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Abidin İ, Keser H, Şahin E, Öztürk H, Başoğlu H, Alver A, Aydin-Abidin S. Effects of housing conditions on stress, depressive like behavior and sensory-motor performances of C57BL/6 mice. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:6. [PMID: 38369507 PMCID: PMC10874523 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00193-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of housing conditions on animal physiology, behavior or stress are still debated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different housing systems, individually ventilated cages (IVC), classical small cages with floor surface area of 500 cm2 (CC500) and classical large cages with floor surface area of 800 cm2 (CC800) on body weight, sensory-motor performances, depression-like behavior, plasma corticosterone and brain oxidative stress parameters in C57BL/6 mice. The mice housed in one of the cages from birth to 6 months of age. Hang wire and adhesive removal tests were performed to evaluate somatosensory and motor performances. The extent of depression was determined by the forced swim test. Blood corticosterone levels were measured. In addition, brain malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were analyzed. RESULTS The depression-like behavior of the groups was similar. Although there were no significant differences in hang wire test among groups, CC500 group required longer durations in adhesive removal test. The body weight and plasma corticosterone levels of CC800 group were significantly higher than other groups. The oxidative stress parameters were highest in CC500 cage. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that the least stressful housing condition was IVC cage systems. Interestingly, the number of mice in the classical cages had a significant effect on stress levels and sensory-motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- İsmail Abidin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Hatice Keser
- Ataturk Vocational School of Health Services, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Elif Şahin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Hilal Öztürk
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Harun Başoğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Alver
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Selcen Aydin-Abidin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.
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2
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Nunamaker EA, Reynolds PS. 'Invisible actors'-How poor methodology reporting compromises mouse models of oncology: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274738. [PMID: 36264974 PMCID: PMC9584398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory mouse is a key player in preclinical oncology research. However, emphasis of techniques reporting at the expense of critical animal-related detail compromises research integrity, animal welfare, and, ultimately, the translation potential of mouse-based oncology models. To evaluate current reporting practices, we performed a cross-sectional survey of 400 preclinical oncology studies using mouse solid-tumour models. Articles published in 2020 were selected from 20 journals that specifically endorsed the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) preclinical reporting guidelines. We assessed reporting compliance for 22 items in five domains: ethical oversight assurance, animal signalment, husbandry, welfare, and euthanasia. Data were analysed using hierarchical generalised random-intercept models, clustered on journal. Overall, reporting of animal-related items was poor. Median compliance over all categories was 23%. There was little or no association between extent of reporting compliance and journal or journal impact factor. Age, sex, and source were reported most frequently, but verifiable strain information was reported for <10% of studies. Animal husbandry, housing environment, and welfare items were reported by <5% of studies. Fewer than one in four studies reported analgesia use, humane endpoints, or an identifiable method of euthanasia. Of concern was the poor documentation of ethical oversight information. Fewer than one in four provided verifiable approval information, and almost one in ten reported no information, or information that was demonstrably false. Mice are the "invisible actors" in preclinical oncology research. In spite of widespread endorsement of reporting guidelines, adherence to reporting guidelines on the part of authors is poor and journals fail to enforce guideline reporting standards. In particular, the inadequate reporting of key animal-related items severely restricts the utility and translation potential of mouse models, and results in research waste. Both investigators and journals have the ethical responsibility to ensure animals are not wasted in uninformative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Penny S. Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology, Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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3
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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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Guerra S, Chung R, Yerbury J, Karl T. Behavioural effects of cage systems on the G93A Superoxide Dismutase 1 transgenic mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12735. [PMID: 33871173 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors inherent to animal facilities can impact on the neuro-behavioural phenotype of laboratory mice and genetic mouse models for human diseases. Many facilities have upgraded from traditional 'open filter top' cages (FT) to individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems, which have been shown to modify various behavioural responses of laboratory mice. Importantly, the impact of IVC housing on the G93A superoxide dismutase 1 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is currently unknown. Male and female wild type-like (WT) and heterozygous SOD1G93A mice were group-housed in FT or IVC systems from PND 30 ± 5 onwards. Body weight and motor function were assessed weekly from 15 weeks onward. Mice were also tested for cognitive abilities (i.e., fear conditioning and social recognition memory) and sensorimotor gating (i.e., prepulse inhibition: PPI). SOD1G93A mice lost body weight, and their motor function degenerated over time compared with control littermates. Motor impairments developed faster when SOD1G93A females were housed in IVCs. Context and cue freezing were increased in SOD1G93A females compared with controls, whereas all SOD1G93A mice exhibited lower acoustic startle and PPI than WT mice. IVC housing led to an increase in cue freezing in males and reduced the severity of PPI deficits in SOD1G93A females. Overall, IVC housing impacted moderately on the SOD1G93A phenotype but central behavioural deficits were still evident across housing conditions. Nonetheless, our findings indicate the importance of assessing the effect of cage system in genetic mouse models as these systems can modulate the magnitude and onset of genotypic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Guerra
