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Generation and phenotypic analysis of sigma receptor type I (σ1) knockout mice
Author(s) -
Langa Francina,
Codony Xavier,
Tovar Victoria,
Lavado Alfonso,
Giménez Estela,
Cozar Patricia,
Cantero Marta,
Dordal Albert,
Hernández Enric,
Pérez Raquel,
Monroy Xavier,
Zamanillo Daniel,
Guitart Xavier,
Montoliu Lluís
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02950.x
Subject(s) - knockout mouse , sigma 1 receptor , receptor , sigma receptor , phenotype , sigma , gene knockout , mutant , biology , wild type , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , genetics , physics , agonist , quantum mechanics
Sigma (σ) sites are a type of nonopiate receptor whose role has been associated with several behaviours, including anxiety, depression, analgesia, learning processes and psychosis. Although there are several known σ receptor types, only the type I receptor (σ1) has been cloned. To uncover the in vivo relevance of σ‐receptors, we have generated knockout mice for σ1. Despite the broad expression pattern found for the σ1‐ gene, homozygous mutant mice are viable, fertile and do not display any overt phenotype, compared with their wild‐type litter‐mates, in mixed genetic backgrounds. However, a significant decrease in the hypermotility response has been measured in knockout mice upon challenge with (+)SKF‐10 047, in agreement with the involvement of σ1‐receptors in the induction of psychostimulant actions. The activity of σ2‐receptors seems to be unaffected in σ1‐mutant mice. These knockout mice could contribute to better understand the in vivo role of σ‐receptors.