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Djabirska I, Delaval L, Tromme A, Blomet J, Desmecht D, Van Laere AS. Longitudinal quantitative assessment of TMEV-IDD-induced MS phenotypes in two inbred mouse strains using automated video tracking technology. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114851. [PMID: 38876197 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling disease of the central nervous system affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) is a murine model that reproduces the progressive form of MS and serves as a reference model for studying virus-induced demyelination. Certain mouse strains such as SJL are highly susceptible to this virus and serve as a prototype strain for studying TMEV infection. Other strains such as SWR are also susceptible, but their disease course following TMEV infection differs from SJL's. The quantification of motor and behavioral deficits following the induction of TMEV-IDD could help identify the differences between the two strains. Motor deficits have commonly been measured with the rotarod apparatus, but a multicomponent assessment tool has so far been lacking. For that purpose, we present a novel way of quantifying locomotor deficits, gait alterations and behavioral changes in this well-established mouse model of multiple sclerosis by employing automated video analysis technology (The PhenoTyper, Noldus Information Technology). We followed 12 SJL and 12 SWR female mice and their mock-infected counterparts over a period of 9 months following TMEV-IDD induction. We demonstrated that SJL and SWR mice both suffer significant gait alterations and reduced exploration following TMEV infection. However, SJL mice also display an earlier and more severe decline in spontaneous locomotion, especially in velocity, as well as in overall activity. Maintenance behaviors such as eating and grooming are not affected in either of the two strains. The system also showed differences in mock-infected mice from both strains, highlighting an age-related decline in spontaneous locomotion in the SJL strain, as opposed to hyperactivity in the SWR strain. Our study confirms that this automated video tracking system can reliably track the progression of TMEV-IDD for 9 months. We have also shown how this system can be utilized for longitudinal phenotyping in mice by describing useful parameters that quantify locomotion, gait and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iskra Djabirska
- Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège 4000, Belgium; Prevor Research Laboratories, Valmondois 95760, France
| | - Laetitia Delaval
- Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège 4000, Belgium; Prevor Research Laboratories, Valmondois 95760, France
| | - Audrey Tromme
- Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège 4000, Belgium; Prevor Research Laboratories, Valmondois 95760, France
| | - Joël Blomet
- Prevor Research Laboratories, Valmondois 95760, France
| | - Daniel Desmecht
- Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Van Laere
- Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège 4000, Belgium; Prevor Research Laboratories, Valmondois 95760, France.
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Lim CJM, Bray J, Janhunen SK, Platt B, Riedel G. Mouse Exploratory Behaviour in the Open Field with and without NAT-1 EEG Device: Effects of MK801 and Scopolamine. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1008. [PMID: 39199395 PMCID: PMC11352671 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
One aspect of reproducibility in preclinical research that is frequently overlooked is the physical condition in which physiological, pharmacological, or behavioural recordings are conducted. In this study, the physical conditions of mice were altered through the attachments of wireless electrophysiological recording devices (Neural Activity Tracker-1, NAT-1). NAT-1 devices are miniaturised multichannel devices with onboard memory for direct high-resolution recording of brain activity for >48 h. Such devices may limit the mobility of animals and affect their behavioural performance due to the added weight (total weight of approximately 3.4 g). The mice were additionally treated with saline (control), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK801 (0.85 mg/kg), or the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor blocker scopolamine (0.65 mg/kg) to allow exploration of the effect of NAT-1 attachments in pharmacologically treated mice. We found only minimal differences in behavioural outcomes with NAT-1 attachments in standard parameters of locomotor activity widely reported for the open field test between the drug treatments. Hypoactivity was globally observed as a consistent outcome in the MK801-treated mice and hyperactivity in scopolamine groups regardless of NAT-1 attachments. These data collectively confirm the reproducibility for combined behavioural, pharmacological, and physiological endpoints even in the presence of lightweight wireless data loggers. The NAT-1 therefore constitutes a pertinent tool for investigating brain activity in, e.g., drug discovery and models of neuropsychiatric and/or neurodegenerative diseases with minimal effects on pharmacological and behavioural outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine J. M. Lim
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.J.M.L.); (J.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Jack Bray
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.J.M.L.); (J.B.); (B.P.)
| | | | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.J.M.L.); (J.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.J.M.L.); (J.B.); (B.P.)
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Dzirkale Z, Pilipenko V, Pijet B, Klimaviciusa L, Upite J, Protokowicz K, Kaczmarek L, Jansone B. Long-term behavioural alterations in mice following transient cerebral ischemia. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114589. [PMID: 37481076 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Acute and chronic post-stroke changes have variable effects on the functional outcomes of the disease. Therefore, it is imperative to identify what daily activities are altered after stroke and to what extent, keeping in mind that ischemic stroke patients often have long-term post-stroke complications. Translational studies in stroke have also been challenging due to inconsistent study design of animal experiments. The objective of this study was to clarify whether and to what extent mouse behaviour was altered during a 6 months period after cerebral stroke. Experimental stroke was induced in mice by intraluminal filament insertion into the middle cerebral artery (fMCAo). Neurological deficits, recovery rate, motor performance, and circadian activity were evaluated following ischemia. We observed severe neurological deficits, motor impairments, and delay in the recovery rate of mice during the first 14 days after fMCAo. Aberrant circadian activity and distorted space map were seen in fMCAo mice starting one month after ischemia, similarly to altered new and familiar cage activity and sucrose preference using the IntelliCage, and was still evident 60- and 180- days following stroke in the voluntary running wheel using the PhenoMaster system. A preference towards ipsilateral side turns was observed in fMCAo mice both acutely and chronically after the stroke induction. Overall, our study shows the importance of determining time-dependent differences in the long-term post-stroke recovery (over 180 days after fMCAo) using multiple behavioural assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Dzirkale
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Street, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia.
| | - Vladimirs Pilipenko
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Street, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Barbara Pijet
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Linda Klimaviciusa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Street, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jolanta Upite
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Street, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Karolina Protokowicz
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY - Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Baiba Jansone
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Street, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia.