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Centre for MND Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Justin Yerbury
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Lee VK, David JM, Huerkamp MJ. Micro- and Macroenvironmental Conditions and Stability of Terrestrial Models. ILAR J 2020; 60:120-140. [PMID: 33094820 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental variables can have profound effects on the biological responses of research animals and the outcomes of experiments dependent on them. Some of these influences are both predictable and unpredictable in effect, many are challenging to standardize, and all are influenced by the planning and conduct of experiments and the design and operation of the vivarium. Others are not yet known. Within the immediate environment where the research animal resides, in the vivarium and in transit, the most notable of these factors are ambient temperature, relative humidity, gaseous pollutant by-products of animal metabolism and physiology, dust and particulates, barometric pressure, electromagnetic fields, and illumination. Ambient temperatures in the animal housing environment, in particular those experienced by rodents below the thermoneutral zone, may introduce degrees of stress and thermoregulatory compensative responses that may complicate or invalidate study measurements across a broad array of disciplines. Other factors may have more subtle and specific effects. It is incumbent on scientists designing and executing experiments and staff responsible for animal husbandry to be aware of, understand, measure, systematically record, control, and account for the impact of these factors on sensitive animal model systems to ensure the quality and reproducibility of scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa K Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John M David
- Translational Medicine Department, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael J Huerkamp
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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6
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Reproducibility of animal research in light of biological variation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:384-393. [PMID: 32488205 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Context-dependent biological variation presents a unique challenge to the reproducibility of results in experimental animal research, because organisms' responses to experimental treatments can vary with both genotype and environmental conditions. In March 2019, experts in animal biology, experimental design and statistics convened in Blonay, Switzerland, to discuss strategies addressing this challenge. In contrast to the current gold standard of rigorous standardization in experimental animal research, we recommend the use of systematic heterogenization of study samples and conditions by actively incorporating biological variation into study design through diversifying study samples and conditions. Here we provide the scientific rationale for this approach in the hope that researchers, regulators, funders and editors can embrace this paradigm shift. We also present a road map towards better practices in view of improving the reproducibility of animal research.
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7
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Barbee RW, Turner PV. Incorporating Laboratory Animal Science into Responsible Biomedical Research. ILAR J 2019; 60:9-16. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Biomedical research has made great strides in the past century leading to rapid advances in human life expectancy, all derived from improved understanding, prevention, and treatment of many diseases and conditions. Research involving laboratory animals has played a significant role in this medical progress. However, there continues to be controversy surrounding the use of animals in research, and animal models have been questioned regarding their relevance to human conditions. While research fraud and questionable research practices could potentially contribute to this problem, we argue that a relative ignorance of laboratory animal science has contributed to the “uncontrolled vivarium experiment” that runs parallel to the more controlled scientific experiment. Several variables are discussed, including husbandry, animal environment, social housing, and more, that can contribute to this uncontrolled experiment, and that can simultaneously decrease quality of life for rodent test subjects when ignored. An argument is put forward that laboratory animal veterinarians and scientists can and should play an important role in better controlling such variables. Similarly, the laboratory animal veterinarian and scientist should play an important role in responsible science by addressing complex interdisciplinary challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wayne Barbee
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Office of Research and Innovation
| | - Patricia V Turner
- Charles River Laboratories Inc., Global Animal Welfare & Training, University of Guelph Pathobiology
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8
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Åhlgren J, Voikar V. Housing mice in the individually ventilated or open cages-Does it matter for behavioral phenotype? GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12564. [PMID: 30848040 PMCID: PMC6849734 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Individually ventilated caging (IVC) systems for rodents are increasingly common in laboratory animal facilities. However, the impact of such substantial change in housing conditions on animal physiology and behavior is still debated. Most importantly, there arise the questions regarding reproducibility and comparison of previous or new phenotypes between the IVC and open cages. The present study was set up for detailed and systematic comparison of behavioral phenotypes in male and female mice of three widely used inbred strains (C57BL/6JRccHsd, DBA/2JRccHsd, 129S2/SvHSd) after being kept in two housing environments (IVC and open cages) for 6 weeks (since 4 weeks of age) before behavioral testing. The tests addressed exploratory, anxiety-like and stress-related behavior (light-dark box, open field, forced swim test, stress-induced hyperthermia), social approach and species-specific behavior (nest building, marble burying). In all tests, large and expected strain differences were found. Somewhat surprisingly, the most striking effect of environment was found for basal body temperature and weight loss after one night of single housing in respective cages. In addition, the performance in light-dark box and open field was affected by environment. Several parameters in different tests showed significant interaction between housing and genetic background. In summary, the IVC housing did not invalidate the well-known differences between the mouse strains which have been established by previous studies. However, within the strains the results can be influenced by sex and housing system depending on the behavioral tasks applied. The bottom-line is that the environmental conditions should be described explicitly in all publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Åhlgren
- Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Vootele Voikar
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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9
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Kentner AC, Bilbo SD, Brown AS, Hsiao EY, McAllister AK, Meyer U, Pearce BD, Pletnikov MV, Yolken RH, Bauman MD. Maternal immune activation: reporting guidelines to improve the rigor, reproducibility, and transparency of the model. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:245-258. [PMID: 30188509 PMCID: PMC6300528 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0185-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The 2017 American College of Neuropychopharmacology (ACNP) conference hosted a Study Group on 4 December 2017, Establishing best practice guidelines to improve the rigor, reproducibility, and transparency of the maternal immune activation (MIA) animal model of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The goals of this session were to (a) evaluate the current literature and establish a consensus on best practices to be implemented in MIA studies, (b) identify remaining research gaps warranting additional data collection and lend to the development of evidence-based best practice design, and (c) inform the MIA research community of these findings. During this session, there was a detailed discussion on the importance of validating immunogen doses and standardizing the general design (e.g., species, immunogenic compound used, housing) of our MIA models both within and across laboratories. The consensus of the study group was that data does not currently exist to support specific evidence-based model selection or methodological recommendations due to lack of consistency in reporting, and that this issue extends to other inflammatory models of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This launched a call to establish a reporting checklist focusing on validation, implementation, and transparency modeled on the ARRIVE Guidelines and CONSORT (scientific reporting guidelines for animal and clinical research, respectively). Here we provide a summary of the discussions in addition to a suggested checklist of reporting guidelines needed to improve the rigor and reproducibility of this valuable translational model, which can be adapted and applied to other animal models as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C. Kentner
- 0000 0001 0021 3995grid.416498.6School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA USA
| | - Staci D. Bilbo
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,0000 0004 0386 9924grid.32224.35Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alan S. Brown
- 0000000419368729grid.21729.3fDepartment of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY USA ,0000 0000 8499 1112grid.413734.6New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Elaine Y. Hsiao
- 0000 0000 9632 6718grid.19006.3eDepartment of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - A. Kimberley McAllister
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bCenter for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Urs Meyer
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Winterthurerstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Neuroscience Centre Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brad D. Pearce
- 0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, and Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Mikhail V. Pletnikov
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Robert H. Yolken
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bThe UC Davis MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, USA
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Gogos A, McCarthy M, Walker AJ, Udawela M, Gibbons A, Dean B, Kusljic S. Differential effects of chronic 17β-oestradiol treatment on rat behaviours relevant to depression. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12652. [PMID: 30311279 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences are a prominent feature of the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder, which affects women at a higher incidence than men. Research suggests that the most potent endogenous oestrogen, 17β-oestradiol, may have therapeutic potential in treating depression. However, preclinical studies have produced mixed results, likely as a result of various methodological factors such as treatment duration. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ovariectomy and chronic 17β-oestradiol treatment via a s.c. silastic implant on behaviours relevant to depression in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were assessed in the forced swim test, saccharin preference test and novel object recognition memory test, as well as for possible confounding behaviours, including locomotion and anxiety (open field test) and motivation and anxiety (novelty suppressed feeding test). Treatment effects were verified using body and uterus weight, as well as serum concentrations of 17β-oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Compared to ovariectomised rats, chronic 17β-oestradiol treatment enhanced saccharin preference and novel object recognition performance. There were no group differences in passive or active coping behaviour when assayed using the forced swim test. Taken together, these results support an antidepressant-like action of oestrogens but highlight that the beneficial effects of chronic 17β-oestradiol treatment may be related to specific depression-related symptoms, particularly anhedonia and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gogos
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Madeleine McCarthy
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam J Walker
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Madhara Udawela
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Gibbons
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian Dean
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Snezana Kusljic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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11
