Open AccessB6e GFPChAT mice overexpressing the vesicular acetylcholine transporter exhibit spontaneous hypoactivity and enhanced exploration in novel environments
Author(s) -
Nagy Paul M.,
Aubert Isabelle
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.139
Subject(s) - vesicular acetylcholine transporter , hypoactivity , cholinergic , acetylcholine , acetylcholinesterase , neuroscience , neurotransmitter , cholinergic neuron , biology , choline acetyltransferase , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , central nervous system , pharmacology , biochemistry , enzyme
Cholinergic innervation is extensive throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Among its many roles, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine ( ACh ) contributes to the regulation of motor function, locomotion, and exploration. Cholinergic deficits and replacement strategies have been investigated in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in cases of Alzheimer's disease ( AD ). Focus has been on blocking acetylcholinesterase ( AChE ) and enhancing ACh synthesis to improve cholinergic neurotransmission. As a first step in evaluating the physiological effects of enhanced cholinergic function through the upregulation of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter ( VAChT ), we used the hypercholinergic B6e GFPChAT congenic mouse model that has been shown to contain multiple VAChT gene copies. Analysis of biochemical and behavioral paradigms suggest that modest increases in VAChT expression can have a significant effect on spontaneous locomotion, reaction to novel stimuli, and the adaptation to novel environments. These observations support the potential of VAChT as a therapeutic target to enhance cholinergic tone, thereby decreasing spontaneous hyperactivity and increasing exploration in novel environments.