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Bernstein BJ, Kendricks DR, Fry S, Wilson L, Koopmans B, Loos M, Stevanovic KD, Cushman JD. Sex differences in spontaneous behavior and cognition in mice using an automated behavior monitoring system. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114595. [PMID: 38810714 PMCID: PMC11246821 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114595] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Isolation of sex differences as a key characteristic underlying neurobehavioral differentiation is an essential component of studies in neuroscience. The current study sought to address this concern by observing behavioral differences using an automated home cage system for neurobehavioral assessment, a method rapidly increasing in use due to advances in technology and advantages such as reduced handling stress and cross-lab variability. Sex differences in C57BL/6 mice arose for motor activity and circadian-linked behavior, with females being more active compared to males, and males having a stronger anticipatory increase in activity leading up to the onset of the light phase compared to females. These activity differences were observed not only across the lifespan, but also in different genetic background mouse strains across different testing sites showing the generalizability and robustness of these observed effects. Activity differences were also observed in performance on a spatial learning and reversal task with females making more responses and receiving a corresponding elevation in reward pellets. Notably, there were no sex differences in learning nor achieved accuracy, suggesting these observed effects were predominantly in activity. The outcomes of this study align with previous reports showcasing differences in activity between males and females. The comparison across strains and testing sites showed robust and reproducible differences in behavior between female and male mice that are relevant to consider when designing behavioral studies. Furthermore, the observed sex differences in performance on the learning and reversal procedure raise concern for interpretation of behavior differences between sexes due to the attribution of these differences to motor activity rather than cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Bernstein
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dalisa R Kendricks
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Sydney Fry
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado, CO, USA
| | - Leslie Wilson
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Bastijn Koopmans
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Korey D Stevanovic
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA.
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2
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Choe JY, Donkor M, Thorpe RJ, Allen MS, Phillips NR, Jones HP. Influence of Diet on Reproducible Corticosterone Levels in a Mouse Model of Maternal Separation with Early Weaning. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:880. [PMID: 39063633 PMCID: PMC11277828 DOI: 10.3390/life14070880] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW) is a popular early life stress (ELS) model in rodents, which emulates childhood neglect through scheduled mother-offspring separation. Although variations of ELS models, including maternal separation and MSEW, have been published for the mouse species, the reported results are inconsistent. Corticosterone is considered the main stress hormone involved in regulating stress responses in rodents-yet generating a robust and reproducible corticosterone response in mouse models of ELS has been elusive. Considering the current lack of standardization for MSEW protocols, these inconsistent results may be attributed to variations in model methodologies. Here, we compared the effects of select early wean diet sources-which are the non-milk diets used to complete early weaning in MSEW pups-on the immediate stress phenotype of C57BL/6J mice at postnatal day 21. Non-aversive handling was an integral component of our modified MSEW model. The evaluation of body weight and serum corticosterone revealed the early wean diet to be a key variable in the resulting stress phenotype. Interestingly, select non-milk diets facilitated a stress phenotype in which low body weight was accompanied by significant corticosterone elevation. Our data indicate that dietary considerations are critical in MSEW-based studies and provide insight into improving the reproducibility of key stress-associated outcomes as a function of this widely used ELS paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Y. Choe
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
| | - Michael Donkor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
| | - Roland J. Thorpe
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Michael S. Allen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
| | - Nicole R. Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
- Institute for Translational Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Harlan P. Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
- Institute for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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3
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Lau AA, Jin K, Beard H, Windram T, Xie K, O'Brien JA, Neumann D, King BM, Snel MF, Trim PJ, Mitrofanis J, Hemsley KM, Austin PJ. Photobiomodulation in the infrared spectrum reverses the expansion of circulating natural killer cells and brain microglial activation in Sanfilippo mice. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38849324 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16145] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sanfilippo syndrome results from inherited mutations in genes encoding lysosomal enzymes that catabolise heparan sulfate (HS), leading to early childhood-onset neurodegeneration. This study explores the therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation (PBM), which is neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory in several neurodegenerative diseases; it is also safe and PBM devices are readily available. We investigated the effects of 10-14 days transcranial PBM at 670 nm (2 or 4 J/cm2/day) or 904 nm (4 J/cm2/day) in young (3 weeks) and older (15 weeks) Sanfilippo or mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) mice. Although we found no PBM-induced changes in HS accumulation, astrocyte activation, CD206 (an anti-inflammatory marker) and BDNF expression in the brains of Sanfilippo mice, there was a near-normalisation of microglial activation in older MPS IIIA mice by 904 nm PBM, with decreased IBA1 expression and a return of their morphology towards a resting state. Immune cell immunophenotyping of peripheral blood with mass cytometry revealed increased pro-inflammatory signalling through pSTAT1 and p-p38 in NK and T cells in young but not older MPS IIIA mice (5 weeks of age), and expansion of NK, B and CD8+ T cells in older affected mice (17 weeks of age), highlighting the importance of innate and adaptive lymphocytes in Sanfilippo syndrome. Notably, 670 and 904 nm PBM both reversed the Sanfilippo-induced increase in pSTAT1 and p-p38 expression in multiple leukocyte populations in young mice, while 904 nm reversed the increase in NK cells in older mice. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate the beneficial effects of PBM in Sanfilippo mice. The distinct reduction in microglial activation and NK cell pro-inflammatory signalling and number suggests PBM may alleviate neuroinflammation and lymphocyte activation, encouraging further investigation of PBM as a standalone, or complementary therapy in Sanfilippo syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Lau
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - K Jin
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H Beard
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - T Windram
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - K Xie
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J A O'Brien
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D Neumann
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - B M King
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - M F Snel
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and MS-Imaging Core Facility, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - P J Trim
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and MS-Imaging Core Facility, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - J Mitrofanis
- Fonds Clinatec, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - K M Hemsley
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - P J Austin
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Brown RE. Measuring the replicability of our own research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 406:110111. [PMID: 38521128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110111] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Rani A, Bean L, Budamagunta V, Kumar A, Foster TC. Failure of senolytic treatment to prevent cognitive decline in a female rodent model of aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1384554. [PMID: 38813533 PMCID: PMC11133672 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1384554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
There are sex differences in vulnerability and resilience to the stressors of aging and subsequent age-related cognitive decline. Cellular senescence occurs as a response to damaging or stress-inducing stimuli. The response includes a state of irreversible growth arrest, the development of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with aging and age-related diseases. Senolytics are compounds designed to eliminate senescent cells. Our recent work indicates that senolytic treatment preserves cognitive function in aging male F344 rats. The current study examined the effect of senolytic treatment on cognitive function in aging female rats. Female F344 rats (12 months) were treated with dasatinib (1.2 mg/kg) + quercetin (12 mg/kg) or ABT-263 (12 mg/kg) or vehicle for 7 months. Examination of the estrus cycle indicated that females had undergone estropause during treatment. Senolytic treatment may have increased sex differences in behavioral stress responsivity, particularly for the initial training on the cued version of the watermaze. However, pre-training on the cue task reduced stress responsivity for subsequent spatial training and all groups learned the spatial discrimination. In contrast to preserved memory observed in senolytic-treated males, all older females exhibited impaired episodic memory relative to young (6-month) females. We suggest that the senolytic treatment may not have been able to compensate for the loss of estradiol, which can act on aging mechanisms for anxiety and memory independent of cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Rani
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Linda Bean
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Vivekananda Budamagunta
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Thomas C. Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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6
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Rinwa P, Eriksson M, Cotgreave I, Bäckberg M. 3R-Refinement principles: elevating rodent well-being and research quality. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:11. [PMID: 38549171 PMCID: PMC10979584 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article delves into the details of the 3R-Refinement principles as a vital framework for ethically sound rodent research laboratory. It highlights the core objective of the refinement protocol, namely, to enhance the well-being of laboratory animals while simultaneously improving the scientific validity of research outcomes. Through an exploration of key components of the refinement principles, the article outlines how these ethics should be implemented at various stages of animal experiments. It emphasizes the significance of enriched housing environments that reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors, non-restraint methods in handling and training, refined dosing and sampling techniques that prioritize animal comfort, the critical role of optimal pain management and the importance of regular animal welfare assessment in maintaining the rodents well-being. Additionally, the advantages of collaboration with animal care and ethics committees are also mentioned. The other half of the article explains the extensive benefits of the 3R-Refinement protocol such as heightened animal welfare, enhanced research quality, reduced variability, and positive feedback from researchers and animal care staff. Furthermore, it addresses avenues for promoting the adoption of the protocol, such as disseminating best practices, conducting training programs, and engaging with regulatory bodies. Overall, this article highlights the significance of 3R-Refinement protocol in aligning scientific advancement with ethical considerations along with shaping a more compassionate and responsible future for animal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Rinwa
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden
| | - Marie Eriksson
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden
| | - Ian Cotgreave
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden
| | - Matilda Bäckberg
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden.