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Del Rosario Hernández T, Joshi NR, Gore SV, Kreiling JA, Creton R. An 8-cage imaging system for automated analyses of mouse behavior. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8113. [PMID: 37208415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35322-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of mouse behavior is used in biomedical research to study brain function in health and disease. Well-established rapid assays allow for high-throughput analyses of behavior but have several drawbacks, including measurements of daytime behaviors in nocturnal animals, effects of animal handling, and the lack of an acclimation period in the testing apparatus. We developed a novel 8-cage imaging system, with animated visual stimuli, for automated analyses of mouse behavior in 22-h overnight recordings. Software for image analysis was developed in two open-source programs, ImageJ and DeepLabCut. The imaging system was tested using 4-5 month-old female wild-type mice and 3xTg-AD mice, a widely-used model to study Alzheimer's disease (AD). The overnight recordings provided measurements of multiple behaviors including acclimation to the novel cage environment, day and nighttime activity, stretch-attend postures, location in various cage areas, and habituation to animated visual stimuli. The behavioral profiles were different in wild-type and 3xTg-AD mice. AD-model mice displayed reduced acclimation to the novel cage environment, were hyperactive during the first hour of darkness, and spent less time at home in comparison to wild-type mice. We propose that the imaging system may be used to study various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narendra R Joshi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sayali V Gore
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jill A Kreiling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Wong K, Wang ZC, Patarino M, Baskin B, Lee SJ, Schindler AG. Socially Integrated Polysubstance (SIP) system: An open-source solution for continuous monitoring of polysubstance fluid intake in group housed mice. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 7:10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100101. [PMID: 37560335 PMCID: PMC10411158 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite impressive results from neuroscience research using rodent models, there is a paucity of successful translation from preclinical findings to effective pharmacological interventions for treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) in humans. One potential reason for lack of translation from animal models is difficulty in accurately replicating the lived experience of people who use drugs. Aspects of substance use in humans that are often not modeled in animal research include but are not limited to 1) voluntary timing and frequency of substance intake, 2) social environment during substance use, and 3) access to multiple substances and multiple concentrations of each substance. Critically, existing commercial equipment that allows for social housing and voluntary polysubstance use (e.g., home cage monitoring system) is prohibitively expensive and no open-source solutions exist. With these goals in mind, here we detail development of the Socially Integrated Polysubstance (SIP) system, an open-source and lower cost solution that allows for group housed rodents to self-administer multiple substances with continuous monitoring and measurement. In our current setup, each SIP cage contains four drinking stations, and each station is equipped with a RFID sensor and sipper tube connected to a unique fluid reservoir. Using this system, we can track which animal (implanted with unique RFID transponder) visits which drinking location and the amount they drink during each visit (in 20 ul increments). Using four flavors of Kool-Aid, here we demonstrate that the SIP system is reliable and accurate with high temporal resolution for long term monitoring of substance intake and behavior tracking in a social environment. The SIP cage system is a first step towards designing an accessible and flexible rodent model of substance use that more closely resembles the experience of people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Wong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Ziheng Christina Wang
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Makenzie Patarino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Britahny Baskin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Suhjung Janet Lee
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Abigail G. Schindler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 98195
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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6
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Probing the Skin–Brain Axis: New Vistas Using Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137484. [PMID: 35806489 PMCID: PMC9267936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases of the skin, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, have gained increasing attention with rising incidences in developed countries over the past decades. While bodily properties, such as immunological responses of the skin, have been described in some detail, interactions with the brain via different routes are less well studied. The suggested routes of the skin–brain axis comprise the immune system, HPA axis, and the peripheral and central nervous system, including microglia responses and structural changes. They provide starting points to investigate the molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric comorbidities in AD and psoriasis. To this end, mouse models exist for AD and psoriasis that could be tested for relevant behavioral entities. In this review, we provide an overview of the current mouse models and assays. By combining an extensive behavioral characterization and state-of-the-art genetic interventions with the investigation of underlying molecular pathways, insights into the mechanisms of the skin–brain axis in inflammatory cutaneous diseases are examined, which will spark further research in humans and drive the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Bermudez Contreras E, Sutherland RJ, Mohajerani MH, Whishaw IQ. Challenges of a small world analysis for the continuous monitoring of behavior in mice. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104621. [PMID: 35307475 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Documenting a mouse's "real world" behavior in the "small world" of a laboratory cage with continuous video recordings offers insights into phenotypical expression of mouse genotypes, development and aging, and neurological disease. Nevertheless, there are challenges in the design of a small world, the behavior selected for analysis, and the form of the analysis used. Here we offer insights into small world analyses by describing how acute behavioral procedures can guide continuous behavioral methodology. We show how algorithms can identify behavioral acts including walking and rearing, circadian patterns of action including sleep duration and waking activity, and the organization of patterns of movement into home base activity and excursions, and how they are altered with aging. We additionally describe how specific tests can be incorporated within a mouse's living arrangement. We emphasize how machine learning can condense and organize continuous activity that extends over extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J Sutherland
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Majid H Mohajerani
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Canada.
| | - Ian Q Whishaw
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Canada
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Harry GJ, McBride S, Witchey SK, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Trembleau A, Bridge M, Bencsik A. Roadbumps at the Crossroads of Integrating Behavioral and In Vitro Approaches for Neurotoxicity Assessment. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:812863. [PMID: 35295216 PMCID: PMC8915899 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.812863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the appreciation that behavior represents the integration and complexity of the nervous system, neurobehavioral phenotyping and assessment has seen a renaissance over the last couple of decades, resulting in a robust database on rodent performance within various testing paradigms, possible associations with human disorders, and therapeutic interventions. The interchange of data across behavior and other test modalities and multiple model systems has advanced our understanding of fundamental biology and mechanisms associated with normal functions and alterations in the nervous system. While there is a demonstrated value and power of neurobehavioral assessments for examining alterations due to genetic manipulations, maternal factors, early development environment, the applied use of behavior to assess environmental neurotoxicity continues to come under question as to whether behavior represents a sensitive endpoint for assessment. Why is rodent behavior a sensitive tool to the neuroscientist and yet, not when used in pre-clinical or chemical neurotoxicity studies? Applying new paradigms and evidence on the biological basis of behavior to neurobehavioral testing requires expertise and refinement of how such experiments are conducted to minimize variability and maximize information. This review presents relevant issues of methods used to conduct such test, sources of variability, experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. It presents beneficial and critical limitations as they translate to the in vivo environment and considers the need to integrate across disciplines for the best value. It proposes that a refinement of behavioral assessments and understanding of subtle pronounced differences will facilitate the integration of data obtained across multiple approaches and to address issues of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Jean Harry
- Neurotoxicology Group, Molecular Toxicology Branch, Division National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sandra McBride
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shannah K. Witchey
- Division National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Alain Trembleau
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), Neuroscience Paris Seine (NPS), Paris, France
| | - Matthew Bridge
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anna Bencsik
- Anses Laboratoire de Lyon, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Université de Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Nigri M, Åhlgren J, Wolfer DP, Voikar V. Role of Environment and Experimenter in Reproducibility of Behavioral Studies With Laboratory Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:835444. [PMID: 35250504 PMCID: PMC8895324 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.835444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral phenotyping of mice has received a great deal of attention during the past three decades. However, there is still a pressing need to understand the variability caused by environmental and biological factors, human interference, and poorly standardized experimental protocols. The inconsistency of results is often attributed to the inter-individual difference between the experimenters and environmental conditions. The present work aims to dissect the combined influence of the experimenter and the environment on the detection of behavioral traits in two inbred strains most commonly used in behavioral genetics due to their contrasting phenotypes, the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. To this purpose, the elevated O-maze, the open field with object, the accelerating rotarod and the Barnes maze tests were performed by two experimenters in two diverse laboratory environments. Our findings confirm the well-characterized behavioral differences between these strains in exploratory behavior, motor performance, learning and memory. Moreover, the results demonstrate how the experimenter and the environment influence the behavioral tests with a variable-dependent effect, often with mutually exclusive contributions. In this context, our study highlights how both the experimenter and the environment can have an impact on the strain effect size without altering the direction of the conclusions. Importantly, the general agreement on the results is reached by converging evidence from multiple measures addressing the same trait. In conclusion, the present work elucidates the contribution of both the experimenter and the laboratory environment in the intricate field of reproducibility in mouse behavioral phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Nigri
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Martina Nigri,
| | - Johanna Åhlgren
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David P. Wolfer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vootele Voikar
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Vootele Voikar,
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Sil A, Erfani A, Lamb N, Copland R, Riedel G, Platt B. Sex Differences in Behavior and Molecular Pathology in the 5XFAD Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:755-778. [PMID: 34864660 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is greater in women compared to men, but the reasons for this remain unknown. This sex difference has been widely neglected in experimental studies using transgenic mouse models of AD. OBJECTIVE Here, we studied behavior and molecular pathology of 5-month-old 5XFAD mice, which express mutated human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 on a C57BL/6J background, versus their wild-type littermate controls, to compared both sex- and genotype-dependent differences. METHODS A novel behavioral paradigm was utilized (OF-NO-SI), comprising activity measures (Open Field, OF) arena, followed by Novel Object exploration (NO) and Social Interaction (SI) of a sex-matched conspecific. Each segment consisted of two repeated trials to assess between-trial habituation. Subsequently, brain pathology (amyloid load, stress response and inflammation markers, synaptic integrity, trophic support) was assessed using qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS Female 5XFAD mice had higher levels of human APP and amyloid-β and heightened inflammation versus males. These markers correlated with hyperactivity observed in both sexes, yet only female 5XFAD mice presented with deficits in object and social exploration. Male animals had higher expression of stress markers and neurotrophic factors irrespective of genotype, this correlated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSION The impact of sex on AD-relevant phenotypes is in line with human data and emphasizes the necessity of appropriate study design and reporting. Differential molecular profiles observed in male versus female mice offer insights into possible protective mechanisms, and hence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesha Sil
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Arina Erfani
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Nicola Lamb
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Rachel Copland
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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11
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Brown SDM. Advances in mouse genetics for the study of human disease. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R274-R284. [PMID: 34089057 PMCID: PMC8490014 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mouse is the pre-eminent model organism for studies of mammalian gene function and has provided an extraordinarily rich range of insights into basic genetic mechanisms and biological systems. Over several decades, the characterization of mouse mutants has illuminated the relationship between gene and phenotype, providing transformational insights into the genetic bases of disease. However, if we are to deliver the promise of genomic and precision medicine, we must develop a comprehensive catalogue of mammalian gene function that uncovers the dark genome and elucidates pleiotropy. Advances in large-scale mouse mutagenesis programmes allied to high-throughput mouse phenomics are now addressing this challenge and systematically revealing novel gene function and multi-morbidities. Alongside the development of these pan-genomic mutational resources, mouse genetics is employing a range of diversity resources to delineate gene-gene and gene-environment interactions and to explore genetic context. Critically, mouse genetics is a powerful tool for assessing the functional impact of human genetic variation and determining the causal relationship between variant and disease. Together these approaches provide unique opportunities to dissect in vivo mechanisms and systems to understand pathophysiology and disease. Moreover, the provision and utility of mouse models of disease has flourished and engages cumulatively at numerous points across the translational spectrum from basic mechanistic studies to pre-clinical studies, target discovery and therapeutic development.
