Scientists have discovered that genetically modified super intelligent mice suffer less from anxiety and fear. The new discovery can be an alternative way to find treatments for certain brain disorders like schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds in UK and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto can be a stepping stone to discover cures for the age-related cognitive decline which is considered the 6th main cause of death in the US.
The gene of the mice was altered by the scientists to prevent the enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4B (PDE4B) from doing its function. The enzyme is present in most of the internal organs of the vertebrate body especially in the brain.
By inhibiting the PDE4B, the cognitive abilities of the mice was enhanced. Results showed that they learn faster and able to solve complex exercises a lot better than the ordinary mice. The small rodent can also remember events longer.
After the enzyme PDE4B in the mice was inhibited, they showed less anxiety and spent more time in the open and bright spaces compared to the ordinary mice than prefer dark areas. In addition, the subjects fear cat urine less.
Dr Steve Clapcote from the University of Leeds' School of Biomedical Sciences who is the head of the study stated that their discovery offers a promising result.
"Cognitive impairments are currently poorly treated, so I'm excited that our work using mice has identified phosphodiesterase-4B as a promising target for potential new treatments," stated Clapcote.
Though the study is not yet tested on humans and the results are only limited to mice, researchers are still hopeful since the same enzyme is present in the human body. The scientists are now working to create drugs that will inhibit PDE4B from working. They will be testing it on animals to determine if it would be fit to be tried on humans.
Dr Alexander McGirr who is also part of the study states that, "In the future, medicines targeting PDE4B may potentially improve the lives of individuals with neurocognitive disorders and life-impairing anxiety, and they may have a time-limited role after traumatic events."
The promising study was recently published in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal.