The noradrenergic system of the brain has been postulated to mediate arousal, selective attention, as well as anxiety, depression and learning and memory. Here we report the behavioral phenotype of transgenic mouse (NR1DbhCre) with selective ablation of the NMDA receptor subunit NR1 in noradrenergic cells. We focused on behaviors modulated by the noradrenergic system, in particular anxiety-like behaviors in the light/dark box, and open fi eld as well as depressive-like behaviors in forced swim test. Furthermore, memory performance was measured using elevated plus maze spatial learning (EPMSL), Y maze, right/left discrimination, habituation to open fi led and novel object recognition and motivation-dependent behaviors was studied using food pellet self-administration paradigm. While no alterations were found in anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in NR1DbhCre mice, the transgenic animals displayed impaired object recognition memory, but increased performance in right/left discrimination test. In addition, the NR1DbhCre mice displayed higher food reward sensitivity as evidenced by faster acquisition of food self-administration and higher breaking point in progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. In conclusion, the ablation of NMDA receptors in noradrenergic neurons in mice produce impairment of recognition memory and alteration of motivational systems.
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