Study for the establishment of novel and specific treatment for PTSD, which is based on pathological mechanism

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26860926
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Psychiatric science
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: KONDO Makoto 大阪大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (50633012)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: セロトニン / 5-HT受容体 / 恐怖記憶 / 情動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We analyzed the relationship between fear memory processes and serotonin by using genetically engineered mice. Behavioral analysis of fear conditioning test revealed that the 5-HT3 receptor-deficient (htr3a-/-) mice showed intact acquisition and retention of fear memory, but impaired fear extinction. We found that 5-HT3 receptor is essential for fear extinction, and htr3a-/- mice could be a useful animal model of PTSD. Exercise has a variety of effects on brain structure and function, such as hippocampal neurogenesis, mood and memory. Exercise enhances hippocampal neurogenesis, induces antidepressant effects, and improves learning behavior. Detailed histological and behavioral analyses of htr3a-/- mice revealed that 5-HT3 receptor is indispensable for exercise-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant effects, but not for learning enhancement.

Free Research Field

神経科学、解剖学