Retinoid x receptor gamma control of affective behaviors involves dopaminergic signaling in mice
Abstract
Abnormal signaling by retinoids or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been implicated in clinical depression. The converging point in activities of these two classes of molecules is transcriptional activation of retinoid X receptors (Rxr). We show here that ablation of Rxrgamma in mice leads to depressive-like behaviors including increased despair and anhedonia, which were accompanied by reduced expression of dopamine D2 receptor in the shell of nucleus accumbens (NAc) and altered serotonin signaling. While abnormal serotonin signaling is not sufficient to generate the depressive behaviors, increasing D2r expression by chronic fluoxetine (Prozac) treatment or adenoassociated virus type2 (AAV2) mediated expression of Rxrgamma or D2r in the NAc of Rxrgamma(-/-) mice normalizes depressive-like behaviors in Rxrgamma(-/-) animals. Conversely, NAc infusion of raclopride, a D2r antagonist prevents AAV2-Rxrgamma-mediated rescue of despair behaviors in Rxrgamma(-/-) mice. Combined, our data argue that control of NAc D2r expression is critical for Rxrgamma-mediated modulation of affective behaviors.
References
The activity of pramipexole in the mouse forced swim test is mediated by D2 rather than D3 receptors
Citations
Retinoid X Receptor α Regulates DHA-Dependent Spinogenesis and Functional Synapse Formation In Vivo.
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Cell-Type-Specific Viral Vectors (ASM)
Viral vectors are used in biological research and therapy to deliver genetic material into cells. However, the efficiency of viral vectors varies depending on the cell type. Here is the latest research on cell-type-specific viral vectors.
Basal Ganglia
Basal Ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei in the brain associated with control of voluntary motor movements, procedural and habit learning, emotion, and cognition. Here is the latest research.
Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs are a class of medication primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Discover the latest research on antipsychotic drugs here
Cell-Type Specific Viral Vectors
Viral vectors are used in biological research and therapy to deliver genetic material into cells. However, the efficiency of viral vectors varies depending on the cell type. Here is the latest research on cell-type-specific viral vectors.
Cell-Type-Specific Viral Vectors
Viral vectors are used in biological research and therapy to deliver genetic material into cells. However, the efficiency of viral vectors varies depending on the cell type. Here is the latest research on cell-type-specific viral vectors.
Brain developing: Influences & Outcomes
This feed focuses on influences that affect the developing brain including genetics, fetal development, prenatal care, and gene-environment interactions. Here is the latest research in this field.