Researchers from University of Texas, Department of Internal Medicine discuss findings in anxiety disorders genetics
2007 NOV 19 -- Research findings, 'A seizure-prone phenotype is associated with altered free-running rhythm in Pten mutant mice,' are discussed in a new report. "Conditional deletion of Pten (phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten) in differentiated cortical and hippocampal neurons in the mouse results in seizures, macrocephaly, social interaction deficits and anxiety, reminiscent of human autism spectrum disorder. Here we extended our previous examination of these mice using electroencephalogram/electromyogram (EEG/EMG) monitoring and found age-related increases in spontaneous seizures, which were correlated with cellular dispersion in the hippocampal dentate gyrus," researchers in the United States report. "Increased spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field on the first and the second day of a 3-day continuous study suggested heightened anxiety in Pten mutant mice. In contrast, the mutants exhibited decreased wheel running activity, which may reflect reduced adaptability to a novel environment. Synchronization to the light-dark cycle was normal, but for up to 28 days under constant darkness, the Pten mutants maintained a significantly lengthened and remarkably constant free-running period of almost exactly 24 h," wrote S. Ogawa and colleagues, University of Texas, Department of Internal Medicine. The researchers concluded: "This result implies the involvement of Pten in the maintenance of circadian rhythms, which we interpret as being due to an effect on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascade." Ogawa and colleagues published their study in Brain Research (A seizure-prone phenotype is associated with altered free-running rhythm in Pten mutant mice. Brain Research, 2007;1168():112-23). For additional information, contact S. Ogawa, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dept. of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390 USA.. Publisher contact information for the journal Brain Research is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Keywords: United States, Dallas, Anxiety Disorders Genetics, Anxiety Disorder, Brain Research, Seizures. This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.
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