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Langston JL, Myers TM. Development and characterization of an automated behavioral assessment platform for the Göttingen minipig. Toxicol Lett 2024; 394:128-137. [PMID: 38428545 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.02.009] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The Göttingen minipig is fast becoming the standard for assessing dermal chemical hazards because, like most swine, its skin is predictive of human skin response and because this strain's smaller size makes laboratory manipulations and husbandry easier. Unfortunately, standard behavioral tests and apparatus have not been developed for behavioral assessments of this swine strain. Indeed, computer-controlled automated behavioral testing procedures are much needed. The present research advanced this goal by producing a home-cage behavioral testing system that could accommodate minipigs of various sizes (ages). An aluminum frame housed three levers for recording operant responses, and LEDs above and below each lever served as discriminative stimuli. A commercially available food pellet dispenser was attached to a specialized pellet receptacle capable of measuring pellet retrieval. Two behavioral tests were selected and adapted from our commonly used non-human primate behavioral assessments: delayed match-to-sample (a memory test) and temporal response differentiation (a time-estimation test). Minipigs were capable of learning both tests and attaining stable performance. Next, scopolamine was used to validate the sensitivity of the behavioral tests for gauging behavioral perturbations in this swine strain. Scopolamine dose-effect functions were comparable to those observed in other species, including non-human primates, wherein 37.5 µg/kg of scopolamine (administered intramuscularly) reduced responding approximately 50%. Thus, we were successful in developing the apparatus and automated operant behavioral tests necessary to characterize drug safety in this swine strain. This capability will be valuable for characterizing chemical agent toxicity as well as the safety and efficacy of medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Langston
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Medical Toxicology Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Todd M Myers
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Medical Toxicology Research Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA.
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2
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Dumontier L, Janczak AM, Smulders TV, Nordgreen J. Effects of the rearing environment complexity on laying hens’ spatial cognition: A holeboard test approach. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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3
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A genetically modified minipig model for Alzheimer’s disease with SORL1 haploinsufficiency. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100740. [PMID: 36099918 PMCID: PMC9512670 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The established causal genes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, are functionally characterized using biomarkers, capturing an in vivo profile reflecting the disease’s initial preclinical phase. Mutations in SORL1, encoding the endosome recycling receptor SORLA, are found in 2%–3% of individuals with early-onset AD, and SORL1 haploinsufficiency appears to be causal for AD. To test whether SORL1 can function as an AD causal gene, we use CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing to develop a model of SORL1 haploinsufficiency in Göttingen minipigs, taking advantage of porcine models for biomarker investigations. SORL1 haploinsufficiency in young adult minipigs is found to phenocopy the preclinical in vivo profile of AD observed with APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, resulting in elevated levels of β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau preceding amyloid plaque formation and neurodegeneration, as observed in humans. Our study provides functional support for the theory that SORL1 haploinsufficiency leads to endosome cytopathology with biofluid hallmarks of autosomal dominant AD. Minipig model of Alzheimer’s disease by CRISPR knockout of the causal gene SORL1 Young SORL1 het minipigs phenocopy a preclinical CSF biomarker profile of individuals with AD SORL1 haploinsufficiency causes enlarged endosomes similar to neuronal AD pathology A minipig model bridging the translational gap between AD mouse models and affected individuals
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4
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Regional Characterization of the Gottingen Minipig Brain by [18 F]FDG Dynamic Pet Modeling. J Med Biol Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-022-00739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
To determine the best kinetic model to be applied on dynamic brain [18 F]FDG PET images by characterizing the regional brain glucose metabolism of normal Göttingen minipigs.
Methods
Nine Göttingen minipigs were scanned with a clinical PET/CT tomograph, starting from the injection of an intravenous bolus of [18 F]FDG, for about 25 min. Dynamic images were reconstructed and nine brain regions of interest (ROI), plus a vascular region, were defined and time-activity curves (TAC) were determined.
