Abstract
We have recently found that, at a young age, transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (Trpv1) knockout (-/-) mice have a higher locomotor activity than their wild-type littermates (+/+). We have also found that, with age, Trpv1(-/-) mice become substantially heavier than Trpv1(+/+) controls, thus forming a paradoxical association between locomotor hyperactivity and overweight. The present study solves this contradiction. By using two experimental paradigms, we show that aged Trpv1(-/-) mice have not an increased, but a decreased, locomotor activity, as compared to age-matched Trpv1(+/+) controls. We also confirm that aged Trpv1(-/-) mice are overweight. We conclude that TRPV1 channels are involved in the regulation of both general locomotor activity and body mass in an age-dependent manner.
Highlights
Recent studies have shown that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, including the vanilloid-1 channel (TRPV1), are involved in the regulation of multiple physiological functions in health and disease [1,2,3]
We found that young male transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (Trpv1)-/- mice expressed a higher locomotor activity in a thermogradient apparatus, especially during the light phase, as compared to their wild-type littermates (Trpv1+/+)
Even though we did not measure the amount of fat in aged Trpv1-/- mice, their phenotype was consistent with obesity
Summary
Hyperactive when young, hypoactive and overweight when aged: Connecting the dots in the story about locomotor activity, body mass, and aging in Trpv knockout mice.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
