γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1 is involved in anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive function in knockout mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1 (GAT-1) on the anxiety‑like behaviors and cognitive function in knockout mice. In total, 20 adult male mice were divided into two groups, namely the GAT‑1 knockout (GAT‑1‑/‑) and wild‑type (WT) groups. The open field test, elevated 0‑maze (EZM) and Morris water maze were used to evaluate changes in anxiety‑like behaviors and cognitive function. Compared with the WT mice, GAT‑1‑/‑ mice made more entries and spent a longer time within the central area, traveling a greater distance, during the open field test (P<0.05). The EZM revealed that GAT‑1‑/‑ mice spent more time in the open sectors and made more total entries when compared with the WT mice (P<0.01). Observations from the two tests indicated reduced anxiety‑like behaviors in the GAT‑1‑/‑ mice. During the learning session using a Morris water maze, the latency to find the platform was significantly longer in the GAT‑1‑/‑ mice when compared with the WT mice (P<0.01). In addition, during the probe test, the GAT‑1‑/‑ mice spent less time in the target quadrant and more time in the opposite quadrant when compared with the WT mice (P<0.01); thus, the cognitive function in the GAT‑1‑/‑ mice was impaired. Therefore, the results demonstrated that the anxiety‑like behaviors were reduced and cognitive function was impaired in GAT‑1 knockout mice, indicating that GAT‑1 is involved in anxiety and cognitive functions.