Three kinetic models were considered for fitting with experimental TACs: one-tissue compartment model 1TC, two-tissue irreversible compartment model 2TCi and two-tissue reversible model 2TC. Akaike Information Criterion was considered to evaluate the goodness of each model fitting. Regional and global kinetic parameter values were evaluated, in addition to the partition coefficient, net influx rate and retention index (RI).
Results
Both 2TCi and 2TC models turned out to be good choices for the next analysis. Parameter values were very similar between the different brain regions, with similar values to when the brain as a whole is considered (kinetic parameters mean values, from 2TCi model: K1 = 1.0 ml/g/min, k2 = 0.49 min− 1, k3 = 0.034 min− 1, K1/k2 = 2.14ml/g, Ki =0.069 ml/g/min; from 2TC model: K1 = 1.10 ml/g/min, k2 = 0.54 min− 1, k3 = 0.058 min− 1, k4 = 0.039 min− 1, K1/k2 = 2.18 ml/g, Ki = 0.10 ml/g/min; RI mean ± sd: 0.147 ± 0.037 min− 1), with the exception of the cerebellum (mean values from the 2TCi model: K1 = 0.52 ml/g/min, k2 = 0.56 min− 1, k3 = 0.025 min− 1, K1/k2 = 0.98ml/g, Ki=0.022 ml/g/min; from 2TC model: K1 = 0.54 ml/g/min, k2 = 0.61 min− 1, k3 = 0.044 min− 1, k4 = 0.038 min− 1, K1/k2 = 0.95ml/g, Ki=0.032 ml/g/min; RI mean ± sd: 0.071 ± 0.018 min− 1).
Conclusion
The two-tissue model is able to describe the regional brain metabolism in Göttingen minipigs. Compared to the 2TCi model, in the 2TC model the k4 micro-parameter was also evaluated. This led to adjustments of the other microparameters, especially k3 and consequently the net influx rate Ki. For healthy minipigs, the glucose metabolism was similar in all of the brain regions analyzed, with the exception of the cerebellum, where the FDG uptake was lower.
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Blokland A. Cholinergic models of memory impairment in animals and man: scopolamine vs. biperiden. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:231-237. [PMID: 35621168 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Scopolamine has been used as a pharmacologic model for cognitive impairments in dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The validity of this model seems to be limited because findings in animals do not readily translate to novel treatments in humans. Biperiden is also a cholinergic deficit model for cognitive impairments but specifically blocks muscarinic M1 receptors. The effects of scopolamine and biperiden (and pirenzepine) are compared in animal studies and related to findings in humans. It is concluded that the effects on cognitive functions are different for scopolamine and biperiden, and they should be considered as different cognitive deficit models. Scopolamine may model more advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease whereas biperiden may model the early deficits in declarative memory in aging and mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Blokland
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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6
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Multimodal characterization of Yucatan minipig behavior and physiology through maturation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22688. [PMID: 34811385 PMCID: PMC8608884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00782-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain injuries induced by external forces are particularly challenging to model experimentally. In recent decades, the domestic pig has been gaining popularity as a highly relevant animal model to address the pathophysiological mechanisms and the biomechanics associated with head injuries. Understanding cognitive, motor, and sensory aspects of pig behavior throughout development is crucial for evaluating cognitive and motor deficits after injury. We have developed a comprehensive battery of tests to characterize the behavior and physiological function of the Yucatan minipig throughout maturation. Behavioral testing included assessments of learning and memory, executive functions, circadian rhythms, gait analysis, and level of motor activity. We applied traditional behavioral apparatus and analysis methods, as well as state-of-the-art sensor technologies to report on motion and activity, and artificial intelligent approaches to analyze behavior. We studied pigs from 16 weeks old through sexual maturity at 35 weeks old. The results show multidimensional characterization of minipig behavior, and how it develops and changes with age. This animal model may capitulate the biomechanical consideration and phenotype of head injuries in the developing brain and can drive forward the field of understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and developing new therapies to accelerate recovery in children who have suffered head trauma.
