Difference in cerebellar norepinephrine metabolism in jumping and non-jumping mice

The CBA gray and NMRI albino mouse strains differ in one aspect of motor behavior, i.e. the CBA gray mice exhibit a jumping response which is seldom seen in the NMRI albino. Concentrations of the monoamine metabolites HVA, MOPEG and 5-HIAA were compared in brain regions of these two strains. A 70% difference in MOPEG and a 30% difference in 5-HIAA was found in the cerebellum, both metabolites being higher in the jumping strain. In no other region did the two strains differ in metabolite concentration. The results indicate a role for cerebellar noradrenaline in jumping behavior.