Behavioral and neuroreceptor differences in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice

We studied spontaneous behavior in the cross-maze test and differences in neuroreceptors in inbred C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Correlation and factor analysis of behavioral data showed that the indices of exploratory behavior and anxiety in a novel context were rather independent from each other. The densities of NMDA receptors (B max, fmol/mg of protein) in the hippocampus and benzodiazepine receptors in the prefrontal cortex were higher in C57BL/6 mice. Our data demonstrate the opportunity for selective pharmacological regulation of cognitive behavior and anxiety using nootropic and anxiolytic drugs.