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d'Isa R, Comi G, Leocani L. The 4-Hole-Board Test for Assessment of Long-Term Spatial Memory in Mice. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e228. [PMID: 34432376 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The hole-board test has been used in rodents since the early 60s to measure exploratory behavior, locomotor activity and cognitive function. The test is based on rodents' natural curiosity and attraction for novelty. Basically, the hole-board consists of a small square arena with an extractable platform as floor, which has a set of equally spaced circular holes on its surface. In this article, we describe the protocol of a 4-hole-board test allowing the assessment of long-term spatial memory in mice without the employment of water or food restriction, painful stimuli (as electrical shocks) or any aversive condition (as forced swimming or exposure to intense light). Four holes are present on the floor of the square arena (one for each of its four quadrants). Mice released in the arena spontaneously approach the holes and explore them by briefly inserting the snout inside, a behavior defined as nose-poking (or head-dipping). If, after 24 hr, rodents are re-exposed to the hole-board, the novelty of the holes decreases. Animals with an intact long-term memory will show a reduction of the frequency of nose-poking into the holes. The total number of nose-pokes on day 1 is an index of exploration, while the percentage of decrease in nose-poking on day 2 represents an index of long-term spatial memory. Number of quadrant crossings is scored as a control measure for locomotor activity, which with the present protocol should remain stable across the days of testing. Indeed, the 4-hole-board test represents a stress-free and animal-friendly option to evaluate long-term spatial memory. In the present paper, we provide detailed description of the hole-board apparatus and step-by-step protocol for assessment of spatial memory in mice. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Validation of the 4-hole-board Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of long-term spatial memory through the 4-hole-board test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, IRCCS-San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, IRCCS-San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Zebunke M, Kreiser M, Melzer N, Langbein J, Puppe B. Better, Not Just More-Contrast in Qualitative Aspects of Reward Facilitates Impulse Control in Pigs. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2099. [PMID: 30459682 PMCID: PMC6232270 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Delay-of-gratification paradigms, such as the famous "Marshmallow Test," are designed to investigate the complex cognitive concepts of self-control and impulse control in humans and animals. Such tests determine whether a subject will demonstrate impulse control by choosing a large, delayed reward over an immediate, but smaller reward. Documented relationships between impulsive behavior and aggression in humans and animals suggest important implications for farm animal husbandry and welfare, especially in terms of inadequate social behavior, tail biting and maternal behavior. In a preliminary study, we investigated whether the extent of impulse control would differ between quantitatively and qualitatively different aspects of reward in pigs. Twenty female piglets were randomly divided into two groups, with 10 piglets each. After a preference test to determine individual reward preference among six different food items, a discrimination test was conducted to train for successful discrimination between different amounts of reward (one piece vs. four pieces) and different qualitative aspects of reward (highly preferred vs. least preferred food item). Then, an increasing delay (2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 s) was introduced for the larger/highly preferred reward. Each piglet could choose to get the smaller/least preferred reward immediately or to wait for the larger/highly preferred reward. Piglets showed clear differences in their preference for food items. Moreover, the "quality group" displayed faster learning in the discrimination test (number of sessions until 90% of the animals completed the discrimination test: "quality group"-3 days vs. "quantity group"-5 days) and reached a higher level of impulse control in the delay-of-gratification test compared to the "quantity group" (maximum delay that was mastered: "quality group"-24 s vs. "quantity group"-8 s). These results demonstrate that impulse control is present in piglets but that the opportunity to get a highly preferred reward is more valued than the opportunity to get more of a given reward. This outcome also underlines the crucial role of motivation in cognitive test paradigms. Further investigations will examine whether impulse control is related to traits that are relevant to animal husbandry and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Zebunke
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Maren Kreiser
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nina Melzer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jan Langbein
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Birger Puppe
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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9
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Mnemonic and behavioral effects of biperiden, an M1-selective antagonist, in the rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2013-2025. [PMID: 29680966 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4899-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is a persistent pressing need for valid animal models of cognitive and mnemonic disruptions (such as seen in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias) usable for preclinical research. OBJECTIVES We have set out to test the validity of administration of biperiden, an M1-acetylcholine receptor antagonist with central selectivity, as a potential tool for generating a fast screening model of cognitive impairment, in outbred Wistar rats. METHODS We used several variants of the Morris water maze task: (1) reversal learning, to assess cognitive flexibility, with probe trials testing memory retention; (2) delayed matching to position (DMP), to evaluate working memory; and (3) "counter-balanced acquisition," to test for possible anomalies in acquisition learning. We also included a visible platform paradigm to reveal possible sensorimotor and motivational deficits. RESULTS A significant effect of biperiden on memory acquisition and retention was found in the counter-balanced acquisition and probe trials of the counter-balanced acquisition and reversal tasks. Strikingly, a less pronounced deficit was observed in the DMP. No effects were revealed in the reversal learning task. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, we do not recommend biperiden as a reliable tool for modeling cognitive impairment.
