Dopamine D(3) receptor deficiency sensitizes mice to iron deficiency-related deficits in motor learning

F Klinker; K Hasan; P Dowling; W Paulus; D Liebetanz

doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2011.02.022

Dopamine D(3) receptor deficiency sensitizes mice to iron deficiency-related deficits in motor learning

Behav Brain Res. 2011 Jul 7;220(2):358-61. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.02.022. Epub 2011 Feb 24.

Authors

F Klinker¹, K Hasan, P Dowling, W Paulus, D Liebetanz

Affiliation

¹ Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Georg August University, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, Göttingen, Germany. [email protected]

PMID: 21354213
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.02.022

Abstract

Iron deficiency is a widespread form of malnutrition and is known to interfere with cognitive performance and development. To elucidate the role of dopamine D3 and iron deficiency (ID) in inducing cognitive deficits, we studied wildtype and D3 knockout mice on normal or iron-deficient diets subjected to a running wheel-based motor skill sequence. Surprisingly, ID alone had no effect on motor learning in this study, whereas combined ID and dopamine D(3) receptor (D3R)-deficiency significantly interfered with the acquisition of motor skills. Reduced D3R function may serve as a predisposing factor towards ID-related effects on motor learning.

MeSH terms

Age Factors
Analysis of Variance
Animals
Behavior, Animal
Diet / methods
Iron Deficiencies*
Learning Disabilities* / genetics
Learning Disabilities* / metabolism
Learning Disabilities* / physiopathology
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Knockout
Motor Skills / physiology*
Receptors, Dopamine D3 / deficiency*
Running / physiology
Time Factors

Substances

Receptors, Dopamine D3