These mice are conditional mutants in that NE can be restored to the adrenergic terminals by supplying a synthetic amino acid precursor of NE, dihydroxyphenylserine. The lab is pursuing several fundamental observations that resulted from the creation of these mutant mice, including the essential role of NE in fetal development and the critical role of NE in the expression of maternal behavior. In addition, the lab is beginning to investigate the roles of NE in development and neurophysiological processes, and in mechanisms of attention, learning and memory. To address these questions, mice are being created that have neither DA nor NE in their adrenergic terminals. Mouse molecular genetics, neural development, neurophysiology, norepinephrine, adrenergic nervous system, maternal behavior, learning and memory.
Noradrenaline is essential for mouse fetal development.
Thermoregulatory and metabolic phenotypes of mice lacking noradrenaline and adrenaline. Disruption of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene suggests a role for norepinephrine in motor function, learning, and memory. Impaired maternal behavior in mice lacking norepinephrine and epinephrine. Restoration of norepinephrine and reversal of phenotypes in mice lacking dopamine beta-hydroxylase.