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Mueller FS, Polesel M, Richetto J, Meyer U, Weber-Stadlbauer U. Mouse models of maternal immune activation: Mind your caging system! Brain Behav Immun 2018; 73:643-660. [PMID: 30026057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models of maternal immune activation (MIA) are increasingly used as experimental tools to study neuronal and behavioral dysfunctions in relation to infection-mediated neurodevelopmental disorders. One of the most widely used MIA models is based on gestational administration of poly(I:C) (= polyriboinosinic-polyribocytdilic acid), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA that induces a cytokine-associated viral-like acute phase response. The effects of poly(I:C)-induced MIA on phenotypic changes in the offspring are known to be influenced by various factors, including the precise prenatal timing, genetic background, and immune stimulus intensity. Thus far, however, it has been largely ignored whether differences in the basic type of laboratory housing can similarly affect the outcomes of MIA models. Here, we examined this possibility by comparing the poly(I:C)-based MIA model in two housing systems that are commonly used in preclinical mouse research, namely the open cage (OC) and individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems. Pregnant C57BL6/N mice were kept in OCs or IVCs and treated with a low (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or high (5 mg/kg, i.v.) dose of poly(I:C), or with control vehicle solution. MIA or control treatment was induced on gestation day (GD) 9 or 12, and the resulting offspring were raised and maintained in OCs or IVCs until adulthood for behavioral testing. An additional cohort of dams was used to assess the influence of the different caging systems on poly(I:C)-induced cytokine and stress responses in the maternal plasma. Maternal poly(I:C) administration on GD9 caused a dose-dependent increase in spontaneous abortion in IVCs but not in OCs, whereas MIA in IVC systems during a later gestational time-point (GD12) did not affect pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, the precise type of caging system markedly affected maternal cytokines and chemokines at basal states and in response to poly(I:C) and further influenced the maternal levels of the stress hormone, corticosterone. The efficacy of MIA to induce deficits in working memory, social interaction, and sensorimotor gating in the adult offspring was influenced by the different housing conditions, the dosing of poly(I:C), and the precise prenatal timing. Taken together, the present study identifies the basic type of caging system as a novel factor that can confound the outcomes of MIA in mice. Our findings thus urge the need to consider and report the kind of laboratory housing systems used to implement MIA models. Providing this information seems pivotal to yield reproducible results in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia S Mueller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich - Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich - Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich - Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich - Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Nielsen BL. Making sense of it all: The importance of taking into account the sensory abilities of animals in their housing and management. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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13
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Olaya JC, Heusner CL, Matsumoto M, Sinclair D, Kondo MA, Karl T, Shannon Weickert C. Overexpression of Neuregulin 1 Type III Confers Hippocampal mRNA Alterations and Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors in Mice. Schizophr Bull 2018; 44:865-875. [PMID: 28981869 PMCID: PMC6007747 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbx122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a schizophrenia candidate gene whose protein product is involved in neuronal migration, survival, and synaptic plasticity via production of specific isoforms. Importantly, NRG1 type III (NRG1 III) mRNA is increased in humans inheriting a schizophrenia risk haplotype for the NRG1 gene (HapICE), and NRG1 protein levels can be elevated in schizophrenia. The nature by which NRG1 type III overexpression results in schizophrenia-like behavior and brain pathology remains unclear, therefore we constructed a transgenic mouse with Nrg1 III overexpression in forebrain neurons (CamKII kinase+). Here, we demonstrate construct validity for this mouse model, as juvenile and adult Nrg1 III transgenic mice exhibit an overexpression of Nrg1 III mRNA and Nrg1 protein in multiple brain regions. Furthermore, Nrg1 III transgenic mice have face validity as they exhibit schizophrenia-relevant behavioral phenotypes including deficits in social preference, impaired fear-associated memory, and reduced prepulse inhibition. Additionally, microarray assay of hippocampal mRNA uncovered transcriptional alterations downstream of Nrg1 III overexpression, including changes in serotonin receptor 2C and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Transgenic mice did not exhibit other schizophrenia-relevant behaviors including hyperactivity, social withdrawal, or an increased vulnerability to the effects of MK-801 malate. Our results indicate that this novel Nrg1 III mouse is valid for modeling potential pathological mechanisms of some schizophrenia-like behaviors, for determining what other neurobiological changes may be downstream of elevated NRG1 III levels and for preclinically testing therapeutic strategies that may be specifically efficacious in patients with the NRG1 (HapICE) risk genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Olaya
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Duncan Sinclair
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mari A Kondo
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; tel: +61-2-9399-1117, fax: +61-2-9399-1005, e-mail:
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14
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Richetto J, Polesel M, Weber-Stadlbauer U. Effects of light and dark phase testing on the investigation of behavioural paradigms in mice: Relevance for behavioural neuroscience. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 178:19-29. [PMID: 29782942 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Different timing and light phases are critical factors in behavioural neuroscience, which can greatly affect the experimental outcomes of the performed tests. Despite the fact that time of testing is one of the most common factors that varies across behavioural laboratories, knowledge about the consequences of testing time on behavioural readouts is limited. Thus, in this study we systematically assessed the effect of this factor on the readout of a variety of elementary and recurrent behavioural paradigms in C57Bl/6 mice. Furthermore, we investigated potential neuronal correlates of this phenomenon by analysing how testing time influences the expression pattern of genes relevant for neuronal activation functions and the control of brain circadian rhythms. We show that animals tested in the light phase display reduced social approach behaviour and sensorimotor gating and increased locomotor activity, whereas anxiety-related behaviour and working memory are not affected. In addition, animals tested in the light phase also exhibit increased locomotor response to systemic amphetamine treatment, which is paralleled