Role of the trace amine associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) in the sensorimotor functions.

Classical monoamines are well-known modulators of sensorimotor neural networks. However, the role of trace amines and their receptors in sensorimotor function remains unexplored. Using trace amine-associated receptor 5 knockout (TAAR5-KO) mice, that express beta-galactosidase mapping its localization, we observed TAAR5 expression in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and the medial vestibular nucleus, suggesting that TAAR5 might be involved in the vestibular and motor control. Accordingly, in various behavioral tests, TAAR5-KO mice demonstrated lower endurance, but better coordination and balance compared to wild-type controls. Furthermore, we found specific changes in striatal local field potentials and motor cortex electrocorticogram, such as a decrease in delta and an increase in theta oscillations of power spectra, respectively. The obtained data indicate that TAAR5 plays a considerable role in regulation postural stability, muscle force, balance, and motor coordination during active movements, likely via modulation of monoaminergic systems at different levels of sensorimotor control involving critical brain areas such as the brainstem, cerebellum, and forebrain.

[Morphine-induced Straub tail reaction as a model of spasticity in mice: effects of serotonergic compounds]. / Vyzvannaia morfinom reaktsiia Shtrauba kak model' spastichnosti u myshei: éffekty serotoninergicheskikh soedinenii.

AIM: To adopt and validate the Straub tail reaction (SR) for comparative assessment of spastic effects of serotonergic compounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To measure the muscle relaxant activity, the morphine-induced Straub-tail assay was used. SR was graded according to modified intensity-score basis in a scale decribed by Kameyama et al. (1978). Subcutaneous injections of different doses of morphine (10-60 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent SR with maximum response obtained 15-30 min after the morphine administration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The centrally acting muscle relaxant baclofen (3-10 mg/kg) reduced SR induced by morphine (40 mg/kg) at all used doses; tizanidine decreased the intensity of SR at highest doses tested (0.6 and 1 mg/kg). Dantrolene (20-100 mg/kg), a peripherally acting muscle relaxant, did not affect SR. Effects of serotonergic agents depended on the specific mechanism of action. SR appears to be available for rapid evaluation of the effect of antispasticity drugs.