Genetic correlations between brain dopamine metabolism and anxiety in mice

N. K. Popova, D. F. Avgustinovich, Yu A. Skrinskaya, E. M. Nikulina

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dopamine, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels were determined in striatum and nucleus accumbens with olfactory tubercles in four mice strains (C57BL/6, DBA/2, BALB/c, and CBA). The levels of anxiety were estimated in the elevated plus-maze, dark-light test, and by the social activity. Significant correlation was revealed between the content of dopamine (and its main metabolites) and the level of anxiety. All the correlations between the DOPAC level and the percentage of time spent in the open arms, or at the illuminated area, or contacting with a conspecific were positive. The correlations between these anxiety indices and HVA levels were negative. It is suggested that brain dopaminergic system plays an essential role in the regulation of anxiety and that anxiety is associated with increased O-methylation and decreased oxidative deamination of dopamine.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)909-910
Number of pages2
JournalZhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deyatelnosti Imeni I.P. Pavlova
Volume46
Issue number5
StatePublished - 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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