Reduced Fear Memory and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice Lacking Formylpeptide Receptor 1

Abstract

N-formylpeptide receptor 1 (FPR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates pro-inflammatory chemotactic responses by phagocytic leukocytes to N-formylpeptides produced by bacteria or mitochondria. Mice lacking Fpr1 (Fpr1^−/− mice) have increased susceptibility to challenge with certain bacteria. FPR1 is also a receptor for annexin-1, which mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids as well as negative feedback by glucocorticoids of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. However, homeostatic functions of FPR1 in the neuroendocrine system have not previously been defined. Here we show that in systematic behavioral testing Fpr1^−/− mice exhibited increased exploratory activity, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and impaired fear memory, but normal spatial memory and learning capacity. Consistent with this, the homeostatic serum level of corticosterone in Fpr1^−/− mice was significantly lower compared with wild-type mice. The data implicate Fpr1 in modulation of anxiety-like behavior and fear memory by regulating glucocorticoid production.