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Castronovo MG, Wesson DW. Effects of Home Cage Tunnels on Within-cage Behaviors of Mice with Cranial Implants. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63:154-159. [PMID: 38286440 PMCID: PMC11022954 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-22-000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Keeping tunnels in the home cages of mice used in research appears to both reduce handling-related stress and provide environmental enrichment. However, for mice that have surgical implants that extend beyond their body, having tunnels in the home cages could engender concerns for their welfare, including the possibility of them becoming stuck in the tunnel. The goal of this study was to determine how mice with different sizes of cranial implants interacted with a tunnel in their home cage. We used male and female mice with a C57BL/6J background in this study. The mice underwent a either a craniotomy in which they received either no implant (sham), an indwelling cannula used for drug delivery, or a ferrule-type implant. The number of mouse interactions with tunnels was recorded over a 30-min period while the mouse was in its home cage with its tunnel. We found that sham mice interacted significantly more with the tunnels than did mice with either cannulae or ferrule implants. On average sham mice interacted more with the tunnel by walking through or over it whereas mice with either type of implant rarely even touched the tunnel with their heads. Our results indicate that mice with implants do not enter in the tunnels, and thus the tunnel reduces accessible cage-space rather than providing enrichment benefits. These results raise the question of whether tunnels should be routinely available for mice with cranial implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa G Castronovo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Daniel W Wesson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, Florida
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Tanelian A, Nankova B, Miari M, Sabban EL. Microbial composition, functionality, and stress resilience or susceptibility: unraveling sex-specific patterns. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:20. [PMID: 38409102 PMCID: PMC10898170 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following exposure to traumatic stress, women are twice as likely as men to develop mood disorders. Yet, individual responses to such stress vary, with some people developing stress-induced psychopathologies while others exhibit resilience. The factors influencing sex-related disparities in affective disorders as well as variations in resilience remain unclear; however, emerging evidence suggests differences in the gut microbiota play a role. In this study, using the single prolonged stress (SPS) model of post-traumatic stress disorder, we investigated pre- and post-existing differences in microbial composition, functionality, and metabolites that affect stress susceptibility or resilience in each sex. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control or SPS groups. Two weeks following SPS, the animals were exposed to a battery of behavioral tests and decapitated a day later. Based on their anxiety index, they were further categorized as SPS-resilient (SPS-R) or SPS-susceptible (SPS-S). On the day of dissection, cecum, and selected brain tissues were isolated. Stool samples were collected before and after SPS, whereas urine samples were taken before and 30 min into the SPS. RESULTS Before SPS exposure, the sympathoadrenal axis exhibited alterations within male subgroups only. Expression of tight junction protein claudin-5 was lower in brain of SPS-S males, but higher in SPS-R females following SPS. Across the study, alpha diversity remained consistently lower in males compared to females. Beta diversity revealed distinct separations between male and female susceptible groups before SPS, with this separation becoming evident in the resilient groups following SPS. At the genus level, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_Incertae_Sedis, and Barnesiella exhibited sex-specific alterations, displaying opposing abundances in each sex. Additionally, sex-specific changes were observed in microbial predictive functionality and targeted functional modules both before and after SPS. Alterations in the microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were also observed, with major and minor SCFAs being lower in SPS-susceptible males whereas branched-chain SCFAs being higher in SPS-susceptible females. CONCLUSION This study highlights distinct pre- and post-trauma differences in microbial composition, functionality, and metabolites, associated with stress resilience in male and female rats. The findings underscore the importance of developing sex-specific therapeutic strategies to effectively address stress-related disorders. Highlights SPS model induces divergent anxiety and social behavioral responses to traumatic stress in both male and female rodents. SPS-resilient females displayed less anxiety-like behavior and initiated more interactions towards a juvenile rat than SPS-resilient males. Sex-specific pre-existing and SPS-induced differences in the gut microbial composition and predictive functionality were observed in susceptible and resilient rats. SPS-resilient males displayed elevated cecal acetate levels, whereas SPS-susceptible females exhibited heightened branched-chain SCFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arax Tanelian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Bistra Nankova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Mariam Miari
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmo, Lund University Diabetes Center, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
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Ding SS, Fox JL, Gordus A, Joshi A, Liao JC, Scholz M. Fantastic beasts and how to study them: rethinking experimental animal behavior. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247003. [PMID: 38372042 PMCID: PMC10911175 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247003] [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] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Humans have been trying to understand animal behavior at least since recorded history. Recent rapid development of new technologies has allowed us to make significant progress in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior, a key goal of neuroethology. However, there is a tradeoff when studying animal behavior and its underlying biological mechanisms: common behavior protocols in the laboratory are designed to be replicable and controlled, but they often fail to encompass the variability and breadth of natural behavior. This Commentary proposes a framework of 10 key questions that aim to guide researchers in incorporating a rich natural context into their experimental design or in choosing a new animal study system. The 10 questions cover overarching experimental considerations that can provide a template for interspecies comparisons, enable us to develop studies in new model organisms and unlock new experiments in our quest to understand behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Serena Ding
- Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jessica L. Fox
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Andrew Gordus
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Abhilasha Joshi
- Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - James C. Liao
- Department of Biology, The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Monika Scholz
- Max Planck Research Group Neural Information Flow, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, 53175 Bonn, Germany
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10