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10
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Roelofs S, Murphy E, Ni H, Gieling E, Nordquist RE, van der Staay FJ. Judgement bias in pigs is independent of performance in a spatial holeboard task and conditional discrimination learning. Anim Cogn 2017; 20:739-753. [PMID: 28508125 PMCID: PMC5486501 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-017-1095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Biases in judgement of ambiguous stimuli, as measured in a judgement bias task, have been proposed as a measure of the valence of affective states in animals. We recently suggested a list of criteria for behavioural tests of emotion, one of them stating that responses on the task used to assess emotionality should not be confounded by, among others, differences in learning capacity, i.e. must not simply reflect the cognitive capacity of an animal. We performed three independent studies in which pigs acquired a spatial holeboard task, a free choice maze which simultaneously assesses working memory and reference memory. Next, pigs learned a conditional discrimination between auditory stimuli predicting a large or small reward, a prerequisite for assessment of judgement bias. Once pigs had acquired the conditional discrimination task, optimistic responses to previously unheard ambiguous stimuli were measured in the judgement bias task as choices indicating expectation of the large reward. We found that optimism in the judgement bias task was independent of all three measures of learning and memory indicating that the performance is not dependent on the pig's cognitive abilities. These results support the use of biases in judgement as proxy indicators of emotional valence in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Roelofs
- Behaviour and Welfare Group (Formerly: Emotion and Cognition Group), Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Stratenum Building, Room STR5.203, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Eimear Murphy
- Behaviour and Welfare Group (Formerly: Emotion and Cognition Group), Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Stratenum Building, Room STR5.203, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Animal Welfare, VPHI Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Haifang Ni
- Behaviour and Welfare Group (Formerly: Emotion and Cognition Group), Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elise Gieling
- Behaviour and Welfare Group (Formerly: Emotion and Cognition Group), Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Stratenum Building, Room STR5.203, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Behaviour and Welfare Group (Formerly: Emotion and Cognition Group), Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Stratenum Building, Room STR5.203, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F Josef van der Staay
- Behaviour and Welfare Group (Formerly: Emotion and Cognition Group), Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Stratenum Building, Room STR5.203, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Roelofs S, Nordquist RE, van der Staay FJ. Female and male pigs’ performance in a spatial holeboard and judgment bias task. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Schomberg DT, Miranpuri GS, Chopra A, Patel K, Meudt JJ, Tellez A, Resnick DK, Shanmuganayagam D. Translational Relevance of Swine Models of Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:541-551. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic T. Schomberg
- Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Gurwattan S. Miranpuri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Abhishek Chopra
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kush Patel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jennifer J. Meudt
- Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | - Daniel K. Resnick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam
- Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin
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13
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Hainsworth AH, Allan SM, Boltze J, Cunningham C, Farris C, Head E, Ihara M, Isaacs JD, Kalaria RN, Lesnik Oberstein SAMJ, Moss MB, Nitzsche B, Rosenberg GA, Rutten JW, Salkovic-Petrisic M, Troen AM. Translational models for vascular cognitive impairment: a review including larger species. BMC Med 2017; 15:16. [PMID: 28118831 PMCID: PMC5264492 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease models are useful for prospective studies of pathology, identification of molecular and cellular mechanisms, pre-clinical testing of interventions, and validation of clinical biomarkers. Here, we review animal models relevant to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). A synopsis of each model was initially presented by expert practitioners. Synopses were refined by the authors, and subsequently by the scientific committee of a recent conference (International Conference on Vascular Dementia 2015). Only peer-reviewed sources were cited. METHODS We included models that mimic VCI-related brain lesions (white matter hypoperfusion injury, focal ischaemia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy) or reproduce VCI risk factors (old age, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia, high-salt/high-fat diet) or reproduce genetic causes of VCI (CADASIL-causing Notch3 mutations). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that (1) translational models may reflect a VCI-relevant pathological process, while not fully replicating a human disease spectrum; (2) rodent models of VCI are limited by paucity of white matter; and (3) further translational models, and improved cognitive testing instruments, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atticus H Hainsworth
