Abnormal Fear Response and Aggressive Behavior in Mutant Mice Deficient for α-Calcium-Calmodulin Kinase II

• DOI: 10.1126/science.7939668
• Publication Date: 2006-10-06T00:01:25Z
• Authors: Chong Chen; Donald G. Rainnie; Robert W. Greene; Susumu Tonegawa
• Keywords: Heterozygote advantage; Knockout mouse; Dorsal raphe nucleus; Gene knockout

Mice deficient for the gene encoding α-calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (α-CaMKII knockout mice) provide a promising tool to link behavioral and cellular abnormalities with specific molecular lesion. The heterozygous mouse exhibited well-circumscribed syndrome of abnormalities, consisting primarily decreased fear response an increase in defensive aggression, absence any measured cognitive deficits. Unlike heterozygote, homozygote displayed abnormal behavior all paradigms tested. At level, both extracellular whole-cell patch clamp recordings indicated that serotonin release putative serotonergic neurons dorsal raphe was reduced. Thus, α-CaMKII mice, particular may model studying basis underlying emotional disorders involving aggression.