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Genetic Mouse Models of Depression

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Behavioral Neurobiology of Depression and Its Treatment

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 14))

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of genetically modified mice in investigating the neurobiology of depressive behaviour. First, the behavioural tests commonly used as a model of depressive-like behaviour in rodents are described. These tests include those sensitive to antidepressant treatment such as the forced swim test and the tail suspension test, as well as other tests that encompass the wider symptomatology of a depressive episode. A selection of example mutant mouse lines is then presented to illustrate the use of these tests. As our understanding of depression increases, an expanding list of candidate genes is being investigated using mutant mice. Here, mice relevant to the monoamine and corticotrophin-releasing factor hypotheses of depression are covered as well as those relating to the more recent candidate, brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This selection provides interesting examples of the use of complimentary lines, such as those that have genetic removal or overexpression, and also opposing behavioural changes seen following manipulation of closely related genes. Finally, factors such as the issue of background strain and influence of environmental factors are reflected upon, before considering what can realistically be expected of a mouse model of this complex psychiatric disorder.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Prof David Bannerman for his helpful discussions of the material in this chapter. This chapter was completed whilst working under an MRC Project Grant (G0700983).

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  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

    Christopher Barkus

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  1. Christopher Barkus
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Correspondence to Christopher Barkus .

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  1. Warneford Hospital, Dept. Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom

    Philip J. Cowen

  2. Dept. Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom

    Trevor Sharp

  3. , Dep of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3UD, United Kingdom

    Jennifer Y. F. Lau

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Barkus, C. (2012). Genetic Mouse Models of Depression. In: Cowen, P., Sharp, T., Lau, J. (eds) Behavioral Neurobiology of Depression and Its Treatment. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 14. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2012_224

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