealed greatest habituation in homozygous mice. Passive avoidance performance indicated equal learning and memory ability of transgenic compared to normal mice. Drinking behavior following exposure to 10% sucrose solution suggested diminished neophobia in homozygous mice. These observations are consistent with enhanced attention and alertness in the transgenic animals and support prior observations on the effects of vasopressin on behavior and cognitive function.