Dopaminergic hyperactivity accompanied by hyperlocomotion in C57BL/6J-bg(J)/bg(J) (beige-J) mice

J Pharmacol Sci. 2014;125(2):233-6. doi: 10.1254/jphs.14043sc. Epub 2014 May 30.

Abstract

Genetic factors affect locomotor activity, which mainly depends on the activation of dopaminergic systems. C57BL/6J-bg(J)bg(J) (beige-J) mice, which exhibit deficiencies in immunological function, show behavioral hyperactivity. The present study was designed to investigate the locomotor activity of beige-J mice accompanied by a change in the dopaminergic system. Beige-J mice showed higher locomotor activity and dopamine turnover, whereas splenectomy reduced this hyperlocomotion and dopamine turnover. These results suggest that beige-J mice could be suitable as an experimental animal model for investigating hyperactivation of the dopaminergic system, and the spleen may contribute to the susceptibility of dopaminergic systems to activation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Dopamine / physiology*
  • Hyperkinesis / genetics*
  • Hyperkinesis / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Motor Activity / genetics*
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Spleen / physiology
  • Splenectomy

Substances

  • Dopamine