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Burton CP, Chumin EJ, Collins AY, Persohn SA, Onos KD, Pandey RS, Quinney SK, Territo PR. Levetiracetam modulates brain metabolic networks and transcriptomic signatures in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1336026. [PMID: 38328556 PMCID: PMC10847229 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1336026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Subcritical epileptiform activity is associated with impaired cognitive function and is commonly seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The anti-convulsant, levetiracetam (LEV), is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for its ability to reduce epileptiform activity and improve cognitive function in AD. The purpose of the current study was to apply pharmacokinetics (PK), network analysis of medical imaging, gene transcriptomics, and PK/PD modeling to a cohort of amyloidogenic mice to establish how LEV restores or drives alterations in the brain networks of mice in a dose-dependent basis using the rigorous preclinical pipeline of the MODEL-AD Preclinical Testing Core. Methods Chronic LEV was administered to 5XFAD mice of both sexes for 3 months based on allometrically scaled clinical dose levels from PK models. Data collection and analysis consisted of a multi-modal approach utilizing 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging and analysis, transcriptomic analyses, and PK/PD modeling. Results Pharmacokinetics of LEV showed a sex and dose dependence in Cmax, CL/F, and AUC0-∞, with simulations used to estimate dose regimens. Chronic dosing at 10, 30, and 56 mg/kg, showed 18F-FDG specific regional differences in brain uptake, and in whole brain covariance measures such as clustering coefficient, degree, network density, and connection strength (i.e., positive and negative). In addition, transcriptomic analysis via nanoString showed dose-dependent changes in gene expression in pathways consistent 18F-FDG uptake and network changes, and PK/PD modeling showed a concentration dependence for key genes, but not for network covariance modeling. Discussion This study represents the first report detailing the relationships of metabolic covariance and transcriptomic network changes resulting from LEV administration in 5XFAD mice. Overall, our results highlight non-linear kinetics based on dose and sex, where gene expression analysis demonstrated LEV dose- and concentration-dependent changes, along with cerebral metabolism, and/or cerebral homeostatic mechanisms relevant to human AD, which aligned closely with network covariance analysis of 18F-FDG images. Collectively, this study show cases the value of a multimodal connectomic, transcriptomic, and pharmacokinetic approach to further investigate dose dependent relationships in preclinical studies, with translational value toward informing clinical study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P. Burton
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Evgeny J. Chumin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Alyssa Y. Collins
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Scott A. Persohn
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Ravi S. Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Sara K. Quinney
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Paul R. Territo
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Lipp HP, Krackow S, Turkes E, Benner S, Endo T, Russig H. IntelliCage: the development and perspectives of a mouse- and user-friendly automated behavioral test system. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1270538. [PMID: 38235003 PMCID: PMC10793385 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1270538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
IntelliCage for mice is a rodent home-cage equipped with four corner structures harboring symmetrical double panels for operant conditioning at each of the two sides, either by reward (access to water) or by aversion (non-painful stimuli: air-puffs, LED lights). Corner visits, nose-pokes and actual licks at bottle-nipples are recorded individually using subcutaneously implanted transponders for RFID identification of up to 16 adult mice housed in the same home-cage. This allows for recording individual in-cage activity of mice and applying reward/punishment operant conditioning schemes in corners using workflows designed on a versatile graphic user interface. IntelliCage development had four roots: (i) dissatisfaction with standard approaches for analyzing mouse behavior, including standardization and reproducibility issues, (ii) response to handling and housing animal welfare issues, (iii) the increasing number of mouse models had produced a high work burden on classic manual behavioral phenotyping of single mice. and (iv), studies of transponder-chipped mice in outdoor settings revealed clear genetic behavioral differences in mouse models corresponding to those observed by classic testing in the laboratory. The latter observations were important for the development of home-cage testing in social groups, because they contradicted the traditional belief that animals must be tested under social isolation to prevent disturbance by other group members. The use of IntelliCages reduced indeed the amount of classic testing remarkably, while its flexibility was proved in a wide range of applications worldwide including transcontinental parallel testing. Essentially, two lines of testing emerged: sophisticated analysis of spontaneous behavior in the IntelliCage for screening of new genetic models, and hypothesis testing in many fields of behavioral neuroscience. Upcoming developments of the IntelliCage aim at improved stimulus presentation in the learning corners and videotracking of social interactions within the IntelliCage. Its main advantages are (i) that mice live in social context and are not stressfully handled for experiments, (ii) that studies are not restricted in time and can run in absence of humans, (iii) that it increases reproducibility of behavioral phenotyping worldwide, and (iv) that the industrial standardization of the cage permits retrospective data analysis with new statistical tools even after many years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Lipp
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Krackow
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Emir Turkes
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Seico Benner
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki, Japan
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Burton CP, Chumin EJ, Collins AY, Persohn SA, Onos KD, Pandey RS, Quinney SK, Territo PR. Levetiracetam Modulates Brain Metabolic Networks and Transcriptomic Signatures in the 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.10.566574. [PMID: 38014102 PMCID: PMC10680636 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.566574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Subcritical epileptiform activity is associated with impaired cognitive function and is commonly seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The anti-convulsant, levetiracetam (LEV), is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for its ability to reduce epileptiform activity and improve cognitive function in AD. The purpose of the current study was to apply pharmacokinetics (PK), network analysis of medical imaging, gene transcriptomics, and PK/PD modeling to a cohort of amyloidogenic mice to establish how LEV restores or drives alterations in the brain networks of mice in a dose-dependent basis using the rigorous preclinical pipeline of the MODEL-AD Preclinical Testing Core. METHODS Chronic LEV was administered to 5XFAD mice of both sexes for 3 months based on allometrically scaled clinical dose levels from PK models. Data collection and analysis consisted of a multi-modal approach utilizing 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging and analysis, transcriptomic analyses, and PK/PD modeling. RESULTS Pharmacokinetics of LEV showed a sex and dose dependence in Cmax, CL/F, and AUC0-∞, with simulations used to estimate dose regimens. Chronic dosing at 10, 30, and 56 mg/kg, showed 18F-FDG specific regional differences in brain uptake, and in whole brain covariance measures such as clustering coefficient, degree, network density, and connection strength (i.e. positive and negative). In addition, transcriptomic analysis via nanoString showed dose-dependent changes in gene expression in pathways consistent 18F-FDG uptake and network changes, and PK/PD modeling showed a concentration dependence for key genes, but not for network covariance modeling. DISCUSSION This study represents the first report detailing the relationships of metabolic covariance and transcriptomic network changes resulting from LEV administration in 5XFAD mice. Overall, our results highlight non-linear kinetics based on dose and sex, where gene expression analysis demonstrated LEV dose- and concentration- dependent changes, along with cerebral metabolism, and/or cerebral homeostatic mechanisms relevant to human AD, which aligned closely with network covariance analysis of 18F-FDG images. Collectively, this study show cases the value of a multimodal connectomic, transcriptomic, and pharmacokinetic approach to further investigate dose dependent relationships in preclinical studies, with translational value towards informing clinical study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P. Burton
