Strangely enough mice need to inhale CO2 to avoid seizures

Hairless rats rely on the abundant CO ₂ in a cramped cave to control the brain and escape seizures.

The researchers found that the hairless rat (Heterocephalus glaber) has a weakness that depends on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) in the environment, otherwise it will cause seizures. Previous studies revealed the ability to survive without oxygen and survive in an environment rich in CO ₂ of this mouse species. But the new study explored further when it proved that CO ₂ was essential to the health and well-being of rats and rodents. The results of the study were published April 30 in the journal Current Biology.

Hairless mice need CO2 to survive. (Photo: Live Science).

Neuroscientist Dan McCloskey of New York City University (CUNY) and colleagues say a gene mutation in naked rodents could explain their dependence on CO ₂ . The finding could be useful for treating patients with convulsions and similar neurological syndromes. "While hairless rodents breed in cramped nest systems, the air component just above the surface of their burrows in East Africa makes them more susceptible to convulsions. That happens when the naked rodents don't breathe enough. CO ₂ " , McCloskey explained.

Hairless rats tend to stick to the nest and stay close to each other in the cave. The abundant source of CO ₂ in the cave helps their brain become calmer. When the mice were exposed to outdoor oxygen-rich air, their brains rushed, leading to the risk of seizures. Because of this, hairy rodents rarely wander far from the crowded cave.

The researchers found that the CO ₂ reliance on hairless mice originated from a common genetic variation called R952H , which affects the KCC2 protein responsible for regulating chloride levels in brain neurons. When With KCC2 was no longer functioning normally, chloride could not perform the task of keeping the neuron working slowly and quietly when needed, leaving the mouse's brain susceptible to overload and convulsions. Neuroscientist Martin Puskarjov of the University of Helsinki, Finland, said that in addition to a small number of people, hairy rodents are the only other mammal with this gene variant.

"The brains of the shrews lack some of the inhibitors mammals need , " says neuroscientist Michael Zions at CUNY. "Instead, they need to use CO2 to work properly. They will have trouble with fresh air."

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