| First Author | Yamada K | Year | 2000 |
| Journal | J Neuroimmunol | Volume | 111 |
| Issue | 1-2 | Pages | 131-8 |
| PubMed ID | 11063830 | Mgi Jnum | J:102967 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3608280 | Doi | 10.1016/s0165-5728(00)00375-1 |
| Citation | Yamada K, et al. (2000) Neurobehavioral alterations in mice with a targeted deletion of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene: implications for emotional behavior. J Neuroimmunol 111(1-2):131-8 |
| abstractText | Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is emerging as an important modulator of the function of the central nervous system. In the present study, we investigated a role of endogenous TNF-alpha in cognitive and emotional function using mice with targeted deletions of the TNF-alpha gene. TNF-alpha-(-/-) mice showed normal diurnal rhythms of spontaneous locomotor activity and cognitive functions. Emotional behavior in the mutant mice, however, was significantly altered, which manifested in the performance in the open-field, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming tests. The altered performance in the elevated plus maze test was significantly alleviated by treatment with diazepam. Postmortem brain analysis of TNF-alpha-(-/-) mice revealed a significant increase in serotonin metabolism in the brain. These findings suggest a role for endogenous TNF-alpha in emotional behavior, which may possibly be related to alterations of serotonine metabolism. |