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12
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Grieco F, Bernstein BJ, Biemans B, Bikovski L, Burnett CJ, Cushman JD, van Dam EA, Fry SA, Richmond-Hacham B, Homberg JR, Kas MJH, Kessels HW, Koopmans B, Krashes MJ, Krishnan V, Logan S, Loos M, McCann KE, Parduzi Q, Pick CG, Prevot TD, Riedel G, Robinson L, Sadighi M, Smit AB, Sonntag W, Roelofs RF, Tegelenbosch RAJ, Noldus LPJJ. Measuring Behavior in the Home Cage: Study Design, Applications, Challenges, and Perspectives. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:735387. [PMID: 34630052 PMCID: PMC8498589 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.735387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproducibility crisis (or replication crisis) in biomedical research is a particularly existential and under-addressed issue in the field of behavioral neuroscience, where, in spite of efforts to standardize testing and assay protocols, several known and unknown sources of confounding environmental factors add to variance. Human interference is a major contributor to variability both within and across laboratories, as well as novelty-induced anxiety. Attempts to reduce human interference and to measure more "natural" behaviors in subjects has led to the development of automated home-cage monitoring systems. These systems enable prolonged and longitudinal recordings, and provide large continuous measures of spontaneous behavior that can be analyzed across multiple time scales. In this review, a diverse team of neuroscientists and product developers share their experiences using such an automated monitoring system that combines Noldus PhenoTyper® home-cages and the video-based tracking software, EthoVision® XT, to extract digital biomarkers of motor, emotional, social and cognitive behavior. After presenting our working definition of a "home-cage", we compare home-cage testing with more conventional out-of-cage tests (e.g., the open field) and outline the various advantages of the former, including opportunities for within-subject analyses and assessments of circadian and ultradian activity. Next, we address technical issues pertaining to the acquisition of behavioral data, such as the fine-tuning of the tracking software and the potential for integration with biotelemetry and optogenetics. Finally, we provide guidance on which behavioral measures to emphasize, how to filter, segment, and analyze behavior, and how to use analysis scripts. We summarize how the PhenoTyper has applications to study neuropharmacology as well as animal models of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illness. Looking forward, we examine current challenges and the impact of new developments. Examples include the automated recognition of specific behaviors, unambiguous tracking of individuals in a social context, the development of more animal-centered measures of behavior and ways of dealing with large datasets. Together, we advocate that by embracing standardized home-cage monitoring platforms like the PhenoTyper, we are poised to directly assess issues pertaining to reproducibility, and more importantly, measure features of rodent behavior under more ethologically relevant scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Briana J Bernstein
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Lior Bikovski
- Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Netanya Academic College, Netanya, Israel
| | - C Joseph Burnett
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Sydney A Fry
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Bar Richmond-Hacham
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Helmut W Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Michael J Krashes
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vaishnav Krishnan
- Laboratory of Epilepsy and Emotional Behavior, Baylor Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sreemathi Logan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katharine E McCann
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Chaim G Pick
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Chair and Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thomas D Prevot
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lianne Robinson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Sadighi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - William Sonntag
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Geroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | | | | | - Lucas P J J Noldus
- Noldus Information Technology BV, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Department of Biophysics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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13
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Urbánková G, Riegert J, Mladěnková N, Kolářová P, Eliáš Z, Sedláček F. Behavioural plasticity of motor personality traits in the common vole under three-day continual observation in a test box. Behav Processes 2021; 188:104418. [PMID: 33971250 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In animals, behavioural personality traits have been well-documented in a wide array of species. However, these traits, different between individuals, are not completely stable in individuals. They show behavioural plasticity like many other phenotypic traits. This plasticity is able to overcome some weak aspects of personality trait behavioural strategy. In the present study, we examined the relationship between motor personality traits and behavioural plasticity in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) using a PhenoTyper (PT) box (Noldus). During a three-day test, four behavioural motor activity parameters were monitored in 47 voles: distance moved, (loco)motion duration, motion change frequency, sprint duration. Consistency repeatability (RC) of the parameters from the PT test was very high, with all values ≥ 0.91. To select the best linear mixed-effect models (LMMs), several predictors (test day, sex, body weight) were tested. Only test day had a significant effect on the dependent variables and other predictors did not improve the LMMs. Further, we found significant effects of random intercepts (motor personality traits) and slopes (behavioural plasticity), as well as significant negative correlations between them for all behavioural parameters. Our results indicate that motor personality traits were connected with behavioural plasticity. Moreover, we revealed a significant positive correlation between the random slopes of (loco)motion duration and motion change frequency. This relationship could indicate some central plasticity of motor personality traits. In conclusion, negative correlations between the motor personality traits and the behavioural plasticity demonstrate expression of convergent tendency from both opposite trait values. This corresponds with different ideas on ability to compensate personality effects or to prepare for potential future conditions. In the laboratory, plasticity of personality traits take place whenever an animal is placed e. g. in a breeding box for the first time or is left for a long time in an experimental apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Riegert
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petra Kolářová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Eliáš
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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14
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Schroeder S, Hofer SJ, Zimmermann A, Pechlaner R, Dammbrueck C, Pendl T, Marcello GM, Pogatschnigg V, Bergmann M, Müller M, Gschiel V, Ristic S, Tadic J, Iwata K, Richter G, Farzi A, Üçal M, Schäfer U, Poglitsch M, Royer P, Mekis R, Agreiter M, Tölle RC, Sótonyi P, Willeit J, Mairhofer B, Niederkofler H, Pallhuber I, Rungger G, Tilg H, Defrancesco M, Marksteiner J, Sinner F, Magnes C, Pieber TR, Holzer P, Kroemer G, Carmona-Gutierrez D, Scorrano L, Dengjel J, Madl T, Sedej S, Sigrist SJ, Rácz B, Kiechl S, Eisenberg T, Madeo F. Dietary spermidine improves cognitive function. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108985. [PMID: 33852843 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased cognitive performance is a hallmark of brain aging, but the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues remain poorly understood. Recent studies have revealed health-protective and lifespan-extending effects of dietary spermidine, a natural autophagy-promoting polyamine. Here, we show that dietary spermidine passes the blood-brain barrier in mice and increases hippocampal eIF5A hypusination and mitochondrial function. Spermidine feeding in aged mice affects behavior in homecage environment tasks, improves spatial learning, and increases hippocampal respiratory competence. In a Drosophila aging model, spermidine boosts mitochondrial respiratory capacity, an effect that requires the autophagy regulator Atg7 and the mitophagy mediators Parkin and Pink1. Neuron-specific Pink1 knockdown abolishes spermidine-induced improvement of olfactory associative learning. This suggests that the maintenance of mitochondrial and autophagic function is essential for enhanced cognition by spermidine feeding. Finally, we show large-scale prospective data linking higher dietary spermidine intake with a reduced risk for cognitive impairment in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Schroeder
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sebastian J Hofer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Zimmermann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Raimund Pechlaner
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Tobias Pendl
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - G Mark Marcello
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktoria Pogatschnigg
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Bergmann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Melanie Müller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Gschiel
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Selena Ristic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Jelena Tadic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Keiko Iwata
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129 Padova, Italy; Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 910-1193 Fukui, Japan; Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Gesa Richter
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Aitak Farzi
- Otto Loewi Research Center (for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation), Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz (MUG), 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Muammer Üçal
- Department of Neurosurgery, RU Experimental Neurotraumatology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Ute Schäfer