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | - Evgeny J. Chumin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202
| | - Alyssa Y. Collins
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | - Scott A. Persohn
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | | | - Ravi S. Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032
| | - Sara K. Quinney
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | - Paul R. Territo
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
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Gozalo AS, Elkins WR. A Review of the Effects of Some Extrinsic Factors on Mice Used in Research. Comp Med 2023; 73:413-431. [PMID: 38217072 PMCID: PMC10752364 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000028] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Animals have been used in research for over 2,000 y. From very crude experiments conducted by ancient scholars, animal research, as a science, was refined over hundreds of years to what we know it as today. However, the housing conditions of animals used for research did not improve significantly until less than 100 years ago when guidelines for housing research animals were first published. In addition, it was not until relatively recently that some extrinsic factors were recognized as a research variable, even when animals were housed under recommended guidelines. For example, temperature, humidity, light, noise, vibration, diet, water, caging, bedding, etc., can all potentially affect research using mice, contributing the inability of others to reproduce published findings. Consequently, these external factors should be carefully considered in the design, planning, and execution of animal experiments. In addition, as recommended by others, the housing and husbandry conditions of the animals should be described in detail in publications resulting from animal research to improve study reproducibility. Here, we briefly review some common, and less common, external factors that affect research in one of the most popular animal models, the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso S Gozalo
- Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William R Elkins
- Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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14
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Hamilton M, Wang J, Dhar P, Stehno-Bittel L. Controlled-Release Hydrogel Microspheres to Deliver Multipotent Stem Cells for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1315. [PMID: 38002439 PMCID: PMC10669156 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease affecting articular cartilage and peri-articular tissues. Traditional treatments are insufficient, as they are aimed at mitigating symptoms. Multipotent Stromal Cell (MSC) therapy has been proposed as a treatment capable of both preventing cartilage destruction and treating symptoms. While many studies have investigated MSCs for treating OA, therapeutic success is often inconsistent due to low MSC viability and retention in the joint. To address this, biomaterial-assisted delivery is of interest, particularly hydrogel microspheres, which can be easily injected into the joint. Microspheres composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) were created as MSC delivery vehicles. Microrheology measurements indicated that the microspheres had structural integrity alongside sufficient permeability. Additionally, encapsulated MSC viability was found to be above 70% over one week in culture. Gene expression analysis of MSC-identifying markers showed no change in CD29 levels, increased expression of CD44, and decreased expression of CD90 after one week of encapsulation. Analysis of chondrogenic markers showed increased expressions of aggrecan (ACAN) and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and decreased expression of osteogenic markers, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). In vivo analysis revealed that HA microspheres remained in the joint for up to 6 weeks. Rats that had undergone destabilization of the medial meniscus and had overt OA were treated with empty HA microspheres, MSC-laden microspheres, MSCs alone, or a control vehicle. Pain measurements taken before and after the treatment illustrated temporarily decreased pain in groups treated with encapsulated cells. Finally, the histopathological scoring of each group illustrated significantly less OA damage in those treated with encapsulated cells compared to controls. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential of using HA-based hydrogel microspheres to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in treating OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Hamilton
- Bioengineering Program, School of Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
- Likarda, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA;
| | - Jinxi Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sport Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Prajnaparamita Dhar
- Bioengineering Program, School of Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
| | - Lisa Stehno-Bittel
- Likarda, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA;
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sport Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
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15
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Mariscal P, Bravo L, Llorca-Torralba M, Razquin J, Miguelez C, Suárez-Pereira I, Berrocoso E. Sexual differences in locus coeruleus neurons and related behavior in C57BL/6J mice. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:64. [PMID: 37770907 PMCID: PMC10540344 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00550-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to social and cultural factors, sex differences in the central nervous system have a critical influence on behavior, although the neurobiology underlying these differences remains unclear. Interestingly, the Locus Coeruleus (LC), a noradrenergic nucleus that exhibits sexual dimorphism, integrates signals that are related to diverse activities, including emotions, cognition and pain. Therefore, we set-out to evaluate sex differences in behaviors related to LC nucleus, and subsequently, to assess the sex differences in LC morphology and function. METHODS Female and male C57BL/6J mice were studied to explore the role of the LC in anxiety, depressive-like behavior, well-being, pain, and learning and memory. We also explored the number of noradrenergic LC cells, their somatodendritic volume, as well as the electrophysiological properties of LC neurons in each sex. RESULTS While both male and female mice displayed similar depressive-like behavior, female mice exhibited more anxiety-related behaviors. Interestingly, females outperformed males in memory tasks that involved distinguishing objects with small differences and they also showed greater thermal pain sensitivity. Immunohistological analysis revealed that females had fewer noradrenergic cells yet they showed a larger dendritic volume than males. Patch clamp electrophysiology studies demonstrated that LC neurons in female mice had a lower capacitance and that they were more excitable than male LC neurons, albeit with similar action potential properties. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study provides new insights into the sex differences related to LC nucleus and associated behaviors, which may explain the heightened emotional arousal response observed in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mariscal
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Lidia Bravo
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Meritxell Llorca-Torralba
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Cell Biology & Histology, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jone Razquin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48940, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Cristina Miguelez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48940, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Irene Suárez-Pereira
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003, Cádiz, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009, Cádiz, Spain.