- Clinical Neurosciences (J-0B) Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK. .,Department of Neurology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Stuart M Allan
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Johannes Boltze
- Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Catriona Cunningham
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Chad Farris
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jeremy D Isaacs
- Clinical Neurosciences (J-0B) Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.,Department of Neurology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Raj N Kalaria
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | | | - Mark B Moss
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Björn Nitzsche
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gary A Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Julie W Rutten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Melita Salkovic-Petrisic
- Department of Pharmacology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aron M Troen
- Institute of Biochemistry Food and Nutrition Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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14
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Svoboda J, Popelikova A, Stuchlik A. Drugs Interfering with Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Their Effects on Place Navigation. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:215. [PMID: 29170645 PMCID: PMC5684124 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) have been found to regulate many diverse functions, ranging from motivation and feeding to spatial navigation, an important and widely studied type of cognitive behavior. Systemic administration of non-selective antagonists of mAChRs, such as scopolamine or atropine, have been found to have adverse effects on a vast majority of place navigation tasks. However, many of these results may be potentially confounded by disruptions of functions other than spatial learning and memory. Although studies with selective antimuscarinics point to mutually opposite effects of M1 and M2 receptors, their particular contribution to spatial cognition is still poorly understood, partly due to a lack of truly selective agents. Furthermore, constitutive knock-outs do not always support results from selective antagonists. For modeling impaired spatial cognition, the scopolamine-induced amnesia model still maintains some limited validity, but there is an apparent need for more targeted approaches such as local intracerebral administration of antagonists, as well as novel techniques such as optogenetics focused on cholinergic neurons and chemogenetics aimed at cells expressing metabotropic mAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Svoboda
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Anna Popelikova
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ales Stuchlik
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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15
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Madigan JB, Wilcock DM, Hainsworth AH. Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Topical Review of Animal Models. Stroke 2016; 47:1953-9. [PMID: 27301939 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.116.012066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy B Madigan
- From the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M., A.H.H.); Neuroradiology Department, St George's Hospital, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M.); Atkinson Morley Neurosciences, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M., A.H.H.); and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington (D.M.W.)
| | - Donna M Wilcock
- From the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M., A.H.H.); Neuroradiology Department, St George's Hospital, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M.); Atkinson Morley Neurosciences, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M., A.H.H.); and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington (D.M.W.)
| | - Atticus H Hainsworth
- From the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M., A.H.H.); Neuroradiology Department, St George's Hospital, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M.); Atkinson Morley Neurosciences, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (J.B.M., A.H.H.); and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington (D.M.W.).
