Motor discoordination in mutant mice heterozygous for the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

In the brain, the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) is a major subtype of receptors for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which mediate s the release of calcium from intracellular stores. The motor function of k nockout mice heterozygous for IP3R1 (IP3RI + / -) was assessed. An impairme nt of motor coordination was observed in IP3R1 + / - mice in the rotating r od test. There was no observable difference between genotypes in spontaneou s motor activity, grip strength, the hanging test, or walking pattern. Thes e results suggest that IP3RI plays a substantial role in motor coordination . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.