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16
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Piilgaard L, Rose L, Justinussen JL, Hviid CG, Lemcke R, Wellendorph P, Kornum BR. Non-invasive detection of narcolepsy type I phenotypical features and disease progression by continuous home-cage monitoring of activity in two mouse models: the HCRT-KO and DTA model. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad144. [PMID: 37210587 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad144] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a neurological disorder caused by disruption of hypocretin (HCRT; or orexin) neurotransmission leading to fragmented sleep/wake states, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cataplexy (abrupt muscle atonia during wakefulness). Electroencephalography and electromyography (EEG/EMG) monitoring is the gold standard to assess NT1 phenotypical features in both humans and mice. Here, we evaluated the digital ventilated home-cage (DVC®) activity system as an alternative to detect NT1 features in two NT1 mouse models: the genetic HCRT-knockout (-KO) model, and the inducible HCRT neuron-ablation hcrt-tTA;TetO-DTA (DTA) model, including both sexes. NT1 mice exhibited an altered dark phase activity profile and increased state transitions, compared to the wild-type (WT) phenotype. An inability to sustain activity periods >40 min represented a robust activity-based NT1 biomarker. These features were observable within the first weeks of HCRT neuron degeneration in DTA mice. We also created a nest-identification algorithm to differentiate between inactivity and activity, inside and outside the nest as a sleep and wake proxy, respectively, showing significant correlations with EEG/EMG-assessed sleep/wake behavior. Lastly, we tested the sensitivity of the activity system to detect behavioral changes in response to interventions such as repeated saline injection and chocolate. Surprisingly, daily consecutive saline injections significantly reduced activity and increased nest time of HCRT-WT mice. Chocolate increased total activity in all mice, and increased the frequency of short out-of-nest inactivity episodes in HCRT-KO mice. We conclude that the DVC® system provides a useful tool for non-invasive monitoring of NT1 phenotypical features, and has the potential to monitor drug effects in NT1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Piilgaard
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Rose
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica L Justinussen
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camille Gylling Hviid
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - René Lemcke
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petrine Wellendorph
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Rahbek Kornum
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mösch L, Kunczik J, Breuer L, Merhof D, Gass P, Potschka H, Zechner D, Vollmar B, Tolba R, Häger C, Bleich A, Czaplik M, Pereira CB. Towards substitution of invasive telemetry: An integrated home cage concept for unobtrusive monitoring of objective physiological parameters in rodents. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286230. [PMID: 37676867 PMCID: PMC10484458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents a novel concept for a smart home cage design, tools, and software used to monitor the physiological parameters of mice and rats in animal-based experiments. The proposed system focuses on monitoring key clinical parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, and can also assess activity and circadian rhythm. As the basis of the smart home cage system, an in-depth analysis of the requirements was performed, including camera positioning, imaging system types, resolution, frame rates, external illumination, video acquisition, data storage, and synchronization. Two different camera perspectives were considered, and specific camera models, including two near-infrared and two thermal cameras, were selected to meet the requirements. The developed specifications, hardware models, and software are freely available via GitHub. During the first testing phase, the system demonstrated the potential of extracting vital parameters such as respiratory and heart rate. This technology has the potential to reduce the need for implantable sensors while providing reliable and accurate physiological data, leading to refinement and improvement in laboratory animal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Mösch
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Janosch Kunczik
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Lukas Breuer
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Dorit Merhof
- Chair of Image Processing, Faculty of Computer and Data Science, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Baden Württemberg, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Dietmar Zechner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Centre Rostock, Rostock, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Centre Rostock, Rostock, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
| | - René Tolba
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Christine Häger
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - André Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Michael Czaplik
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Carina Barbosa Pereira
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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Young L, Goldsteen D, Nunamaker EA, Prescott MJ, Reynolds P, Thompson-Iritani S, Thurston SE, Martin TL, LaFollette MR. Using refined methods to pick up mice: A survey benchmarking prevalence & beliefs about tunnel and cup handling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288010. [PMID: 37676886 PMCID: PMC10484434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Refined handling improves laboratory mouse welfare and research outcomes when compared to traditional tail handling, yet implementation does not seem to be widespread. Refined handling includes picking up a mouse using a tunnel or cupped hands. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of and beliefs towards refined handling using the theory of planned behavior. It was predicted that refined handling prevalence is low compared to traditional handling methods, and its implementation is determined by individual and institutional beliefs. Research personnel were recruited via online convenience sampling through email listservs and social media. A total of 261 participants in diverse roles (e.g. veterinarians, managers, caretakers, researchers, etc.) responded primarily from the USA (79%) and academic institutions (61%) Participants were surveyed about their current use, knowledge, and beliefs about refined handling. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and generalised regression. Qualitative data were analyzed by theme. Research personnel reported low levels of refined handling implementation, with only 10% of participants using it exclusively and a median estimate of only 10% of institutional mice being handled with refined methods. Individually, participants had positive attitudes, neutral norms, and positive control beliefs about refined handling. Participants' intention to provide refined handling in the future was strongly associated with their attitudes, norms, and control beliefs (p<0.01). Participants believed barriers included jumpy mice, perceived incompatibility with restraint, lack of time, and other personnel. However, participants also believed refined handling was advantageous to mouse welfare, handling ease, personnel, and research. Although results from this survey indicate that current refined handling prevalence is low in this sample, personnel believe it has important benefits, and future use is associated with their beliefs about the practice. People who believed refined handling was good, felt pressure to use it, and were confident in their use reported higher implementation. Increased refined handling could be encouraged through education on misconceptions, highlighting advantages, and addressing important barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Young
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donna Goldsteen
- Independent Consultant (Formerly AstraZeneca), Damascus, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Charles River Laboratories, Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Prescott
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Penny Reynolds
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Sarah E. Thurston
- Charles River Laboratories, Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tara L. Martin
- Refinement and Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Nunamaker EA, Turner PV. Unmasking the Adverse Impacts of Sex Bias on Science and Research Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2792. [PMID: 37685056 PMCID: PMC10486396 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex bias in biomedical and natural science research has been prevalent for decades. In many cases, the female estrous cycle was thought to be too complex an issue to model for, and it was thought to be simpler to only use males in studies. At times, particularly when studying efficacy and safety of new therapeutics, this sex bias has resulted in over- and under-medication with associated deleterious side effects in women. Many sex differences have been recognized that are unrelated to hormonal variation occurring during the estrous cycle. Sex bias also creates animal welfare challenges related to animal over-production and wastage, insufficient consideration of welfare (and scientific) impact related to differential housing of male vs female animals within research facilities, and a lack of understanding regarding differential requirements for pain recognition and alleviation in male versus female animals. Although many funding and government agencies require both sexes to be studied in biomedical research, many disparities remain in practice. This requires further enforcement of expectations by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee when reviewing protocols, research groups when writing grants, planning studies, and conducting research, and scientific journals and reviewers to ensure that sex bias policies are enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA;
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA;
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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20
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Parsons MH, Stryjek R, Fendt M, Kiyokawa Y, Bebas P, Blumstein DT. Making a case for the free exploratory paradigm: animal welfare-friendly assays that enhance heterozygosity and ecological validity. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1228478. [PMID: 37600759 PMCID: PMC10436217 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1228478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Parsons
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Rafal Stryjek
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yasushi Kiyokawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Piotr Bebas
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel T. Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Rawlings-Mortimer F, Lazari A, Tisca C, Tachrount M, Martins-Bach AB, Miller KL, Lerch JP, Johansen-Berg H. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone enhances long-term spatial memory and alters brain volume in wildtype mice. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1134594. [PMID: 37008453 PMCID: PMC10057119 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1134594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a low molecular weight compound that can cross the blood brain barrier and has been implicated in numerous functions and behaviours. It is thought to have neuroprotective capability and has been shown to alleviate symptoms in a wide range of diseases.Methods: 7,8-DHF was administered systemically to wildtype mice during Morris water maze training. Long-term spatial memory was assessed 28 days later. Ex-vivo T2-weighted (T2w) imaging was undertaken on a subset of these mice to assess brain-wide changes in volume.Results: We found that systemic 7,8-DHF administration during the training period enhanced spatial memory 28 days later. Volumetric changes were observed in numerous brain regions associated with a broad range of functions including cognition, sensory, and motor processing.Discussion: Our findings give the first whole brain overview of long-term anatomical changes following 7,8-DHF administration providing valuable information for assessing and understanding the widespread effects this drug has been shown to have in behaviour and disease.