by alterations in the expression patterns of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) and/or Midbrain (Mid). Lastly, we observed that neuronal activation, indexed by the gene expression levels of cFos, was increased in the NAc and Mid of animals tested during the light phase. Our data thus suggest that daily alterations in gene expression in mesolimbic brain structures might be involved in the different behavioural responses of mice tested in the light- versus the dark-phase. At the same time, our study adds further weight to the notion that the specific timing of testing can indeed strongly affect the readout of a given test. As comparison and reproducibility of findings is pivotal in science, experimental protocols should be clarified in detail to allow appropriate data comparison across different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Mulder CL, Serrano JB, Catsburg LAE, Roseboom TJ, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. A practical blueprint to systematically study life-long health consequences of novel medically assisted reproductive treatments. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:784-792. [PMID: 29635479 PMCID: PMC5925779 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In medicine, safety and efficacy are the two pillars on which the implementation of novel treatments rest. To protect the patient from unnecessary or unsafe treatments, usually, a stringent path of (pre) clinical testing is followed before a treatment is introduced into routine patient care. However, in reproductive medicine several techniques have been clinically introduced without elaborate preclinical studies. Moreover, novel reproductive techniques may harbor safety risks not only for the patients undergoing treatment, but also for the offspring conceived through these techniques. If preclinical (animal) studies were performed, efficacy and functionality the upper hand. When a new medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment was proven effective (i.e. if it resulted in live birth) the treatment was often rapidly implemented in the clinic. For IVF, the first study on the long-term health of IVF children was published a decade after its clinical implementation. In more recent years, prospective follow-up studies have been conducted that provided the opportunity to study the health of large groups of children derived from different reproductive techniques. Although such studies have indicated differences between children conceived through MAR and children conceived naturally, results are often difficult to interpret due to the observational nature of these studies (and the associated risk of confounding factors, e.g. subfertility of the parents), differences in definitions of clinical outcome measures, lack of uniformity in assessment protocols and heterogeneity of the underlying reasons for fertility treatment. With more novel MARs waiting at the horizon, there is a need for a framework on how to assess safety of novel reproductive techniques in a preclinical (animal) setting before they are clinically implemented. In this article, we provide a blueprint for preclinical testing of safety and health of offspring generated by novel MARs using a mouse model involving an array of tests that comprise the entire lifespan. We urge scientists to perform the proposed extensive preclinical tests for novel reproductive techniques with the goal to acquire knowledge on efficacy and the possible health effects of to-be implemented reproductive techniques to safeguard quality of novel MARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callista L Mulder
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joana B Serrano
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa A E Catsburg
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdeef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdeef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Assessing the exploratory and anxiety-related behaviors of mice. Do different caging systems affect the outcome of behavioral tests? Physiol Behav 2017; 177:68-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Pasquarelli N, Voehringer P, Henke J, Ferger B. Effect of a change in housing conditions on body weight, behavior and brain neurotransmitters in male C57BL/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2017. [PMID: 28625548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The development of modern housing regimes such as individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems has become very popular and attractive in order to reduce spreading of pathogenic organisms and to lower the risk to develop a laboratory animal allergy for staff members. Additionally, optimal housing of laboratory animals contributes to improve animal health status and ensures high and comparable experimental and animal welfare standards. However, it has not been clearly elucidated whether 1) a change to IVC systems have an impact on various physiological phenotypic parameters of mice when compared to conventional, standard cages and 2) if this is further affected by changing from social to single housing. Therefore, we investigated the influence of a change in housing conditions (standard cages with social housing changed to standard or IVC cages combined with social or single housing) on body weight, behavior and a neurochemical fingerprint of male C57BL/6J mice. Body weight progression was significantly reduced when changing mice to single or social IVC cages as well as in single standard cages when compared to social standard housing. Automated motor activity measurement in the open field showed that mice maintained in social husbandry with standard cages displayed the lowest exploratory behavior but the highest activity difference upon amphetamine treatment. Elevated plus maze test revealed that a change to IVC single and social housing as well as single standard housing produced anxiety-related behavior when compared to maintenance in social standard housing. Additionally, postmortem neurochemical analysis of the striatum using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection showed significant differences in striatal dopamine and serotonin turnover levels. In summary, our data indicate a crucial influence of a change in housing conditions on several mouse phenotype parameters. We propose that the maintenance of well-defined housing conditions is mandatory to ensure reproducible and comparable results and contributes to the application of the 3R refinement principle in animal studies by contributing to welfare and hygienical standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Pasquarelli
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach, Germany; Department of Experimental Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrizia Voehringer
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach, Germany
| | - Julia Henke
- Nonclinical Drug Safety Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach, Germany
| | - Boris Ferger
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach, Germany.
