Behavior and stress reactivity in mouse strains with mitochondrial DNA variations

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Feb:1153:131-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03960.x.

Abstract

We studied the behavior and neuroendocrine regulation under social disruption stress of C57BL/6J mice in which mitochondria were substituted by mitochondria from AKR/J or FVB/N strains. C57BL/6J-mt(FVB/N) mice were significantly more anxious in the elevated plus-maze test than C57BL/6J-mt(AKR/J) and C57BL/6J mice at base line. In addition, they showed a reduced corticosterone response and an activation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems after repeated challenge, i.e., social defeat and elevated plus-maze test. Our findings suggest that mitochondrial variations could affect anxiety-like behavior as well as corticosterone and neurotransmitter response to psychological stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior / physiology*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Corticosterone / blood
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Male
  • Maze Learning
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Stress, Psychological / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Corticosterone