311. Role of BDNF and mGluR5 in Modulating Perseverative, Repetitive Behaviors

Perseverative, repetitive behaviors are life-interfering behaviors found in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive and autism spectrum disorders. Although the underlying cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit is well-known, the molecular mechanisms driving these behaviors within the circuit are less well understood. Prior studies have implicated aberrant brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) signaling in increased repetitive behaviors. We investigate the relationship between these two signaling pathways within the CSTC circuit.