| First Author | Willi R | Year | 2009 |
| Journal | Genes Brain Behav | Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 2 | Pages | 181-92 |
| PubMed ID | 19077178 | Mgi Jnum | J:151139 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:4352821 | Doi | 10.1111/j.1601-183X.2008.00460.x |
| Citation | Willi R, et al. (2009) Behavioral characterization of mice lacking the neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A. Genes Brain Behav 8(2):181-92 |
| abstractText | The membrane protein Nogo-A inhibits neurite outgrowth and regeneration in the injured central nervous system, primarily because of its expression in oligodendrocytes. Hence, deletion of Nogo-A enhances regeneration following spinal cord injury. Yet, the effects of Nogo-A deletion on general behavior and cognition have not been explored. The possibility of potential novel functions of Nogo-A beyond growth inhibition is strongly suggested by the presence of subpopulations of neurons also expressing Nogo-A - not only during development but also in adulthood. We evaluated here Nogo-A(-/-) mice in a series of general basic behavioral assays as well as functional analyses related to brain regions with notable expression levels of Nogo-A. The SHIRPA protocol did not show any major basic behavioral changes in Nogo-A(-/-) mice. Anxiety-related behavior, pain sensitivity, startle reactivity, spatial learning, and associative learning also appeared indistinguishable between Nogo-A(-/-) and control Nogo-A(+/+) mice. However, motor co-ordination and balance were enhanced in Nogo-A(-/-) mice. Spontaneous locomotor activity was also elevated in Nogo-A(-/-) mice, but this was specifically observed in the dark (active) phase of the circadian cycle. Enhanced locomotor reaction to systemic amphetamine in Nogo-A(-/-) mice further pointed to an altered dopaminergic tone in these mice. The present study is the first behavioral characterization of mice lacking Nogo-A and provides significant insights into the potential behavioral relevance of Nogo-A in the modulation of dopaminergic and motor functions. |
