Evidence for a supportive role of classical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) in the exploration behavior of mice.
Non-selective classical transient receptor potential (TRPC) cation channels share important roles in processes of neuronal development and function. To test the influence of TRPC6 activity on behavior, we developed a TRPC6-deficient (TRPC6(-/-)) mouse model in a BALB/c genetic background. Both, TRPC6(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were analyzed first for their general health and reflex status (modified SHIRPA protocol) and then in three different behavioral tests (marble-burying test, square open field and elevated star maze). No abnormalities were detected in the SHIRPA protocol. Most interestingly, TRPC6(-/-) mice showed no significant differences in anxiety in a marble-burying test, but demonstrated reduced exploration in the square open field and the elevated star maze. Therefore, TRPC6 channel activity may play a yet unknown role for exploration behavior.
Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Philipps-University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 1, 35033 Marburg, Germany.
Daniel
D
Beis
Rainer K W
RK
Schwarting
Alexander
A
Dietrich
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000235:genetics; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D050052:TRPC Cation Channels / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000074287:TRPC6 Cation Channel
C514350:CACNA1C protein, mouse; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D050052:TRPC Cation Channels; D000074287:TRPC6 Cation Channel; C492146:Trpc6 protein, mouse