Deletion of N-type Ca2+ channel Cav2.2 results in hyperaggressive behaviors in mice

Chanki Kim, Daejong Jeon, Young Hoon Kim, C. Justin Lee, Hyun Kim, Hee Sup Shin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Voltage-dependent N-type Ca2+ channels play important roles in the regulation of diverse neuronal functions in the brain, but little is known about its role in social aggressive behaviors. Mice lacking the α1B subunit (Cav2.2) of N-type Ca2+ channels showed markedly enhanced aggressive behaviors to an intruder mouse in the resident-intruder test. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which contains serotonin neurons, is known to be involved in aggression in animals. We thus examined the DRN neurons in the Cav2.2-deficient (Cav2.2-/-) mice. Microinjection of ω-conotoxin GVIA, an N-type Ca2+ channel-specific blocker, into the DRN of wild type mice resulted in escalated aggression, mimicking the phenotypes of Cav2.2-/-. Electrophysiological analysis showed increased firing activity of serotonin neurons with a reduced inhibitory neurotransmission in the Ca v2.2-/- DRN. Cav2.2-/- mice showed an elevated level of arginine vasopressin, an aggression-related hormone, in the cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, Cav2.2-/- mice showed an increase of serotonin in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that N-type Ca2+ channels at the DRN have a key role in the control of aggression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2738-2745
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume284
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009 Jan 30

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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