Medi watch

Of mice and mental health

The accidental discovery of a link between a mouse gene and behaviour similar to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) may lead to new ways to treat the condition, say Duke University researchers. When the SAPAP3 gene was turned off, mice engaged in compulsive grooming and exhibited anxious behaviour. When the gene was reactivated, or the mice were given drugs used to treat OCD in people, the compulsive behaviour diminished, AFP reports.

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