Behavioral Study of Calpastatin-Knockout Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Nakajima Ryuichi, Takao Keizo, Huang Shu-Ming, Takano Jiro, Iwata Nobuhisa, Miyakawa Tsuyoshi, Saido Takaomi C
Primary Institution: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Hypothesis
What are the physiological roles of calpastatin in behavior?
Conclusion
Calpastatin is likely more associated with affective rather than cognitive aspects of brain function.
Supporting Evidence
- Calpastatin-knockout mice showed decreased locomotor activity under stressful environments.
- CS-KO mice displayed a significantly lower acoustic startle response than WT mice.
- No significant changes were seen in hippocampus-dependent memory function.
Takeaway
Mice without calpastatin are more anxious and have a weaker startle response, but their memory seems normal.
Methodology
Calpastatin-knockout mice were subjected to a comprehensive behavioral test battery to assess their physiological roles.
Limitations
The study did not find significant alterations in learning and memory despite increased LTP.
Participant Demographics
Male calpastatin-knockout mice and their wild-type littermate controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.032
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website