- Department of Neurosurgery, RU Experimental Neurotraumatology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Poglitsch
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Royer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ronald Mekis
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marlene Agreiter
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Regine C Tölle
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Péter Sótonyi
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Johann Willeit
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaela Defrancesco
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Josef Marksteiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, Hall State Hospital, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Frank Sinner
- HEALTH-Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, 8010 Graz, Austria; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Magnes
- HEALTH-Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas R Pieber
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; HEALTH-Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, 8010 Graz, Austria; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Holzer
- Otto Loewi Research Center (for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation), Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz (MUG), 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94 805 Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 215123 Suzhou, China; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Luca Scorrano
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129 Padova, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Madl
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Sedej
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Stephan J Sigrist
- Institute of Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bence Rácz
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; VASCage, Research Centre on Vascular Ageing and Stroke, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Tobias Eisenberg
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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15
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Mingrone A, Kaffman A, Kaffman A. The Promise of Automated Home-Cage Monitoring in Improving Translational Utility of Psychiatric Research in Rodents. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:618593. [PMID: 33390898 PMCID: PMC7773806 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.618593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Large number of promising preclinical psychiatric studies in rodents later fail in clinical trials, raising concerns about the efficacy of this approach to generate novel pharmacological interventions. In this mini-review we argue that over-reliance on behavioral tests that are brief and highly sensitive to external factors play a critical role in this failure and propose that automated home-cage monitoring offers several advantages that will increase the translational utility of preclinical psychiatric research in rodents. We describe three of the most commonly used approaches for automated home cage monitoring in rodents [e.g., operant wall systems (OWS), computerized visual systems (CVS), and automatic motion sensors (AMS)] and review several commercially available systems that integrate the different approaches. Specific examples that demonstrate the advantages of automated home-cage monitoring over traditional tests of anxiety, depression, cognition, and addiction-like behaviors are highlighted. We conclude with recommendations on how to further expand this promising line of preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Mingrone
- Department of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ayal Kaffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Arie Kaffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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16
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Marshall-Phelps KLH, Riedel G, Wulff P, Woloszynowska-Fraser M. Cerebellar molecular layer interneurons are dispensable for cued and contextual fear conditioning. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20000. [PMID: 33203929 PMCID: PMC7672060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76729-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purkinje cells are the only output cell of the cerebellar cortex. Their spatiotemporal activity is controlled by molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) through GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition. Recently, it has been reported that the cerebellar cortex is required for consolidation of conditioned fear responses during fear memory formation. Although the relevance of MLIs during fear memory formation is currently not known, it has been shown that synapses made between MLIs and Purkinje cells exhibit long term plasticity following fear conditioning. The present study examined the role of cerebellar MLIs in the formation of fear memory using a genetically-altered mouse line (PC-∆γ2) in which GABAA receptor-mediated signaling at MLI to Purkinje cell synapses was functionally removed. We found that neither acquisition nor recall of fear memories to tone and context were altered after removal of MLI-mediated inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy L H Marshall-Phelps
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Peer Wulff
- Institute of Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24098, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Marta Woloszynowska-Fraser
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.,National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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17
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Mitchell EJ, Brett RR, Armstrong JD, Sillito RR, Pratt JA. Temporal dissociation of phencyclidine: Induced locomotor and social alterations in rats using an automated homecage monitoring system - implications for the 3Rs and preclinical drug discovery. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:709-715. [PMID: 32438848 PMCID: PMC7675779 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120920455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent behavioural assays are widely used to delineate the mechanisms of psychiatric disorders and predict the efficacy of drug candidates. Conventional behavioural paradigms are restricted to short time windows and involve transferring animals from the homecage to unfamiliar apparatus which induces stress. Additionally, factors including environmental perturbations, handling and the presence of an experimenter can impact behaviour and confound data interpretation. To improve welfare and reproducibility these issues must be resolved. Automated homecage monitoring offers a more ethologically relevant approach with reduced experimenter bias. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of an automated homecage system at detecting locomotor and social alterations induced by phencyclidine (PCP) in group-housed rats. PCP is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist commonly utilised to model aspects of schizophrenia. METHODS Rats housed in groups of three were implanted with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Each homecage was placed over a RFID reader baseplate for the automated monitoring of the social and locomotor activity of each individual rat. For all rats, we acquired homecage data for 24 h following administration of both saline and PCP (2.5 mg/kg). RESULTS PCP resulted in significantly increased distance travelled from 15 to 60 min post injection. Furthermore, PCP significantly enhanced time spent isolated from cage mates and this asociality occured from 60 to 105 min post treatment. CONCLUSIONS Unlike conventional assays, in-cage monitoring captures the temporal duration of drug effects on multiple behaviours in the same group of animals. This approach could benefit psychiatric preclinical drug discovery through improved welfare and increased between-laboratory replicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Mitchell
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK,Emma J Mitchell, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral St, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Ros R Brett
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Douglas Armstrong
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Actual Analytics Ltd, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Judith A Pratt
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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18
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Prevention of age-associated neuronal hyperexcitability with improved learning and attention upon knockout or antagonism of LPAR2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1029-1050. [PMID: 32468095 PMCID: PMC7897625 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that synaptic lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) augment glutamate-dependent cortical excitability and sensory information processing in mice and humans via presynaptic LPAR2 activation. Here, we studied the consequences of LPAR2 deletion or antagonism on various aspects of cognition using a set of behavioral and electrophysiological analyses. Hippocampal neuronal network activity was decreased in middle-aged LPAR2−/− mice, whereas hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) was increased suggesting cognitive advantages of LPAR2−/− mice. In line with the lower excitability, RNAseq studies revealed reduced transcription of neuronal activity markers in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in naïve LPAR2−/− mice, including ARC, FOS, FOSB, NR4A, NPAS4 and EGR2. LPAR2−/− mice behaved similarly to wild-type controls in maze tests of spatial or social learning and memory but showed faster and accurate responses in a 5-choice serial reaction touchscreen task requiring high attention and fast spatial discrimination. In IntelliCage learning experiments, LPAR2−/− were less active during daytime but normally active at night, and showed higher accuracy and attention to LED cues during active times. Overall, they maintained equal or superior licking success with fewer trials. Pharmacological block of the LPAR2 receptor recapitulated the LPAR2−/− phenotype, which was characterized by economic corner usage, stronger daytime resting behavior and higher proportions of correct trials. We conclude that LPAR2 stabilizes neuronal network excitability upon aging and allows for more efficient use of resting periods, better memory consolidation and better performance in tasks requiring high selective attention. Therapeutic LPAR2 antagonism may alleviate aging-associated cognitive dysfunctions.
