Strategies for the development of animal models for bipolar disorder: New opportunities and new challenges

Haim Einat

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The paucity of appropriate animal models for bipolar disorder is repeatedly mentioned as one of the critical factors hindering research into the pathophysiology of the disorder and the development of truly novel treatments. Recent advances in our understanding of the biological basis of bipolar disorder can be used to identify and develop better models. One possibility that is discussed in a separate chapter of this book is the use of molecular biology techniques to develop animals with targeted mutations related to genes implicated in the disorder. However, the development of such animals may not be enough for usable and helpful models. Additional strategies should, therefore, be combined with targeted mutation methodology to develop good model animals and good tests that will significantly impact our ability to further explore the underlying biology of bipolar disorder and to develop better drugs and treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBehavioral Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder and its Treatment
EditorsHusseini Manji, Carlos Zarate
Pages69-87
Number of pages19
Edition1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
Number1
Volume5
ISSN (Print)1866-3370
ISSN (Electronic)1866-3389

Keywords

  • Affective disorders
  • Diurnal rodents
  • Domains of bipolar disorder
  • Endophenotypes
  • Nontraditional model animals
  • Strain differences

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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