Impact of genetic deletion of MrgD or Mas receptors in depressive-like behaviour in mice.

To evaluate the impact of genetic deletion of receptors of the counterregulatory arms of the renin-angiotensin system in depressive-like behaviours. 8-12 weeks-old male mice wild type (WT, C57BL/6J) and mice with genetic deletion of MrgD (MrgD KO) or Mas receptors (Mas KO) were subjected to the Forced Swim Test (FST) and the Tail Suspension Test (TST). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blockade of Mas was performed by acute intracerebroventricular ( No statistical difference in immobility time was observed between MrgD KO and WT male animals subjected to FST and TST. However, acute Our data showed that Mas plays an important role in the neurobiology of depression probably by modulating BDNF expression. On the contrary, lack of MrgD did not alter depressive-like behaviour, which was supported by the lack of alterations in BDNF levels.