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19
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Murphy TH, Michelson NJ, Boyd JD, Fong T, Bolanos LA, Bierbrauer D, Siu T, Balbi M, Bolanos F, Vanni M, LeDue JM. Automated task training and longitudinal monitoring of mouse mesoscale cortical circuits using home cages. eLife 2020; 9:55964. [PMID: 32412409 PMCID: PMC7332290 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We report improved automated open-source methodology for head-fixed mesoscale cortical imaging and/or behavioral training of home cage mice using Raspberry Pi-based hardware. Staged partial and probabilistic restraint allows mice to adjust to self-initiated headfixation over 3 weeks' time with ~50% participation rate. We support a cue-based behavioral licking task monitored by a capacitive touch-sensor water spout. While automatically head-fixed, we acquire spontaneous, movement-triggered, or licking task-evoked GCaMP6 cortical signals. An analysis pipeline marked both behavioral events, as well as analyzed brain fluorescence signals as they relate to spontaneous and/or task-evoked behavioral activity. Mice were trained to suppress licking and wait for cues that marked the delivery of water. Correct rewarded go-trials were associated with widespread activation of midline and lateral barrel cortex areas following a vibration cue and delayed frontal and lateral motor cortex activation. Cortical GCaMP signals predicted trial success and correlated strongly with trial-outcome dependent body movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy H Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Michelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jamie D Boyd
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tony Fong
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Luis A Bolanos
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Bierbrauer
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Teri Siu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Federico Bolanos
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Matthieu Vanni
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jeff M LeDue
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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20
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Kiryk A, Janusz A, Zglinicki B, Turkes E, Knapska E, Konopka W, Lipp HP, Kaczmarek L. IntelliCage as a tool for measuring mouse behavior - 20 years perspective. Behav Brain Res 2020; 388:112620. [PMID: 32302617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the 1980s, we have witnessed the rapid development of genetically modified mouse models of human diseases. A large number of transgenic and knockout mice have been utilized in basic and applied research, including models of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. To assess the biological function of mutated genes, modern techniques are critical to detect changes in behavioral phenotypes. We review the IntelliCage, a high-throughput system that is used for behavioral screening and detailed analyses of complex behaviors in mice. The IntelliCage was introduced almost two decades ago and has been used in over 150 studies to assess both spontaneous and cognitive behaviors. We present a critical analysis of experimental data that have been generated using this device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kiryk
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Artur Janusz
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Zglinicki
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emir Turkes
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ewelina Knapska
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Witold Konopka
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hans-Peter Lipp
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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21
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Chotard É, Mohammadi F, Julien P, Berthiaume L, Rudkowska I, Bertrand N. Drinkable lecithin nanovesicles to study the biological effects of individual hydrophobic macronutrients and food preferences. Food Chem 2020; 322:126736. [PMID: 32325363 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental nutritional studies on bioactive molecules require minimizing exposure to confounding foreign elements, like solvents. Herein, aqueous formulations of lecithin nanovesicles are proposed to study three individual trans fatty acids relevant to human nutrition: elaidic acid, trans-vaccenic acid and trans-palmitoleic acid. This proof-of-concept study describes the encapsulation of fatty acids, in vivo bioavailability, and the use of nanovesicles in behavioral experiments. The oral bioavailability of the encapsulated molecules and the selective exposure of animals to each trans-fatty acid of interest were confirmed in healthy rats. Behavioral studies also evidenced that nanovesicles can be used to evaluate the palatability of the lipids and investigate food preferences in mice. Altogether this study shows that lecithin nanovesicles offer an elegant tool to efficiently deliver hydrophobic molecules to animal models. This approach paves the way for future studies deconvoluting the nutritional effects of trans-fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élodie Chotard
- Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada; Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Farzad Mohammadi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada; Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Pierre Julien
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada; Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Line Berthiaume
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada; Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Iwona Rudkowska
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada; Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - Nicolas Bertrand
- Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods - INAF, Université Laval, 2440 Hochelaga Blvd, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada; Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada.
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22
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Gulinello M, Mitchell HA, Chang Q, Timothy O'Brien W, Zhou Z, Abel T, Wang L, Corbin JG, Veeraragavan S, Samaco RC, Andrews NA, Fagiolini M, Cole TB, Burbacher TM, Crawley JN. Rigor and reproducibility in rodent behavioral research. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106780. [PMID: 29307548 PMCID: PMC6034984 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral neuroscience research incorporates the identical high level of meticulous methodologies and exacting attention to detail as all other scientific disciplines. To achieve maximal rigor and reproducibility of findings, well-trained investigators employ a variety of established best practices. Here we explicate some of the requirements for rigorous experimental design and accurate data analysis in conducting mouse and rat behavioral tests. Novel object recognition is used as an example of a cognitive assay which has been conducted successfully with a range of methods, all based on common principles of appropriate procedures, controls, and statistics. Directors of Rodent Core facilities within Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers contribute key aspects of their own novel object recognition protocols, offering insights into essential similarities and less-critical differences. Literature cited in this review article will lead the interested reader to source papers that provide step-by-step protocols which illustrate optimized methods for many standard rodent behavioral assays. Adhering to best practices in behavioral neuroscience will enhance the value of animal models for the multiple goals of understanding biological mechanisms, evaluating consequences of genetic mutations, and discovering efficacious therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gulinello
- IDDRC Behavioral Core Facility, Neuroscience Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Heather A Mitchell
- IDD Models Core, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Qiang Chang
- IDD Models Core, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - W Timothy O'Brien
- IDDRC Preclinical Models Core, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- IDDRC Preclinical Models Core, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- IDDRC Preclinical Models Core, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Current affiliation: Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Li Wang
- IDDRC Neurobehavioral Core, Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Joshua G Corbin
- IDDRC Neurobehavioral Core, Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Surabi Veeraragavan
- IDDRC Neurobehavioral Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rodney C Samaco
- IDDRC Neurobehavioral Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nick A Andrews
- IDDRC Neurodevelopmental Behavior Core, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michela Fagiolini
- IDDRC Neurodevelopmental Behavior Core, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Toby B Cole
- IDDRC Rodent Behavior Laboratory, Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas M Burbacher
- IDDRC Rodent Behavior Laboratory, Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- IDDRC Rodent Behavior Core, MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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23
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Marwari S, Dawe GS. Effects of haloperidol on cognitive function and behavioural flexibility in the IntelliCage social home cage environment. Behav Brain Res 2019; 371:111976. [PMID: 31136773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of chronic administration of haloperidol in female C57BL/6 mice. As patients with schizophrenia often show perseverant behaviours and lack of behavioural flexibility, it is important to know whether the effect of haloperidol makes these traits worse. This study, therefore, was designed to evaluate the effects of haloperidol on the learning performance of mice using an automated home cage environment, the IntelliCage. Behavioural shuttling in the IntelliCage enabled us to assess learning in tasks including place discrimination learning and reversal place learning. In reversal place learning, spatial patterns of rewarded and non-rewarded places that mice had learned to discriminate were reversed, and the adaptability of mice to change the previously acquired place learning was measured. Haloperidol (1 mg/kg/day) reduced locomotor activity and water intake. Haloperidol impaired the cognitive flexibility of mice during reversal place learning rewarded by access to water but enhanced the rapid acquisition of behavioural flexibility when airpuff punishment was applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhi Marwari
- Drug Development Unit, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore
| | - Gavin S Dawe
- Drug Development Unit, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, 117600, Singapore; Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
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24
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25
