Figure 2.

Behavioural assessment of cKO mice. (A) Exploratory behaviour and locomotor activity were assessed using the open-field test. Assessment of travel time, travel distance, average travel speed, and time spent in the centre of mice that moved freely in the open field for 30 min (n = 13–15). Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test were used for statistical analysis. (B) Light-dark box test was used to assess anxiety-like behaviour. After a 10 min session, the time spent in the light compartment was calculated (n = 12–15). Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test (*p < 0.05 and ***p < 0.001). (C) Elevated plus-maze test was performed to assess anxiety-like behaviour. Mice were allowed to move freely on a cross-shaped platform for 10 min. The time spent in the open arms and number of arm entries were analysed (n = 12–15). Statistical differences were assessed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test. (D) Spatial memory was tested with the Y-maze test. Alternations were calculated after an 8-min session (n = 10–15). Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test. (E) Recognition memory was assessed using the novel object recognition test. Mice were allowed to freely explore the environment and objects for 5 min. Cut-off time for total exploration was 20 s. Mice exhibiting decreased exploratory behaviour (<5 s of total exploration) were excluded from the statistical analysis (n = 5–10). Data were analysed with two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test (**p < 0.01).