eTheses Repository

# Electrophysiological characterization of a mouse deficient for oligophrenin1: a mouse model of X-linked mental retardation

Saintot, Pierre-Philippe (2010)
Ph.D. thesis, University of Birmingham.

 PDF (7Mb)

## Abstract

Mental retardation is the most common brain disease. One of the first genes identified in X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) was the OPHN-1 gene. Mutation of this gene has been described in patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairments. MR is characterized by reduced cognitive function with or without other clinical features, thus providing a direct approach to study the neurobiology of cognition and pathogenesis of MR. I propose in this thesis to clarify the underlying mechanisms responsible for the learning impairments. My first approach was to investigate the functioning of a neuronal population using extracellular recording of fast oscillations which are thought to underlie higher cognitive performance. I showed that $$Ophn-1$$ null mice displayed weaker gamma oscillations. Thereafter, Investigation of the synaptic properties of CA3 pyramidal neurons using the patch-clamp technique has been undertaken. I have shown reduced inputs of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission to CA3 pyramidal neurons accompanied with reduced frequency dependent facilitation of the inhibitory neurotransmission at 33Hz. Finally, a reduction in readily releasable pool size in inhibitory synapses of CA3 area was unravelled. This defect explained the reduction of frequency of sIPSCs and consequently the reduction in gamma oscillations power in Ophn-1$$^{-/y}$$ slices.

Type of Work: Ph.D. thesis. Powell, A. D. Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Medical & Dental Sciences Department of Neurophysiology RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry University of Birmingham 851
This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder.

Repository Staff Only: item control page