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Ahloy-Dallaire J, Klein JD, Davis JK, Garner JP. Automated monitoring of mouse feeding and body weight for continuous health assessment. Lab Anim 2018; 53:342-351. [PMID: 30286683 DOI: 10.1177/0023677218797974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Routine health assessment of laboratory rodents can be improved using automated home cage monitoring. Continuous, non-stressful, objective assessment of rodents unaware that they are being watched, including during their active dark period, reveals behavioural and physiological changes otherwise invisible to human caretakers. We developed an automated feeder that tracks feed intake, body weight, and physical appearance of individual radio frequency identification-tagged mice in social home cages. Here, we experimentally induce illness via lipopolysaccharide challenge and show that this automated tracking apparatus reveals sickness behaviour (reduced food intake) as early as 2-4 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection, whereas human observers conducting routine health checks fail to detect a significant difference between sick mice and saline-injected controls. Continuous automated monitoring additionally reveals pronounced circadian rhythms in both feed intake and body weight. Automated home cage monitoring is a non-invasive, reliable mode of health surveillance allowing caretakers to more efficiently detect and respond to early signs of illness in laboratory rodent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jon D Klein
- 2 Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, United States
| | - Jerry K Davis
- 3 Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, United States
| | - Joseph P Garner
- 1 Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, United States.,4 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, United States
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26
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Parvalbumin-containing GABA cells and schizophrenia: experimental model based on targeted gene delivery through adeno-associated viruses. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:630-641. [PMID: 29120948 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the contribution of transmitter systems in behavioural pharmacology has a long tradition. Multiple techniques such as transmitter-specific lesions, and also localized administration of pharmacological toxins including agonists and antagonists of selected receptors have been applied. More recently, modern genetic tools have permitted cell-type selective interferences, for example by expression of light-sensitive channels followed by optogenetic stimulation in behaviourally meaningful settings or by engineered channels termed DREADDS that respond to peripherally administered drugs. We here took a similar approach and employed a Cre recombinase-dependent viral delivery system (adeno-associated virus) to express tetanus toxin light chain (TeLc) and thus, block neural transmission specifically in parvalbumin-positive (PV+) neurons of the limbic and infralimbic prefrontal circuitry. PV-TeLc cohorts presented with normal circadian activity as recorded in PhenoTyper home cages, but a reproducible increase in anxiety was extracted in both the open field and light-dark box. Interestingly, working memory assessed in a spontaneous alternation Y-maze task was impaired in PV-TeLc mice. We also recorded local field potentials from a separate cohort and found no global changes in brain activity, but found a behaviourally relevant lack of modulation in the gamma spectral band. These anomalies are reminiscent of endophenotypes of schizophrenia and appear to be critically dependent on GABAergic signalling through PV neurones. At the same time, these observations validate the use of viral vector delivery and its expression in Cre-lines as a useful tool for understanding the role of selective components of the brain in behaviour and the underpinning physiology.
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27
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Brown SDM, Holmes CC, Mallon AM, Meehan TF, Smedley D, Wells S. High-throughput mouse phenomics for characterizing mammalian gene function. Nat Rev Genet 2018; 19:357-370. [PMID: 29626206 PMCID: PMC6582361 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-018-0005-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We are entering a new era of mouse phenomics, driven by large-scale and economical generation of mouse mutants coupled with increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive phenotyping. These studies are generating large, multidimensional gene-phenotype data sets, which are shedding new light on the mammalian genome landscape and revealing many hitherto unknown features of mammalian gene function. Moreover, these phenome resources provide a wealth of disease models and can be integrated with human genomics data as a powerful approach for the interpretation of human genetic variation and its relationship to disease. In the future, the development of novel phenotyping platforms allied to improved computational approaches, including machine learning, for the analysis of phenotype data will continue to enhance our ability to develop a comprehensive and powerful model of mammalian gene-phenotype space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris C Holmes
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Terrence F Meehan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
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28
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Robinson L, Spruijt B, Riedel G. Between and within laboratory reliability of mouse behaviour recorded in home-cage and open-field. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 300:10-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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29
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Marwari S, Dawe GS. (R)-fluoxetine enhances cognitive flexibility and hippocampal cell proliferation in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:441-457. [PMID: 29458297 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118754733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fluoxetine is a clinically successful antidepressant. It is a racemic mixture of (R) and (S) stereoisomers. In preclinical studies, chronic treatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) had antidepressant effects correlated with increased hippocampal cell proliferation in adult rodents. However, the contribution of the enantiomers of fluoxetine is largely unknown. We investigated the effects of treatment with (R)- and (S)-fluoxetine on cognitive behavioral paradigms and examined cell proliferation in the hippocampus of C57BL/6J female mice. In a behavioral sequencing task using the IntelliCage system in which discriminated spatial patterns of rewarded and never-rewarded corners were reversed serially, (R)-fluoxetine-treated mice showed rapid acquisition of behavioral sequencing (compared with S-fluoxetine) and cognitive flexibility in subsequent reversal stages in intra- and inter-session analysis. (R)-fluoxetine also increased cell proliferation in the hippocampus, in particular in the suprapyramidal blade of the dentate gyrus. (R)-fluoxetine had superior effects to (S)-fluoxetine in elevated plus maze, forced-swim and tail-suspension tests. These results suggest that (R)-fluoxetine, which has been reported to have a shorter half-life than (S)-fluoxetine, has superior antidepressant effects and more consistently improves spatial learning and memory. This profile offers advantages in depression treatment and may also aid management of the neurocognitive impairments associated with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhi Marwari
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gavin S Dawe
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,2 Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, University of Singapore, Singapore
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30
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Of rodents and men: understanding the emergence of motor and cognitive symptoms in Huntington disease. Behav Pharmacol 2017; 27:403-14. [PMID: 26886208 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Arguably, one of the most important milestones in Huntington disease research since the discovery of the gene responsible has been the generation of different genetic animal models. Although clinical reports have shown evidence of progressive cognitive impairments in gene carriers before motor symptoms are diagnosed, such symptoms have been much less obvious in animal models. In this review, we summarize the three main classes of animal models for Huntington disease and describe some relevant translational assays for behavioural deficits evaluation. Finally, we argue that a good knowledge of the emergence of motor and cognitive symptoms in mice and rat models is indispensable for the selection of endpoint measures in early preclinical drug screening studies.
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31
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Hardt S, Heidler J, Albuquerque B, Valek L, Altmann C, Wilken-Schmitz A, Schäfer MK, Wittig I, Tegeder I. Loss of synaptic zinc transport in progranulin deficient mice may contribute to progranulin-associated psychopathology and chronic pain. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2727-2745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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32
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Pelsőczi P, Lévay G. Effect of Scopolamine on Mice Motor Activity, Lick Behavior and Reversal Learning in the IntelliCage. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:3597-3602. [PMID: 29071534 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Automated homecage monitoring systems are now widely recognized and used tools in cognitive neuroscience. However, few of these studies cover pharmacological interventions. Scopolamine, an anticholinergic memory disrupting agent is frequently used to study learning behavior. We studied the impact of scopolamine treatment in a relevant dose-range on activity, drinking behavior and reversal learning of C57BL/DJ mice in a homecage-like, social environment, using the IntelliCage. Naïve mice were first habituated to the IntelliCage, where they learned to nosepoke in any of the four corners in order to gain access to the water reward. Visits, nosepokes, lick numbers and durations were recorded. Mice were then trained to distinguish between a rewarded correct corner and punished, incorrect corners. Later, in the reversal learning phase, the assigned correct corner was rotated clockwise every 24 h. Upon s.c. administration of scopolamine general activity represented by visit and nosepoke numbers increased, but their durations were shorter. Surprisingly, general activity and lick behavior were drastically altered. Scopolamine also significantly reduced the ability to perform a reversal learning task. We not only found significant decline in reversal learning due to scopolamine treatment, but studied the method specific underlying behaviors: the general activity and lick behavior as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Pelsőczi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Pharmacology, Gedeon Richter Plc., Gyömrői út 19-21, Budapest, 1103, Hungary
| | - György Lévay
- Laboratory of Cognitive Pharmacology, Gedeon Richter Plc., Gyömrői út 19-21, Budapest, 1103, Hungary.
