Behavioural characterization of mannoside acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5 (Mgat5) deficient mice.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 90
ISBN-13: 9780494214466
Description: Mgat5 (mannoside acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5)-modified N-glycans, formed in the medial Golgi, promote structural heterogeneity in glycoproteins that regulate cellular interactions by binding to galectins. To study the role of these specific carbohydrates in the Central Nervous System (CNS) in an in vivo model, Mgat5 knockout (Mgat5-/-) mice were tested in a battery of tests consisting of different behavioural paradigms. Mgat5-/- mice were normal in physical exam, startle reactivity, sensori-motor gating, motor activity and spatial learning but showed a mild gender-dependent difference in anxiety level. Male and female Mgat5-/- mice showed a robust decrease in immobility time in the forced swim test and the tail suspension test. After the chronic mild stress test, Mgat5-/- mice decreased their immobility further, which implies they are resistant to depression-like phenotype. Our results suggest a role of complex carbohydrates in the pathogenesis of depression.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1402.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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