Cortical Structure Alterations and Social Behavior Impairment in p50-Deficient Mice

In this study, we evaluated whether mice lacking the NF-B p50 subunit (KO) present alterations in cortical structure and associated behavioral impairment. We found that, compared with wild type (WT), KO mice at postnatal day 2 present an increase in radial glial cells, an increase in Reelin protein expression levels, in addition to an increase of specific layer thickness. Moreover, adult KO mice display abnormal columnar organization in the somatosensory cortex, a specific decrease in somatostatin- and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, altered neurite orientation, and a decrease in Synapsin I protein levels. Concerning behavior, KO mice, in addition to an increase in locomotor and exploratory activity, display impairment in social behaviors, with a reduction in social interaction. Finally, we found that risperidone treatment decreased hyperactivity of KO mice, but had no effect on defective social interaction. Altogether, these data add complexity to a growing body of data, suggesting a link between dysregulation of the NF-B pathway and neurodevelopmental disorders pathogenesis.

Source: Cerebral Cortex - May 16, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Bonini, S. A., Mastinu, A., Maccarinelli, G., Mitola, S., Premoli, M., La Rosa, L. R., Ferrari-Toninelli, G., Grilli, M., Memo, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research