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33
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Ismail NIW, Jayabalan N, Mansor SM, Müller CP, Muzaimi M. Chronic mitragynine (kratom) enhances punishment resistance in natural reward seeking and impairs place learning in mice. Addict Biol 2017; 22:967-976. [PMID: 26990882 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a widely abused herbal drug preparation in Southeast Asia. It is often consumed as a substitute for heroin, but imposing itself unknown harms and addictive burdens. Mitragynine is the major psychostimulant constituent of kratom that has recently been reported to induce morphine-like behavioural and cognitive effects in rodents. The effects of chronic consumption on non-drug related behaviours are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic mitragynine treatment on spontaneous activity, reward-related behaviour and cognition in mice in an IntelliCage® system, and compared them with those of morphine and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We found that chronic mitragynine treatment significantly potentiated horizontal exploratory activity. It enhanced spontaneous sucrose preference and also its persistence when the preference had aversive consequences. Furthermore, mitragynine impaired place learning and its reversal. Thereby, mitragynine effects closely resembled that of morphine and THC sensitisation. These findings suggest that chronic mitragynine exposure enhances spontaneous locomotor activity and the preference for natural rewards, but impairs learning and memory. These findings confirm pleiotropic effects of mitragynine (kratom) on human lifestyle, but may also support the recognition of the drug's harm potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Iman W. Ismail
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Malaysia
- Centre for Neuroscience Services and Research; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Malaysia
| | - Nanthini Jayabalan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Malaysia
- Centre for Neuroscience Services and Research; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Malaysia
| | | | - Christian P. Müller
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Mustapha Muzaimi
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Malaysia
- Centre for Neuroscience Services and Research; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Malaysia
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34
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Popova A, Tsvirkun D, Dolgov O, Anokhin K, Alberts J, Lagereva E, Custaud MA, Gauquelin-Koch G, Vinogradova O, Andreev-Andrievskiy A. Adaptation to a blood pressure telemetry system revealed by measures of activity, agility and operant learning in mice. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 85:29-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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35
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Koopmans B, Smit AB, Verhage M, Loos M. AHCODA-DB: a data repository with web-based mining tools for the analysis of automated high-content mouse phenomics data. BMC Bioinformatics 2017; 18:200. [PMID: 28376796 PMCID: PMC5379645 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-017-1612-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic, standardized and in-depth phenotyping and data analyses of rodent behaviour empowers gene-function studies, drug testing and therapy design. However, no data repositories are currently available for standardized quality control, data analysis and mining at the resolution of individual mice. DESCRIPTION Here, we present AHCODA-DB, a public data repository with standardized quality control and exclusion criteria aimed to enhance robustness of data, enabled with web-based mining tools for the analysis of individually and group-wise collected mouse phenotypic data. AHCODA-DB allows monitoring in vivo effects of compounds collected from conventional behavioural tests and from automated home-cage experiments assessing spontaneous behaviour, anxiety and cognition without human interference. AHCODA-DB includes such data from mutant mice (transgenics, knock-out, knock-in), (recombinant) inbred strains, and compound effects in wildtype mice and disease models. AHCODA-DB provides real time statistical analyses with single mouse resolution and versatile suite of data presentation tools. On March 9th, 2017 AHCODA-DB contained 650 k data points on 2419 parameters from 1563 mice. CONCLUSION AHCODA-DB provides users with tools to systematically explore mouse behavioural data, both with positive and negative outcome, published and unpublished, across time and experiments with single mouse resolution. The standardized (automated) experimental settings and the large current dataset (1563 mice) in AHCODA-DB provide a unique framework for the interpretation of behavioural data and drug effects. The use of common ontologies allows data export to other databases such as the Mouse Phenome Database. Unbiased presentation of positive and negative data obtained under the highly standardized screening conditions increase cost efficiency of publicly funded mouse screening projects and help to reach consensus conclusions on drug responses and mouse behavioural phenotypes. The website is publicly accessible through https://public.sylics.com and can be viewed in every recent version of all commonly used browsers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Verhage
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Koss DJ, Robinson L, Drever BD, Plucińska K, Stoppelkamp S, Veselcic P, Riedel G, Platt B. Mutant Tau knock-in mice display frontotemporal dementia relevant behaviour and histopathology. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 91:105-23. [PMID: 26949217 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Models of Tau pathology related to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are essential to determine underlying neurodegenerative pathologies and resulting tauopathy relevant behavioural changes. However, existing models are often limited in their translational value due to Tau overexpression, and the frequent occurrence of motor deficits which prevent comprehensive behavioural assessments. In order to address these limitations, a forebrain-specific (CaMKIIα promoter), human mutated Tau (hTauP301L+R406W) knock-in mouse was generated out of the previously characterised PLB1Triple mouse, and named PLB2Tau. After confirmation of an additional hTau species (~60kDa) in forebrain samples, we identified age-dependent progressive Tau phosphorylation which coincided with the emergence of FTD relevant behavioural traits. In line with the non-cognitive symptomatology of FTD, PLB2Tau mice demonstrated early emerging (~6months) phenotypes of heightened anxiety in the elevated plus maze, depressive/apathetic behaviour in a sucrose preference test and generally reduced exploratory activity in the absence of motor impairments. Investigations of cognitive performance indicated prominent dysfunctions in semantic memory, as assessed by social transmission of food preference, and in behavioural flexibility during spatial reversal learning in a home cage corner-learning task. Spatial learning was only mildly affected and task-specific, with impairments at 12months of age in the corner learning but not in the water maze task. Electroencephalographic (EEG) investigations indicated a vigilance-stage specific loss of alpha power during wakefulness at both parietal and prefrontal recording sites, and site-specific EEG changes during non-rapid eye movement sleep (prefrontal) and rapid eye movement sleep (parietal). Further investigation of hippocampal electrophysiology conducted in slice preparations indicated a modest reduction in efficacy of synaptic transmission in the absence of altered synaptic plasticity. Together, our data demonstrate that the transgenic PLB2Tau mouse model presents with a striking behavioural and physiological face validity relevant for FTD, driven by the low level expression of mutant FTD hTau.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Koss
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Lianne Robinson
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Benjamin D Drever
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kaja Plucińska
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Sandra Stoppelkamp
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Peter Veselcic
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Bettina Platt
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
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37
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Thanos PK, Restif C, O'Rourke JR, Lam CY, Metaxas D. Mouse Social Interaction Test (MoST): a quantitative computer automated analysis of behavior. