Deficits in sexual and aggressive behaviors in Cnga2 mutant mice

Nat Neurosci. 2005 Dec;8(12):1660-2. doi: 10.1038/nn1589. Epub 2005 Oct 30.

Abstract

Odors detected by the vomeronasal organ or the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) trigger social behaviors in many animals. It is unknown whether MOE neurons detect cues that initiate mating or aggression. We demonstrate that mice lacking functional CNGA2 (cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha2), which is required for odor-evoked MOE signaling, fail to mate or fight, suggesting a broad and essential role for the MOE in regulating these behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels
  • Female
  • Ion Channels / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiology
  • Olfactory Bulb / physiology
  • Olfactory Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Olfactory Pathways / physiology
  • Pheromones / physiology*
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Smell / genetics*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology
  • Vomeronasal Organ / physiology

Substances

  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels
  • Ion Channels
  • Pheromones