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d'Isa R, Gerlai R. Designing animal-friendly behavioral tests for neuroscience research: The importance of an ethological approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1090248. [PMID: 36703720 PMCID: PMC9871504 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1090248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience (DNS), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Khatibi VA, Rahdar M, Rezaei M, Davoudi S, Nazari M, Mohammadi M, Raoufy MR, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. The Glycolysis Inhibitor 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Exerts Different Neuronal Effects at Circuit and Cellular Levels, Partially Reverses Behavioral Alterations and does not Prevent NADPH Diaphorase Activity Reduction in the Intrahippocampal Kainic Acid Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:210-228. [PMID: 36064822 PMCID: PMC9444119 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03740-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most drug-resistant type with the highest incidence among the other focal epilepsies. Metabolic manipulations are of great interest among others, glycolysis inhibitors like 2-deoxy D-glucose (2-DG) being the most promising intervention. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of 2-DG treatment on cellular and circuit level electrophysiological properties using patch-clamp and local field potentials recordings and behavioral alterations such as depression and anxiety behaviors, and changes in nitric oxide signaling in the intrahippocampal kainic acid model. We found that epileptic animals were less anxious, more depressed, with more locomotion activity. Interestingly, by masking the effect of increased locomotor activity on the parameters of the zero-maze test, no altered anxiety behavior was noted in epileptic animals. However, 2-DG could partially reverse the behavioral changes induced by kainic acid. The findings also showed that 2-DG treatment partially suppresses cellular level alterations while failing to reverse circuit-level changes resulting from kainic acid injection. Analysis of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus revealed that the number of positive neurons was significantly reduced in dorsal CA1 of the epileptic animals and 2-DG treatment did not affect the diminishing effect of kainic acid on NADPH-d+ neurons in the CA1 area. In the control group receiving 2-DG, however, an augmented NADPH-d+ cell number was noted. These data suggest that 2-DG cannot suppress epileptiform activity at the circuit-level in this model of epilepsy and therefore, may fail to control the seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Ahli Khatibi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Rezaei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Nazari
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mohammad Mohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohammad Reza Raoufy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Customizable, wireless and implantable neural probe design and fabrication via 3D printing. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:3-21. [PMID: 36271159 PMCID: PMC10059091 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This Protocol Extension describes the low-cost production of rapidly customizable optical neural probes for in vivo optogenetics. We detail the use of a 3D printer to fabricate minimally invasive microscale inorganic light-emitting-diode-based neural probes that can control neural circuit activity in freely behaving animals, thus extending the scope of two previously published protocols describing the fabrication and implementation of optoelectronic devices for studying intact neural systems. The 3D-printing fabrication process does not require extensive training and eliminates the need for expensive materials, specialized cleanroom facilities and time-consuming microfabrication techniques typical of conventional manufacturing processes. As a result, the design of the probes can be quickly optimized, on the basis of experimental need, reducing the cost and turnaround for customization. For example, 3D-printed probes can be customized to target multiple brain regions or scaled up for use in large animal models. This protocol comprises three procedures: (1) probe fabrication, (2) wireless module preparation and (3) implantation for in vivo assays. For experienced researchers, neural probe and wireless module fabrication requires ~2 d, while implantation should take 30-60 min per animal. Time required for behavioral assays will vary depending on the experimental design and should include at least 5 d of animal handling before implantation of the probe, to familiarize each animal to their handler, thus reducing handling stress that may influence the result of the behavioral assays. The implementation of customized probes improves the flexibility in optogenetic experimental design and increases access to wireless probes for in vivo optogenetic research.
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Novak J, Jaric I, Rosso M, Rufener R, Touma C, Würbel H. Handling method affects measures of anxiety, but not chronic stress in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20938. [PMID: 36463282 PMCID: PMC9719500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in mice have shown that less aversive handling methods (e.g. tunnel or cup handling) can reduce behavioural measures of anxiety in comparison to picking mice up by their tail. Despite such evidence, tail handling continues to be used routinely. Besides resistance to change accustomed procedures, this may also be due to the fact that current evidence in support of less aversive handling is mostly restricted to effects of extensive daily handling, which may not apply to routine husbandry practices. The aim of our study was to assess whether, and to what extent, different handling methods during routine husbandry induce differences in behavioural and physiological measures of stress in laboratory mice. To put the effects of handling method in perspective with chronic stress, we compared handling methods to a validated paradigm of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). We housed mice of two strains (Balb/c and C57BL/6) and both sexes either under standard laboratory conditions (CTRL) or under UCMS. Half of the animals from each housing condition were tail handled and half were tunnel handled twice per week, once during a cage change and once for a routine health check. We found strain dependent effects of handling method on behavioural measures of anxiety: tunnel handled Balb/c mice interacted with the handler more than tail handled conspecifics, and tunnel handled CTRL mice showed increased open arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze. Mice undergoing UCMS showed increased plasma corticosterone levels and reduced sucrose preference. However, we found no effect of handling method on these stress-associated measures. Our results therefore indicate that routine tail handling can affect behavioural measures of anxiety, but may not be a significant source of chronic husbandry stress. Our results also highlight strain dependent responses to handling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Novak
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ivana Jaric
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marianna Rosso
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chadi Touma
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Behavioural Biology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Hanno Würbel
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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26
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Post Mortem Study on the Effects of Routine Handling and Manipulation of Laboratory Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233234. [PMID: 36496755 PMCID: PMC9737896 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine handling and manipulation of laboratory mice are integral components of most preclinical studies. Any type of handling and manipulation may cause stress and result in physical harm to mice, potentially leading to unintended consequences of experimental outcomes. Nevertheless, the pathological effects of these interventions are poorly documented and assumed to have a negligible effect on experimental variables. In that context, we provide a comprehensive post mortem overview of the main pathological changes associated with routine interventions (i.e., restraint, blood drawing, and intraperitoneal injections) of laboratory mice with an emphasis on presumed traumatic osteoarticular lesions. A total of 1000 mice from various studies were included, with 864 animals being heavily manipulated and 136 being handled for routine husbandry procedures only. The most common lesions observed were associated with blood collection or intraperitoneal injections, as well as a series of traumatic osteoarticular lesions likely resulting from restraint. Osteoarticular lesions were found in 62 animals (61 heavily manipulated; 1 unmanipulated) with rib fractures and avulsion of the dens of the axis being over-represented. Histopathology and micro-CT confirmed the traumatic nature of the rib fractures. While these lesions might be unavoidable if mice are manipulated according to the current standards, intentional training of research personnel on appropriate mouse handling and restraint techniques could help reduce their frequency and the impact on animal wellbeing as well as study reproducibility.
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Kumari M, Dasriya VL, Nataraj BH, Nagpal R, Behare PV. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus-Derived Exopolysaccharide Attenuates D-Galactose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Brain Injury and Modulates Gut Microbiota in a Mouse Model. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10102046. [PMID: 36296322 PMCID: PMC9611687 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a novel exopolysaccharide EPSRam12, produced by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12, against D-galactose-induced brain injury and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice. The findings demonstrate that EPSRam12 increases the level of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, while decreasing malonaldehyde, nitric oxide, pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the activation of nuclear factor-kappa-B in the brain tissues of D-galactose-treated mice. Further analyses reveal that EPSRam12 improves gut mucosal barrier function and increases the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestine while restoring gut microbial diversity by enriching the abundance of SCFA-producing microbial genera Prevotella, Clostridium, Intestinimonas, and Acetatifactor while decreasing potential pathobionts including Helicobacter. These findings of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in the brain and ameliorative effects on epithelial integrity, SCFAs and microbiota in the gut, provide novel insights into the effect of EPSRam12 intervention on the gut–microbiome–brain axis and should facilitate prospective understanding of microbial exopolysaccharide for improved host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manorama Kumari
- Technofunctional Starter Lab., National Collection of Dairy Cultures (NCDC), Dairy Microbiology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
- College of Dairy and Food Technology, Agriculture University, Jodhpur 342304, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vaishali L. Dasriya
- Technofunctional Starter Lab., National Collection of Dairy Cultures (NCDC), Dairy Microbiology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Basavaprabhu H. Nataraj
- Technofunctional Starter Lab., National Collection of Dairy Cultures (NCDC), Dairy Microbiology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
| | - Ravinder Nagpal
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Correspondence: (R.N.); (P.V.B.)
| | - Pradip V. Behare
- Technofunctional Starter Lab., National Collection of Dairy Cultures (NCDC), Dairy Microbiology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India
- Correspondence: (R.N.); (P.V.B.)
