Figure 5.
Ablation of POMC-expressing cells leads to increased anxiety-like behavior. A–D, Anxiety-like behaviors of POMCΔDCR and control littermates as measured by the dark-light transfer (DLT) (A–C) and by the elevated plus maze (EPM) tests (D). The reduced percentage of time spent in the light compartment (A), longer latency entering the light compartment (B), shorter distance traveled in the light compartment of the DLT (C), and the reduced time spent in the open arms of the EPM (D) are indicative of anxiogenic behavior. E and F, Anxiety-like behaviors as measured by the ASR. The increased maximal ASR (E) and reduced within-session ASR rate of habituation (F) points toward an increase in anxiety-like behavior. Hypothalamic expression of the anxiogenic peptides, CRF and AVP (G). *, P < .05; **, P < .01 vs control. Values are expressed as the mean ± SEM (n = 8–10). Max g, maximum response.