Search PubMed⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 9603611

Behavioral phenotypes: conceptual and methodological issues.

J Flint
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Specific behavioral patterns associated with chromosomal and genetic disorders are being recognized more frequently. The hope is that the demonstration of a behavioral phenotype with a particular syndrome may lead to the isolation of the behavior's genetic determinants. Three issues are considered here: the problem of defining a behavioral phenotype, the difficulty of demonstrating the existence of a behavioral phenotype, and the likelihood of characterizing etiologically important genes. Although there are many impediments to success, the value of recognizing behavioral phenotypes within a diagnostic syndrome is emphasized, and examples are given of how this may lead to isolating behavioral genes.

Explore related subjects

AggressionAnimalsAutistic DisorderBehavior, AnimalChildFragile X SyndromeGenetic Diseases, InbornGenetics, BehavioralHumansMalePhenotypeSample SizeWilliams SyndromeJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

J Flint. 1998-05-08. Behavioral phenotypes: conceptual and methodological issues.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9603611/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2000

Regulation of T cell activation, anxiety, and male aggression by RGS2.

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins accelerate the GTPase activity of Galpha protein subunits in vitro, negatively regulating G protein-coupled receptor signaling. The physiological role of mammalian RGS proteins is largely unknown. The RGS family member rgs2 was cloned as an immediate early response gene up-regulated in T lymphocytes after activation. To investigate the role of RGS2 in vivo, we generated rgs2-deficient mice. We show that targeted mutation of rgs2 in mice leads to reduced T cell proliferation and IL-2 production, which translates in an impaired antiviral immunity in vivo. Interestingly, rgs2(-/-) mice also display increased anxiety responses and decreased male aggression in the absence of cognitive or motor deficits. RGS2 also controls synaptic development and basal electrical activity in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Thus, RGS2 plays an important role in T cell activation, synapse development in the hippocampus, and emotive behaviors.

Aggression↗
PubMed2000

Cardiovascular responses in anticipation of changes in posture and locomotion.

Measurements were made in 29 adult baboons that were housed in social groups, allowing the occurrence of the full range of species-specific behavioral interactions. The cardiovascular variables measured included blood pressure, heart rate, renal blood flow, lower limb blood flow, and occasionally mesenteric blood flow. The data were telemetered from backpacks worn by the animals and were recorded in analogue form on a polygraph, digitally on a computer and were also recorded on the audio channels of videotape being made of the behavior and social interactions of the baboons. The video and the computer recordings were synchronized by a timing system that made it possible to relate the cardiovascular responses to the behavioral responses. A numerically based behavioral code was developed that allowed the categorization of the totality of the behavior, including postural and locomotor changes. Comparisons between baseline cardiovascular values and those occurring 1 s before the initiation of a movement or posture change gave no evidence of anticipatory cardiovascular responses unless the movement was associated with behavior that included emotional content. Hypothalamic perifornical lesions reduced or eliminated these anticipatory changes.

Aggression↗