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28
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Stevanovic KD, Fry SA, DeFilipp JMS, Wu N, Bernstein BJ, Cushman JD. Assessing the importance of sex in a hippocampus-dependent behavioral test battery in C57BL/6NTac mice. LEARNING & MEMORY (COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y.) 2022; 29:203-215. [PMID: 35882502 PMCID: PMC9374270 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053599.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Inclusion of male and female subjects in behavioral neuroscience research requires a concerted effort to characterize sex differences in standardized behavioral assays. Sex differences in hippocampus-dependent assays have been widely reported but are still poorly characterized. In the present study, we conducted a parametric analysis of spontaneous alternation, object recognition, and fear conditioning in a commonly used control strain, C57BL/6NTac. Our findings show largely similar performance between males and females across the majority of behavioral end points. However, we identified an important difference in nonassociative fear sensitization, whereby females showed an enhanced fear response to the 75-dB tone that is used as the conditional stimulus. In addition, we observed an impairment in object location performance in females that was ameliorated by more extensive habituation to handling. Together, these findings argue that sex differences in nonassociative fear responses to both novel auditory cues and novel objects need to be considered when designing and interpreting cognitive assays in C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, this elevated fear sensitization could serve as a novel approach to model the increased incidence of anxiety disorders in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korey D Stevanovic
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Sydney A Fry
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Jemma M S DeFilipp
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Nicholas Wu
- University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Briana J Bernstein
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobehavioral Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
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29
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Mallien AS, Becker L, Pfeiffer N, Terraneo F, Hahn M, Middelman A, Palme R, Creutzberg KC, Begni V, Riva MA, Leo D, Potschka H, Fumagalli F, Homberg JR, Gass P. Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats Show Impaired Wellbeing in a Multimodal Severity Assessment Approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:924603. [PMID: 35898652 PMCID: PMC9309546 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.924603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In preclinical psychiatry research, animals are central to modeling and understanding biological mechanisms of behavior and psychiatric disorders. We here present the first multimodal severity assessment of a genetically modified rat strain used in psychiatric research, lacking the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene and showing endophenotypes of several dopamine-associated disorders. Absence of the DAT leads to high extracellular dopamine (DA) levels and has been associated with locomotor hyperactivity, compulsive behaviors and stereotypies in the past. The German Animal Welfare Law, which is based on the EU Directive (2010/63/EU), requires a prospective severity assessment for every animal experiment, depending on the extent of the expected degree of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm that the animals will experience. This should consider all procedures but also the impact of the genotype on the phenotype. Therefore, we examined multiple parameters indicating animal welfare, like burrowing behavior, social interaction, saccharin preference, baseline stress hormone levels and nesting behavior. Additionally, a footprint analysis was performed and home cage activity was analyzed for a more detailed characterization of locomotion. DAT KO rats demonstrated reduced burrowing, social interaction and saccharin preference. We also found pronounced stereotypies and alterations in the gait analysis in DAT KO rats. Moreover, we confirmed the hyperactivity and the impaired sensorimotor gating mechanisms to assure that our rats are exhibiting the correct phenotype. In conclusion, we provide evidence that DAT KO rats show alterations in natural behavior patterns and deduce that the marked stereotypies are a sign for coping difficulties, both indicating a negative influence of the genotype on wellbeing. We suggest to assess further rat models in an objectified severity assessment as previously done in mice to create a relative severity assessment based on scientific evidence. Until then, we propose the classification of homozygous DAT KO rats as “moderate” in accordance with the criteria of the EU directive 2010/63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Stephanie Mallien,
| | - Laura Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Federica Terraneo
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anthonieke Middelman
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerstin Camile Creutzberg
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Damiana Leo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Aniszewska A, Bergström J, Ingelsson M, Ekmark-Lewén S. Modeling Parkinson's disease-related symptoms in alpha-synuclein overexpressing mice. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2628. [PMID: 35652155 PMCID: PMC9304846 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracellular deposition of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites is a central event in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other α-synucleinopathies. Transgenic mouse models overexpressing human α-syn, are useful research tools in preclinical studies of pathogenetic mechanisms. Such mice develop α-syn inclusions as well as neurodegeneration with a topographical distribution that varies depending on the choice of promoter and which form of α-syn that is overexpressed. Moreover, they display motor symptoms and cognitive disturbances that to some extent resemble the human conditions. PURPOSE One of the main motives for assessing behavior in these mouse models is to evaluate the potential of new treatment strategies, including their impact on motor and cognitive symptoms. However, due to a high within-group variability with respect to such features, the behavioral studies need to be applied with caution. In this review, we discuss how to make appropriate choices in the experimental design and which tests that are most suitable for the evaluation of PD-related symptoms in such studies. METHODS We have evaluated published results on two selected transgenic mouse models overexpressing wild type (L61) and mutated (A30P) α-syn in the context of their validity and utility for different types of behavioral studies. CONCLUSIONS By applying appropriate behavioral tests, α-syn transgenic mouse models provide an appropriate experimental platform for studies of symptoms related to PD and other α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Aniszewska
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Molecular Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joakim Bergström
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Molecular Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Ingelsson
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Molecular Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Ekmark-Lewén
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Molecular Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Mallien AS, Pfeiffer N, Brandwein C, Inta D, Sprengel R, Palme R, Talbot SR, Gass P. Comparative Severity Assessment of Genetic, Stress-Based, and Pharmacological Mouse Models of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:908366. [PMID: 35783227 PMCID: PMC9245036 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.908366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animals in neurosciences is pivotal to gaining insights into complex functions and dysfunctions of behavior. For example, various forms of physical and/or psychological stress are inherent to various animal models for psychiatric disorders, e.g., depression. Regarding animal welfare, it would be mandatory to use models that inflict the least amount of stress necessary to address the underlying scientific question. This study compared the severity of different approaches to induce depression in mice: mutagenesis in GluA1 knockout, immobilization stress, and stress-induction via stress hormone treatment. While genetic alterations potentially represent a lifelong burden, the temporary intervention only affects the animals for a limited time. Therefore, we used home cage-based behavioral and physiological parameters, including nest building, burrowing, body weight, and fecal corticosterone metabolites, to determine the well-being of male and female mice. In addition, we performed an evidence-based estimate of severity using a composite score for relative severity assessment (RELSA) with this data. We found that even though restraint stress and supplementation of corticosterone in the diet both aimed at depression-related precipitating stress effects, the latter affected the well-being much stronger, especially in females. Restraint leads to less noticeable well-being impairments but causes depression-associated anhedonic behavior. Mice of both sexes recovered well from the stress treatment. GluA1 KO and their littermates showed diminished well-being, comparable to the immobilization experiments. However, since this is a lifelong condition, this burden is not reversible and potentially accumulative. In line with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), the process of choosing the most suitable model should ideally include an evidence-based severity assessment to be able to opt for the least severe alternative, which still induces the desired effect. Promoting refinement, in our study, this would be the restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Stephanie Mallien,