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16
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Schomberg DT, Tellez A, Meudt JJ, Brady DA, Dillon KN, Arowolo FK, Wicks J, Rousselle SD, Shanmuganayagam D. Miniature Swine for Preclinical Modeling of Complexities of Human Disease for Translational Scientific Discovery and Accelerated Development of Therapies and Medical Devices. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 44:299-314. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623315618292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, are the leading cause of death in the world. The cost, both monetary and time, of developing therapies to prevent, treat, or manage these diseases has become unsustainable. A contributing factor is inefficient and ineffective preclinical research, in which the animal models utilized do not replicate the complex physiology that influences disease. An ideal preclinical animal model is one that responds similarly to intrinsic and extrinsic influences, providing high translatability and concordance of preclinical findings to humans. The overwhelming genetic, anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological similarities to humans make miniature swine an ideal model for preclinical studies of human disease. Additionally, recent development of precision gene-editing tools for creation of novel genetic swine models allows the modeling of highly complex pathophysiology and comorbidities. As such, the utilization of swine models in early research allows for the evaluation of novel drug and technology efficacy while encouraging redesign and refinement before committing to clinical testing. This review highlights the appropriateness of the miniature swine for modeling complex physiologic systems, presenting it as a highly translational preclinical platform to validate efficacy and safety of therapies and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic T. Schomberg
- Biomedical & Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Jennifer J. Meudt
- Biomedical & Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | - Folagbayi K. Arowolo
- Biomedical & Genomic Research Group, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan Wicks
- Alizée Pathology, LLC, Thurmont, Maryland, USA
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17
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van der Staay FJ, Schoonderwoerd AJ, Stadhouders B, Nordquist RE. Overnight Social Isolation in Pigs Decreases Salivary Cortisol but Does Not Impair Spatial Learning and Memory or Performance in a Decision-Making Task. Front Vet Sci 2016; 2:81. [PMID: 26793715 PMCID: PMC4707236 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs in modern farming practice may be exposed to a number of stressors, including social stressors such as mixing or isolation. This may potentially affect both cognitive abilities and stress physiology of the animals. We tested the hypothesis that overnight social isolation in pigs impairs performance in a cognitive holeboard (HB) task (Experiment 1) and the Pig Gambling Task (PGT) (Experiment 2), a decision-making task inspired by the Iowa Gambling Task. In addition, we tested the effect of overnight social isolation on salivary cortisol levels. A within-subjects approach was used in which performance in the two behavioral tasks and cortisol levels were first determined during normal social housing, followed by performance and cortisol levels after experiencing stress induced by overnight social isolation. A total of 19 female pigs with a birth weight closest to their respective litter average was selected from 10 different litters and placed in two pens after weaning. Following habituation, pigs were trained in the HB task, starting at 10 weeks of age. Then, the pigs were isolated overnight, five individuals per night, at 15, 16, and 17 weeks of age. Between these three isolations, social housing and training in the HB continued. Starting 6 weeks after the end of the HB experiment, at approximately 23 weeks of age, the pigs were trained in the PGT. The effects of overnight social isolation on performance in this task were assessed once, when the pigs were 25 weeks old. Salivary cortisol was measured from samples collected 15 min after the start of isolation and at the end of the isolation period and compared to baseline values collected before the start of social isolation. Our results did not confirm the hypothesis that isolation impaired HB performance and decision-making in the PGT. Unexpectedly, overnight social isolation decreased cortisol levels below baseline values, an effect that was not associated with changes in performance of the behavioral tasks. We hypothesized that the housing and testing conditions may have prepared the animals to cope efficiently with stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Josef van der Staay
- Emotion and Cognition Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Bo Stadhouders
- Applied Biology, HAS University of Applied Sciences , Den Bosch , Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Emotion and Cognition Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
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18
