An analysis of the genetics of alcohol intoxication in inbred mice
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Douglas Wahlsten, Visiting Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: We compared the behaviors of eight inbred mouse strains across 18 variables, using 11 behavioral assays, and gave ethanol (EtOH) as an intoxicant. Genetic influences on behavior and sensitivity to EtOH were pronounced, but strain sensitivities were generally only modestly correlated across tasks. Certain well-correlated clusters of responses suggested that some genes affect similar neurobiological substrates. No strains of mice were generally sensitive or resistant to intoxication across tasks. Anthropomorphically appealing concepts like ‘muscle strength’ had little explanatory power across tasks. A battery of selected tests was proposed for future studies. Overall, the results show that each mouse behavioral assay captures only a portion of ataxia, a genetically complex behavioral domain. Conversely, multiple behavioral capacities are apparently required for performance in each specific assay. Thus, if only one or two tests are used to evaluate motor function in genetically engineered mutant mice, only a small portion of the domain will be assessed and results may be misleading. This caveat likely extends to many behavioral domains (e.g. learning and memory, anxiety).
An analysis of the genetics of alcohol intoxication in inbred mice
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 28: 785-802.
- Language: English
- Date: 2005
- Keywords
- Inbred mouse strains, Pharmacogenetics, Ataxia, Ethanol, Intoxication, Acute tolerance, Rotarod, Balance, Grip strength, Activity, Genetic correlations, Pleiotropy, Coordination, Loss of righting reflex