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18
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Segerström L, Roman E. Response: Commentary: Supplier-dependent differences in intermittent voluntary alcohol intake and response to naltrexone in Wistar rats. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:442. [PMID: 27746715 PMCID: PMC5042965 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lova Segerström
- Research Group Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Roman
- Research Group Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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López-Salesansky N, Mazlan NH, Whitfield LE, Wells DJ, Burn CC. Olfaction variation in mouse husbandry and its implications for refinement and standardization: UK survey of animal scents. Lab Anim 2016; 50:362-9. [DOI: 10.1177/0023677215622883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Olfaction plays a crucial role in mouse communication, providing information about genetic identity, physiological status of conspecifics and alerting mice to potential predators. Scents of animal origin can trigger physiological and behavioural responses that could affect experimental responses and impact positively or negatively on mouse welfare. Additionally, differing olfactory profiles could help explain variation in results between laboratories. A survey was sent to animal research units in the UK to investigate potential transfer of scents of animal origin during routine husbandry procedures, and responses were obtained from animal care workers and researchers using mice in 51 institutions. The results reveal great diversity between animal units regarding the relevant husbandry routines covered. Most [71%] reported housing non-breeding male and female mice in the same room, with 76% reporting that hands were not washed and gloves not changed between handling male and female mice. The most commonly reported species housed in the same facility as mice was the rat (91%), and 41% of respondents were aware that scents from rats could affect mice. Changing of gloves between handling mice and other species was reported by 79% of respondents. Depending on the aspect considered, between 18 and 33% of respondents believed human and non-human animal odours would strongly affect mouse physiology, behaviour or standardization, while approximately 32–54% believed these effects would be weak. This indicates uncertainty regarding the significance of these factors. Understanding and controlling these practices could reduce unwanted variability in experimental results and maximize welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia López-Salesansky
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics Group, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
- Named Veterinary Surgeons Department, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Nur H Mazlan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Lucy E Whitfield
- Named Veterinary Surgeons Department, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Dominic J Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Charlotte C Burn
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics Group, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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20
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Holm-Hansen S, Low JK, Zieba J, Gjedde A, Bergersen LH, Karl T. Behavioural effects of high fat diet in a mutant mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:295-304. [PMID: 26707035 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients are often obese or overweight and poor dietary choices appear to be a factor in this phenomenon. Poor diet has been found to have complex consequences for the mental state of patients. Thus, this study investigated whether an unhealthy diet [i.e. high fat diet (HFD)] impacts on the behaviour of a genetic mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (i.e. transmembrane domain Nrg1 mutant mice: Nrg1 HET). Female Nrg1 HET and wild-type-like littermates (WT) were fed with either HFD or a control chow diet. The mice were tested for baseline (e.g. anxiety) and schizophrenia-relevant behaviours after 7 weeks of diet exposure. HFD increased body weight and impaired glucose tolerance in all mice. Only Nrg1 females on HFD displayed a hyper-locomotive phenotype as locomotion-suppressive effects of HFD were only evident in WT mice. HFD also induced an anxiety-like response and increased freezing in the context and the cued version of the fear conditioning task. Importantly, CHOW-fed Nrg1 females displayed impaired social recognition memory, which was absent in HFD-fed mutants. Sensorimotor gating deficits of Nrg1 females were not affected by diet. In summary, HFD had complex effects on the behavioural phenotype of test mice and attenuated particular cognitive deficits of Nrg1 mutant females. This topic requires further investigations thereby also considering other dietary factors of relevance for schizophrenia as well as interactive effects of diet with medication and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Holm-Hansen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - J K Low
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, Australia
| | - J Zieba
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, Australia
| | - A Gjedde
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L H Bergersen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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21