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Grimberg-Henrici CGE, Vermaak P, Bolhuis JE, Nordquist RE, van der Staay FJ. Effects of environmental enrichment on cognitive performance of pigs in a spatial holeboard discrimination task. Anim Cogn 2015; 19:271-83. [PMID: 26520648 PMCID: PMC4751158 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-015-0932-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of environmental enrichment on the cognitive performance of female conventional farm (growing) pigs in a spatial holeboard task. Ten pairs of littermates matched for weight were used. From each litter, one piglet was randomly assigned to a barren environment; the other was assigned to an enriched environment from 4 weeks of age. The enriched environment was double the size of the barren environment, had a floor covered with straw, a rooting area filled with peat, and one of the four different enrichment toys which were exchanged daily. Starting at 11 weeks of age, all pigs were tested in a spatial holeboard discrimination task in which 4 out of 16 holes were baited. Furthermore, basal salivary cortisol levels of all pigs were determined after the end of all testing. All pigs were able to acquire the pattern of baited holes (acquisition phase, 40 trials) and the diagonally mirrored pattern (reversal phase, 20 trials). During the acquisition phase, the reference memory performance of the enriched-housed pigs was better than that of their barren-housed littermates, i.e. they reduced visits to the unbaited set of holes. During the reversal phase, enriched-housed pigs had a better general working memory performance than the barren-housed pigs as indicated by reduced revisits to holes already visited during a trial, irrespective of whether they were of the baited or the unbaited set. The enriched-housed pigs also searched for the hidden bait faster during both phases. The environments did not affect basal salivary cortisol levels. In conclusion, environmental enrichment slightly improved the cognitive performance of pigs in a spatial learning task. We hypothesise that the long period of habituation to and testing in the holeboard acted as enrichment that partially reduced the effects of barren housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte G E Grimberg-Henrici
- Emotion and Cognition Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Paul Vermaak
- Applied Biology, HAS, University of Applied Sciences, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Emotion and Cognition Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F Josef van der Staay
- Emotion and Cognition Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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19
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Brajon S, Laforest JP, Schmitt O, Devillers N. The Way Humans Behave Modulates the Emotional State of Piglets. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133408. [PMID: 26244335 PMCID: PMC4526664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The emotional state can influence decision-making under ambiguity. Cognitive bias tests (CBT) proved to be a promising indicator of the affective valence of animals in a context of farm animal welfare. Although it is well-known that humans can influence the intensity of fear and reactions of animals, research on cognitive bias often focusses on housing and management conditions and neglects the role of humans on emotional states of animals. The present study aimed at investigating whether humans can modulate the emotional state of weaned piglets. Fifty-four piglets received a chronic experience with humans: gentle (GEN), rough (ROU) or minimal contact (MIN). Simultaneously, they were individually trained on a go/no-go task to discriminate a positive auditory cue, associated with food reward in a trough, from a negative one, associated with punishments (e.g. water spray). Independently of the treatment (P = 0.82), 59% of piglets completed the training. Successfully trained piglets were then subjected to CBT, including ambiguous cues in presence or absence of a human observer. As hypothesized, GEN piglets showed a positive judgement bias, as shown by their higher percentage of go responses following an ambiguous cue compared to ROU (P = 0.03) and MIN (P = 0.02) piglets, whereas ROU and MIN piglets did not differ (P > 0.10). The presence of an observer during CBT did not modulate the percentage of go responses following an ambiguous cue (P > 0.10). However, regardless of the treatment, piglets spent less time in contact with the trough following positive cues during CBT in which the observer was present than absent (P < 0.0001). This study originally demonstrates that the nature of a chronic experience with humans can induce a judgement bias indicating that the emotional state of farm animals such as piglets can be affected by the way humans interact with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Brajon
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1M 0C8, Canada
- Université Laval, Department of Animal Science, 2325 Rue de l’Université, Quebec city, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Laforest
- Université Laval, Department of Animal Science, 2325 Rue de l’Université, Quebec city, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Océane Schmitt
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1M 0C8, Canada
- * E-mail:
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20