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2015; 124:3-11. [PMID: 26704381 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-015-1487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rodents are the most commonly used preclinical model of human disease assessing the mechanism(s) involved as well as the role of genetics, epigenetics, and pharmacotherapy on this disease as well as identifying vulnerability factors and risk assessment for disease critical in the development of improved treatment strategies. Unfortunately, the majority of rodent preclinical studies utilize single housed approaches where animals are either entirely housed and tested in solitary environments or group housed but tested in solitary environments. This approach, however, ignores the important contribution of social interaction and social behavior. Social interaction in rodents is found to be a major criterion for the ethological validity of rodent species-specific behavioral characteristics (Zurn et al. 2007; Analysis 2011). It is also well established that there is significant and growing number of reports, which illustrates the important role of social environment and social interaction in all diseases, with particularly significance in all neuropsychiatric diseases. Thus, it is imperative that research studies be able to add large-scale evaluations of social interaction and behavior in mice and benefit from automated tracking of behaviors and measurements by removing user bias and by quantifying aspects of behaviors that cannot be assessed by a human observer. Single mouse setups have been used routinely, but cannot be easily extended to multiple-animal studies where social behavior is key, e.g., autism, depression, anxiety, substance and non-substance addictive disorders, aggression, sexual behavior, or parenting. While recent efforts are focusing on multiple-animal tracking alone, a significant limitation remains the lack of insightful measures of social interactions. We present a novel, non-invasive single camera-based automated tracking method described as Mouse Social Test (MoST) and set of measures designed for estimating the interactions of multiple mice at the same time in the same environment interacting freely. Our results show measurement of social interactions and designed to be adaptable and applicable to most existing home cage systems used in research, and provide a greater level of detailed analysis of social behavior than previously possible. The present study describes social behaviors assessed in a home cage environment setup containing six mice that interact freely over long periods of time, and we illustrate how these measures can be interpreted and combined to classify rodent social behaviors. In addition, we illustrate how these measures can be interpreted and combined to classify and analyze comprehensively rodent behaviors involved in several neuropsychiatric diseases as well as provide opportunity for the basic research of rodent behavior previously not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Lab, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| | - Christophe Restif
- Center for Computational Biomedicine Imaging and Computation, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08904, USA
| | - Joseph R O'Rourke
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Lab, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Chiu Yin Lam
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Lab, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Dimitris Metaxas
- Center for Computational Biomedicine Imaging and Computation, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08904, USA
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Goto T, Okayama T, Toyoda A. Strain differences in temporal changes of nesting behaviors in C57BL/6N, DBA/2N, and their F1 hybrid mice assessed by a three-dimensional monitoring system. Behav Processes 2015. [PMID: 26220275 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nest building is one of the innate behaviors that are widely observed throughout the animal kingdom. Previous studies have reported specific brain regions and genetic loci associated with nest building in mice. These studies mainly evaluated the nest structure, without observing the nesting process. In this study, we evaluated the effects of strain and learning on the nesting process of mice using a 3D depth camera. To determine the quality of the nest structure, a conventional scoring method, Deacon scores 1-5, was applied to the recorded depth images. The final score of the nest, latency to start nesting behavior, and latencies to reach Deacon scores 3-5, were determined using three genetically different mouse strains-C57BL/6NCrl (B6), DBA/2NCrlCrlj (DBA), and B6D2F1/Crl (B6D2F1). The final score of the DBA nest was significantly lower than that of the B6D2F1 nest, and DBA mice showed significantly longer latency to start nest building than the other two strains in the first trial. By observing the time course of nest building, we confirmed that DBA mice took significantly longer to build their nests than B6 and B6D2F1 mice. Although we did not find any significant differences between DBA and B6 mice in the final assessment of the nest based on the Deacon method, overnight monitoring of the nesting behavior using a 3D depth camera could elucidate the clear differences in the amount of time spent nesting between DBA and B6 mice. In addition, the learning effect was more evident in DBA mice than it was in B6 in terms of latencies to reach Deacon score 3-5 in five repeated trials. DBA mice showed a gradual decrease in latency to build, whereas nesting behaviors of B6 mice were relatively consistent throughout the five trials. Therefore, our 3D depth image method gives higher resolution and structural information regarding the nesting process in mice. Future genetic analyses using the 3D assessment system will provide novel insights into the complex genetic basis for nesting and other behaviors in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiko Goto
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan; Ibaraki University Cooperation between Agriculture and Medical Science (IUCAM), Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Okayama
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan; Ibaraki University Cooperation between Agriculture and Medical Science (IUCAM), Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan; United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-city, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan; Ibaraki University Cooperation between Agriculture and Medical Science (IUCAM), Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan; United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-city, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
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Peters SM, Pothuizen HHJ, Spruijt BM. Ethological concepts enhance the translational value of animal models. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 759:42-50. [PMID: 25823814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The translational value of animal models is an issue of ongoing discussion. We argue that 'Refinement' of animal experiments is needed and this can be achieved by exploiting an ethological approach when setting up and conducting experiments. Ethology aims to assess the functional meaning of behavioral changes, due to experimental manipulation or treatment, in animal models. Although the use of ethological concepts is particularly important for studies involving the measurement of animal behavior (as is the case for most studies on neuro-psychiatric conditions), it will also substantially benefit other disciplines, such as those investigating the immune system or inflammatory response. Using an ethological approach also involves using more optimal testing conditions are employed that have a biological relevance to the animal. Moreover, using a more biological relevant analysis of the data will help to clarify the functional meaning of the modeled readout (e.g. whether it is psychopathological or adaptive in nature). We advocate for instance that more behavioral studies should use animals in group-housed conditions, including the recording of their ultrasonic vocalizations, because (1) social behavior is an essential feature of animal models for human 'social' psychopathologies, such as autism and schizophrenia, and (2) social conditions are indispensable conditions for appropriate behavioral studies in social species, such as the rat. Only when taking these elements into account, the validity of animal experiments and, thus, the translation value of animal models can be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Peters
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Delta Phenomics B.V., Nistelrooisebaan 3, NL-5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands.
| | - Helen H J Pothuizen
- Delta Phenomics B.V., Nistelrooisebaan 3, NL-5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Berry M Spruijt
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Loos M, Koopmans B, Aarts E, Maroteaux G, van der Sluis S, Verhage M, Smit AB. Sheltering behavior and locomotor activity in 11 genetically diverse common inbred mouse strains using home-cage monitoring. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108563. [PMID: 25264768 PMCID: PMC4180925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional genetic analyses in mice rely on efficient and in-depth characterization of the behavioral spectrum. Automated home-cage observation can provide a systematic and efficient screening method to detect unexplored, novel behavioral phenotypes. Here, we analyzed high-throughput automated home-cage data using existing and novel concepts, to detect a plethora of genetic differences in spontaneous behavior in a panel of commonly used inbred strains (129S1/SvImJ, A/J, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, DBA/2J, NOD/LtJ, FVB/NJ, WSB/EiJ, PWK/PhJ and CAST/EiJ). Continuous video-tracking observations of sheltering behavior and locomotor activity were segmented into distinguishable behavioral elements, and studied at different time scales, yielding a set of 115 behavioral parameters of which 105 showed highly significant strain differences. This set of 115 parameters was highly dimensional; principal component analysis identified 26 orthogonal components with eigenvalues above one. Especially novel parameters of sheltering behavior and parameters describing aspects of motion of the mouse in the home-cage showed high genetic effect sizes. Multi-day habituation curves and patterns of behavior surrounding dark/light phase transitions showed striking strain differences, albeit with lower genetic effect sizes. This spontaneous home-cage behavior study demonstrates high dimensionality, with a strong genetic contribution to specific sets of behavioral measures. Importantly, spontaneous home-cage behavior analysis detects genetic effects that cannot be studied in conventional behavioral tests, showing that the inclusion of a few days of undisturbed, labor extensive home-cage assessment may greatly aid gene function analyses and drug target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Emmeke Aarts
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gregoire Maroteaux
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie van der Sluis
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Section Complex Trait Genetics, Department of Clinical Genetics, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Matthijs Verhage
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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