GAL3 receptor KO mice exhibit an anxiety-like phenotype.
The neuropeptide galanin (GAL) is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is a modulator of various physiological and pathological processes, and it mediates its effects via three G protein-coupled receptors (GAL1-3 receptors). A role for GAL as a modulator of mood and anxiety was suggested, because GAL and its receptors are highly expressed in limbic brain structures of rodents. In recent years, numerous studies of animal models have suggested an involvement of GAL and GAL1 and GAL2 receptors in anxiety- and depression-related behavior. However, to date, there is sparse literature implicating GAL3 receptors in behavioral functions. Therefore, we studied the behavior of GAL3 receptor-deficient (GAL3-KO) mice to elucidate whether GAL3 receptors are involved in mediating behavior-associated actions of GAL. The GAL3-KO mouse line exhibited normal breeding and physical development. In addition to behavioral tests, phenotypic characterization included analysis of hematology, amino acid profiles, metabolism, and sudomotor function. In contrast to WT littermates, male GAL3-KO mice exhibited an anxiety-like phenotype in the elevated plus maze, open field, and light/dark box tests, and they were less socially affiliated than WT animals to a stranger mouse in a social interaction test. In conclusion, our data suggest involvement of GAL3 receptors in GAL-mediated effects on mood, anxiety, and behavior, making it a possible target for alternative treatment strategies for mood disorders.
Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise-Therapeutic Application of Neuropeptides (THERAPEP), Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and.
Susanne M
SM
Brunner
Research Unit of Translational Neurogastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
Aitak
A
Farzi
Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise-Therapeutic Application of Neuropeptides (THERAPEP), Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and.
Felix
F
Locker
Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise-Therapeutic Application of Neuropeptides (THERAPEP), Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and.
Barbara S
BS
Holub
Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and.
Meinrad
M
Drexel
Research Unit of Translational Neurogastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
Florian
F
Reichmann
Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise-Therapeutic Application of Neuropeptides (THERAPEP), Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and.
Andreas A
AA
Lang
Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise-Therapeutic Application of Neuropeptides (THERAPEP), Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and.
Johannes A
JA
Mayr
Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
Jorge J
JJ
Vilches
Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
Xavier
X
Navarro
Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
Roland
R
Lang
Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and.
Günther
G
Sperk
Research Unit of Translational Neurogastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; peter.holzer@medunigraz.at b.kofler@salk.at.
Peter
P
Holzer
Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise-Therapeutic Application of Neuropeptides (THERAPEP), Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, and peter.holzer@medunigraz.at b.kofler@salk.at.
Barbara
B
Kofler
D000818:Animals; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D023421:Models, Animal; D010641:Phenotype; D044093:Receptor, Galanin, Type 3 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D012919:Social Behavior; D013545:Sweat Glands / Q000502:physiology
D044093:Receptor, Galanin, Type 3; D012701:Serotonin
Gcat variant 2; galanin receptor; serotonin