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Tahamtani FM, Nordgreen J, Nordquist RE, Janczak AM. Early Life in a Barren Environment Adversely Affects Spatial Cognition in Laying Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Front Vet Sci 2015; 2:3. [PMID: 26664932 PMCID: PMC4672168 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial cognition in vertebrates is adversely affected by a lack of environmental complexity during early life. However, to our knowledge, no previous studies have tested the effect of early exposure to varying degrees of environmental complexity on specific components of spatial cognition in chickens. There are two main rearing systems for laying hens in the EU: aviaries and cages. These two systems differ from one another in environmental complexity. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that rearing in a barren cage environment relative to a complex aviary environment causes long-lasting deficits in the ability to perform spatial tasks. For this purpose, 24 white Dekalb laying hens, half of which had been reared in an aviary system and the other half in a conventional cage system, were tested in a holeboard task. Birds from both treatment groups learnt the task; however, the cage-reared hens required more time to locate rewards and had poorer levels of working memory. The latter finding supports the hypothesis that rearing in a barren environment causes long-term impairment of short-term memory in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Tahamtani
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo , Norway
| | - Janicke Nordgreen
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo , Norway
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Emotion and Cognition Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Andrew M Janczak
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo , Norway
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21
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Howland DS, Munoz-Sanjuan I. Mind the gap: models in multiple species needed for therapeutic development in Huntington's disease. Mov Disord 2014; 29:1397-403. [PMID: 25155258 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the pathophysiology and testing candidate therapeutics in neurodegenerative disorders is, necessarily, highly dependent on model systems. Because Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a single (expanded CAG tract) mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, a richness of model systems, particularly mice, have been engineered to both dissect disease mechanisms and test potential therapeutics. Even so, as with other neurodegenerative diseases, very little success has been achieved in translating HD mouse model drug testing results to the clinic. Because of the considerable costs-human, opportunity, and financial-there is a pressing need to improve the use of existing HD models and also to develop models in higher species beyond rodent, such as sheep, minipig, and nonhuman primate, to bridge the translational gap from preclinical to clinical testing of candidate therapeutics.
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Chronic allopurinol treatment during the last trimester of pregnancy in sows: effects on low and normal birth weight offspring. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86396. [PMID: 24466072 PMCID: PMC3899238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-birth-weight (LBW) children are born with several risk factors for disease, morbidity and neonatal mortality, even if carried to term. Placental insufficiency leading to hypoxemia and reduced nutritional supply is the main cause for LBW. Brain damage and poor neurological outcome can be the consequence. LBW after being carried to term gives better chances for survival, but these children are still at risk for poor health and the development of cognitive impairments. Preventive therapies are not yet available. We studied the risk/efficacy of chronic prenatal treatment with the anti-oxidative drug allopurinol, as putative preventive treatment in piglets. LBW piglets served as a natural model for LBW. A cognitive holeboard test was applied to study the learning and memory abilities of these allopurinol treated piglets after weaning. Preliminary analysis of the plasma concentrations in sows and their piglets suggested that a daily dose of 15 mg.kg(-1) resulted in effective plasma concentration of allopurinol in piglets. No adverse effects of chronic allopurinol treatment were found on farrowing, birth weight, open field behavior, learning abilities, relative brain, hippocampus and spleen weights. LBW piglets showed increased anxiety levels in an open field test, but cognitive performance was not affected by allopurinol treatment. LBW animals treated with allopurinol showed the largest postnatal compensatory body weight gain. In contrast to a previous study, no differences in learning abilities were found between LBW and normal-birth-weight piglets. This discrepancy might be attributable to experimental differences. Our results indicate that chronic prenatal allopurinol treatment during the third trimester of pregnancy is safe, as no adverse side effects were observed. Compensatory weight gain of treated piglets is a positive indication for the chronic prenatal use of allopurinol in these animals. Further studies are needed to assess the possible preventive effects of allopurinol on brain functions in LBW piglets.
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Responses of conventional pigs and Göttingen miniature pigs in an active choice judgement bias task. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Murphy E, Kraak L, Nordquist RE, van der Staay FJ. Successive and conditional discrimination learning in pigs. Anim Cogn 2013; 16:883-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-013-0621-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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