Performance Deficits of NK1 Receptor Knockout Mice in the 5-Choice Serial Reaction-Time Task: Effects of d-Amphetamine, Stress and Time of Day
2011

Effects of d-Amphetamine on Behavior in NK1 Receptor Knockout Mice

Sample size: 48 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yan Ting Carrie, Dudley Julia A., Weir Ruth K., Grabowska Ewelina M., Peña-Oliver Yolanda, Ripley Tamzin L., Hunt Stephen P., Stephens David N., Stanford S. Clare

Primary Institution: University College London

Hypothesis

Do NK1R-/- mice express features of ADHD and can these features be influenced by d-amphetamine?

Conclusion

NK1R-/- mice show inattentiveness, impulsivity, and perseveration, resembling ADHD symptoms, and d-amphetamine can reduce some of these behaviors.

Supporting Evidence

  • NK1R-/- mice showed greater omissions and perseveration compared to wildtypes.
  • D-amphetamine reduced perseveration in NK1R-/- mice but did not improve omissions.
  • Behavioral performance varied significantly based on the time of day.
  • Stress increased perseveration in NK1R-/- mice, which was prevented by d-amphetamine.

Takeaway

Mice without a certain receptor act like they have ADHD, and a common ADHD medicine can help them with some of their problems.

Methodology

The study used the 5-Choice Serial Reaction-Time Task to evaluate cognitive performance in NK1R-/- and wildtype mice, with varying inter-trial intervals and d-amphetamine treatment.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in interpreting results due to the specific genetic background of the mice used.

Limitations

The study was limited to male mice and may not generalize to females or other species.

Participant Demographics

Male wildtype and NK1R-/- mice, aged 6-8 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0017586

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