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Brandwein
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dragos Inta
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Community Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPIMF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven R. Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Hull MA, Reynolds PS, Nunamaker EA. Effects of non-aversive versus tail-lift handling on breeding productivity in a C57BL/6J mouse colony. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263192. [PMID: 35089969 PMCID: PMC8797240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-aversive handling is a well-documented refinement measure for improving rodent welfare. Because maternal stress is related to reduced productivity, we hypothesized that welfare benefits associated with non-aversive handling would translate to higher production and fewer litters lost in a laboratory mouse breeding colony. We performed a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a standard method of handling (tail-lift with forceps) versus non-aversive handling with transfer tunnels ('tunnel-handled') on breeding performance in 59 C57BL/6J mouse pairs. Intervention assignments could not be concealed from technicians, but were concealed from assessors and data analyst. An operationally significant effect of tunnel-handling (large enough differences to warrant programmatic change) was defined before study initiation as a 5% increase in productivity, or one extra pup over the reproductive lifetime of each pair. Pairs were randomly allocated to handling intervention and cage rack location, and monitored over an entire 6-month breeding cycle. For each group, we measured number of pups born and weaned, and number of entire litters lost prior to weaning. Differences between transfer methods were estimated by two-level hierarchical mixed models adjusted for parental effects and parity. Compared to tail-lift mice, tunnel-handled mice averaged one extra pup per pair born (+1.0; 95% CI 0.9, 1.1; P = 0.41) and weaned (+1.1, 95% CI 0.9, 1.2; P = 0.33). More tunnel-handled pairs successfully weaned all litters produced (13/29 pairs, 45% vs 4/30 pairs, 13%; P = 0.015), averaged fewer litter losses prior to weaning (11/29 pairs [38%] vs 26/30 pairs [87%]; P <0.001), and had a 20% lower risk of recurrent litter loss. The increase in numbers of pups produced and weaned with tunnel handling met threshold requirement for operational significance. These data and projected cost savings persuaded management to incorporate tunnel handling as standard of care across the institution. These data also suggest that overlooked husbandry practices such as cage transfer may be major confounders in studies of mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Hull
- 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
| | - Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Redaelli V, Bosi A, Luzi F, Cappella P, Zerbi P, Ludwig N, Di Lernia D, Roughan JV, Porcu L, Soranna D, Parati G, Calvillo L. Neuroinflammation, body temperature and behavioural changes in CD1 male mice undergoing acute restraint stress: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259938. [PMID: 34780550 PMCID: PMC8592432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models used to study pathologies requiring rehabilitation therapy, such as cardiovascular and neurologic disorders or oncologic disease, must be as refined and translationally relevant as possible. Sometimes, however, experimental procedures such as those involving restraint may generate undesired effects which may act as a source of bias. However, the extent to which potentially confounding effects derive from such routine procedures is currently unknown. Our study was therefore aimed at exploring possible undesirable effects of acute restraint stress, whereby animals were exposed to a brightly lit enclosed chamber (R&L) similar to those that are commonly used for substance injection. We hypothesised that this would induce a range of unwanted physiological alterations [such as neuroinflammatory response and changes in body weight and in brown adipose tissue (BAT)] and behavioural modification, and that these might be mitigated via the use of non-aversive handling methods: Tunnel Handling (NAH-T) and Mechanoceptive Handling (NAH-M)) as compared to standard Tail Handling (TH). METHODS Two indicators of physiological alterations and three potentially stress sensitive behavioural parameters were assessed. Physiological alterations were recorded via body weight changes and assessing the temperature of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) using infra-red thermography (IRT), and at the end of the experiment we determined the concentration of cytokines CXCL12 and CCL2 in bone marrow (BM) and activated microglia in the brain. Nest complexity scoring, automated home-cage behaviour analysis (HCS) and Elevated Plus Maze testing (EPM) were used to detect any behavioural alterations. Recordings were made before and after a 15-minute period of R&L in groups of mice handled via TH, NAH-T or NAH-M. RESULTS BAT temperature significantly decreased in all handling groups following R&L regardless of handling method. There was a difference, at the limit of significance (p = 0.06), in CXCL12 BM content among groups. CXCL12 content in BM of NAH-T animals was similar to that found in Sentinels, the less stressed group of animals. After R&L, mice undergoing NAH-T and NAH-M showed improved body-weight maintenance compared to those exposed to TH. Mice handled via NAH-M spent a significantly longer time on the open arms of the EPM. The HCS results showed that in all mice, regardless of handling method, R&L resulted in a significant reduction in walking and rearing, but not in total distance travelled. All mice also groomed more. No difference among the groups was found in Nest Score, in CCL2 BM content or in brain activated microglia. CONCLUSIONS Stress induced by a common restraint procedure caused metabolic and behavioural changes that might increase the risk of unexpected bias. In particular, the significant decrease in BAT temperature could affect the important metabolic pathways controlled by this tissue. R&L lowered the normal frequency of walking and rearing, increased grooming and probably carried a risk of low-grade neuro-inflammation. Some of the observed alterations can be mitigated by Non-aversive handlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Bosi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Zerbi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ludwig
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Lernia
- Humane Technology Lab, Dipartimento di psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - John Vincent Roughan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Comparative Biology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Porcu
- Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Calvillo
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Apparatus design and behavioural testing protocol for the evaluation of spatial working memory in mice through the spontaneous alternation T-maze. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21177. [PMID: 34707108 PMCID: PMC8551159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial working memory can be assessed in mice through the spontaneous alternation T-maze test. The T-maze is a T-shaped apparatus featuring a stem (start arm) and two lateral goal arms (left and right arms). The procedure is based on the natural tendency of rodents to prefer exploring a novel arm over a familiar one, which induces them to alternate the choice of the goal arm across repeated trials. During the task, in order to successfully alternate choices across trials, an animal has to remember which arm had been visited in the previous trial, which makes spontaneous alternation T-maze an optimal test for spatial working memory. As this test relies on a spontaneous behaviour and does not require rewards, punishments or pre-training, it represents a particularly useful tool for cognitive evaluation, both time-saving and animal-friendly. We describe here in detail the apparatus and the protocol, providing representative results on wild-type healthy mice.
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Taggart PL, Schultz D, Taggart DA, Boardman WSJ, Jackson SM, Burbridge K. Jugular vein venepuncture and anatomy in Australian Rattus. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am21025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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