A novel role for receptor like protein tyrosine phosphatase zeta in modulation of sensorimotor responses to noxious stimuli: Evidences from knockout mice studies

Receptor like protein tyrosine phosphatase zeta (RPTPz) (also known as RPTP beta or PTP xi) is a tyrosine phosphatase widely expressed in the nervous system, thought to play a role in cell-cell communication. However, knocking out RPTPz does not induce major neural abnormalities in mice. In order to better assess the potential role of RPTPz in various neural functions, we performed a comprehensive behavioural characterization of CNS/PNS functions in knockout mice (RPTPz -/-) confirming previously observed impaired working memory functions and further demonstrating an altered motor coordination. Moreover, RPTPz -/- mice displayed reduced responses to moderate thermal and tactile stimuli, both in baseline and under inflammatory conditions. These findings assign novel functional role of RPTPz in motor coordination and nociception. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.