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    Maladaptive defensive behaviours in monoamine oxidase A-deficient mice

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    Bortolato_et_al_2011.pdf (260.7Kb)
    Issue Date
    2011-10
    Author
    Godar, Sean C.
    Bortolato, Marco
    Frau, Roberto
    Dousti, Mona
    Chen, Kevin
    Shih, Jean C.
    Publisher
    Cambridge University Press
    Type
    Article
    Article Version
    Scholarly/refereed, publisher version
    Metadata
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    Abstract
    Rich evidence indicates that monoamine oxidase (MAO) A, the major enzyme catalysing the degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters, plays a key role in emotional regulation. Although MAOA deficiency is associated with reactive aggression in humans and mice, the involvement of this enzyme in defensive behaviour remains controversial and poorly understood. To address this issue, we tested MAOA knockout (KO) mice in a spectrum of paradigms and settings associated with variable degrees of threat. The presentation of novel inanimate objects induced a significant reduction in exploratory approaches and increase in defensive behaviours, such as tail-rattling, biting and digging. These neophobic responses were context-dependent and particularly marked in the home cage. In the elevated plus- and T-mazes, MAOA KO mice and wild-type (WT) littermates displayed equivalent locomotor activity and time in closed and open arms; however, MAOA KO mice featured significant reductions in risk assessment, as well as unconditioned avoidance and escape. No differences between genotypes were observed in the defensive withdrawal and emergence test. Conversely, MAOA KO mice exhibited a dramatic reduction of defensive and fear-related behaviours in the presence of predator-related cues, such as predator urine or an anaesthetized rat, in comparison with those observed in their WT littermates. The behavioural abnormalities in MAOA KO mice were not paralleled by overt alterations in sensory and microvibrissal functions. Collectively, these results suggest that MAOA deficiency leads to a general inability to appropriately assess contextual risk and attune defensive and emotional responses to environmental cues.
    Description
    This is the publisher's version, also available electronically from http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8369466&fileId=S1461145710001483
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/14789
    DOI
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145710001483
    ISSN
    1461-1457
    Collections
    • Pharmacy Scholarly Works [286]
    Citation
    Sean C. Godar et al. (2011). Maladaptive defensive behaviours in monoamine oxidase A-deficient mice. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 14:1195-1207. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1461145710001483

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    KU Libraries
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    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
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    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

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