Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2537423 European Journal of Pharmacology 2006 4 Pages PDF
Abstract

We used muscarinic M2 and M4 receptor knockout (KO) mice to further explore the role of the cholinergic system in anxiety. Using the shock-probe burying model we were able to both assess anxiety and cognition. In this paradigm, an anxiolytic response is reflected by decreased burying behavior. In addition, retention latency depicts long-term memory performance. Whereas muscarinic M2 receptor KO mice did not differ behaviorally from wild-type mice, muscarinic M4 receptor KO mice showed increased anxiolysis, but normal long-term memory compared to wild-type mice. Therefore, muscarinic M4 receptors are of particular significance in anxiety modulation that seems dissociated from changes in long-term memory.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Neuroscience Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Authors
, ,