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Mo C, Renoir T, Hannan AJ. What's wrong with my mouse cage? Methodological considerations for modeling lifestyle factors and gene-environment interactions in mice. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 265:99-108. [PMID: 26279343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic understanding of lifestyle contributions to disease has been largely driven by work in laboratory rodent models using environmental interventions. These interventions show an array of methodologies and sometimes unclear collective conclusions, hampering clinical interpretations. Here we discuss environmental enrichment, exercise and stress interventions to illustrate how different protocols can affect the interpretations of environmental factors in disease. We use Huntington's disease (HD) as an example because its mouse models exhibit excellent validity and HD was the first genetic animal model in which environmental stimulation was found to be beneficial. We make a number of observations and recommendations. Firstly, environmental enrichment and voluntary exercise generally show benefits across laboratories and mouse models. However, the extent to which these environmental interventions have beneficial effects depends on parameters such as the structural complexity of the cage in the case of enrichment, the timing of the intervention and the nature of the control conditions. In particular, clinical interpretations should consider deprived control living conditions and the ethological relevance of the enrichment. Secondly, stress can have negative effects on the phenotype in mouse models of HD and other brain disorders. When modeling stress, the effects of more than one type of experimental stressor should be investigated due to the heterogeneity and complexity of stress responses. With stress in particular, but ideally in all studies, both sexes should be used and the randomized group sizes need to be sufficiently powered to detect any sex effects. Opportunities for clinical translation will be guided by the 'environmental construct validity' of the preclinical data, including the culmination of complementary protocols across multiple animal models. Environmental interventions in mouse models of HD provide illustrative examples of how valid preclinical studies can lead to conclusions relevant to clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thibault Renoir
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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22
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Mo C, Hannan AJ, Renoir T. Environmental factors as modulators of neurodegeneration: Insights from gene–environment interactions in Huntington's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 52:178-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Ferhat AT, Le Sourd AM, de Chaumont F, Olivo-Marin JC, Bourgeron T, Ey E. Social communication in mice--are there optimal cage conditions? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121802. [PMID: 25806942 PMCID: PMC4373896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Social communication is heavily affected in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Accordingly, mouse models designed to study the mechanisms leading to these disorders are tested for this phenotypic trait. Test conditions vary between different models, and the effect of these test conditions on the quantity and quality of social interactions and ultrasonic communication is unknown. The present study examines to which extent the habituation time to the test cage as well as the shape / size of the cage influence social communication in freely interacting mice. We tested 8 pairs of male mice in free dyadic social interactions, with two habituation times (20 min and 30 min) and three cage formats (rectangle, round, square). We tested the effect of these conditions on the different types of social contacts, approach-escape sequences, follow behavior, and the time each animal spent in the vision field of the other one, as well as on the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations and their contexts of emission. We provide for the first time an integrated analysis of the social interaction behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations. Surprisingly, we did not highlight any significant effect of habituation time and cage shape / size on the behavioral events examined. There was only a slight increase of social interactions with the longer habituation time in the round cage. Remarkably, we also showed that vocalizations were emitted during specific behavioral sequences especially during close contact or approach behaviors. The present study provides a protocol reliably eliciting social contacts and ultrasonic vocalizations in adult male mice. This protocol is therefore well adapted for standardized investigation of social interactions in mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allain-Thibeault Ferhat
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3571 ‘Genes, Synapses and Cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Marie Le Sourd
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3571 ‘Genes, Synapses and Cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3571 ‘Genes, Synapses and Cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France
- FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Elodie Ey
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3571 ‘Genes, Synapses and Cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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24
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Franconi F, Rosano G, Campesi I. Need for gender-specific pre-analytical testing: the dark side of the moon in laboratory testing. Int J Cardiol 2014; 179:514-35. [PMID: 25465806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Many international organisations encourage studies in a sex-gender perspective. However, research with a gender perspective presents a high degree of complexity, and the inclusion of sex-gender variable in experiments presents many methodological questions, the majority of which are still neglected. Overcoming these issues is fundamental to avoid erroneous results. Here, pre-analytical aspects of the research, such as study design, choice of utilised specimens, sample collection and processing, animal models of diseases, and the observer's role, are discussed. Artefacts in this stage of research could affect the predictive value of all analyses. Furthermore, the standardisation of research subjects according to their lifestyles and, if female, to their life phase and menses or oestrous cycle, is urgent to harmonise research worldwide. A sex-gender-specific attention to pre-analytical aspects could produce a decrease in the time for translation from the bench to bedside. Furthermore, sex-gender-specific pre-clinical pharmacological testing will enable adequate assessment of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic actions of drugs and will enable, where appropriate, an adequate gender-specific clinical development plan. Therefore, sex-gender-specific pre-clinical research will increase the gender equity of care and will produce more evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Franconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy; Vicepresident of Basilicata Region.
| | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy
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25
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Logge W, Kingham J, Karl T. Do individually ventilated cage systems generate a problem for genetic mouse model research? GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 13:713-20. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Logge
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA); Randwick
- Schizophrenia Research Institute; Darlinghurst
| | - J. Kingham
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Darlinghurst
| | - T. Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA); Randwick
- Schizophrenia Research Institute; Darlinghurst
- School of Medical Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
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26
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Genetically modified mice related to schizophrenia and other psychoses: seeking phenotypic insights into the pathobiology and treatment of negative symptoms. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:800-21. [PMID: 24290531 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 08/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Modelling negative symptoms in any animal model, particularly in mice mutant for genes related to schizophrenia, is complicated by the absence of the following key elements that might assist in developing validation criteria: clinical clarity surrounding this symptom constellation; any clear association between negative symptoms and pathological signature(s) in the brain; and therapeutic strategies with material clinical efficacy against these symptoms. In this review, the application of mutant mouse models to the study of negative symptoms is subjected to critical evaluation, focussing on the following challenges: (a) conceptual issues relating to negative symptoms and their evaluation in mutant models; (b) measurement of negative symptoms in mice, in terms of social behaviour, motivational deficits/avolition and anhedonia; (c) studies in mutants with disruption of genes either regulating aspects of neurotransmission implicated in schizophrenia or associated with risk for psychotic illness; (d) the disaggregation of behavioural phenotypes into underlying pathobiological processes, as a key to the development of new therapeutic strategies for negative symptoms. Advances in genetic and molecular technologies are facilitating these processes, such that more accurate models of putative schizophrenia-linked genetic abnormalities are becoming feasible. This progress in terms of mimicking the genetic contribution to distinct domains of psychopathology associated with psychotic illness must be matched by advances in conceptual/clinical relevance and sensitivity/specificity of phenotypic assessments at the level of behaviour.
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Kinn Rød AM, Murison R, Mrdalj J, Milde AM, Jellestad FK, Øvernes LA, Grønli J. Effects of social defeat on sleep and behaviour: importance of the confrontational behaviour. Physiol Behav 2014; 127:54-63. [PMID: 24472325 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We studied the short- and long-term effects of a double social defeat (SD) on sleep parameters, EEG power, behaviour in the open field emergence test, corticosterone responsiveness, and acoustic startle responses. Pre-stress levels of corticosterone were assessed before all rats were surgically implanted with telemetric transmitters for sleep recording, and allowed 3weeks of recovery. Rats in the SD group (n=10) were exposed to 1hour SD on two consecutive days, while control rats (n=10) were left undisturbed. Telemetric sleep recordings were performed before SD (day -1), day 1 post SD, and once weekly for 3weeks thereafter. The open field emergence test was performed on day 9 and weekly for 2weeks thereafter. Blood samples for measures of corticosterone responsiveness were drawn after the last emergence test (day 23). Acoustic startle responses were tested on day 24 post SD. Overall, SD rats as a group were not affected by the social conflict. Effects of SD seemed, however, to vary according to the behaviours that the intruder displayed during the social confrontation with the resident. Compared to those SD rats showing quick submission (SDS, n=5), SD rats fighting the resident during one or both SD confrontations before defeat (SDF, n=5) showed more fragmented slow wave sleep, both in SWS1 and SWS2. They also showed longer latency to leave the start box and spent less time in the open field arena compared to SDS rats. In the startle test, SDF rats failed to show response decrement at the lowest sound level. Our results indicate that how animals behave during a social confrontation is more important than exposure to the SD procedure itself, and that rapid submission during a social confrontation might be more adaptive than fighting back.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Kinn Rød
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Robert Murison
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jelena Mrdalj
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anne Marita Milde
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Finn Konow Jellestad
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Leif Arvid Øvernes
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Janne Grønli
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; Norwegian Competence Centre for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
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