Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
Body Composition and Metabolic Caging Analysis in High Fat Fed Mice
Published on: May 24, 2018
Measurement and characterization of energy intake in the mouse
Jan Svartengren1, Ali-Reza Modiri, Robert A McArthur
1Biovitrum, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Because of the dramatic increase in obesity and related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, efforts have intensified to develop medications to assist in losing weight or in minimizing weight gain. To this end, methods that allow for the continuous monitoring of metabolically relevant functions in laboratory animals have been developed to help identify novel anorectic and thermogenic agents. Described in this unit is an in vivo procedure for simultaneous recording of feeding, drinking, and motor activity in mice. Data obtained using reference compounds are presented to illustrate how results are calculated, including the minimum effective dose and the dose producing a half-maximal effect (ED(50)), as well as the time of onset and duration of action. Information derived from this procedure reveals the specificity of an anorectic effect, which, when combined with parameters of meal patterns, allows for inferences to be made about the effects of test compounds on satiety and hunger.
Insights
Researchers developed a new in vivo method to simultaneously monitor feeding, drinking, and activity in mice. This technique aids in identifying novel weight-loss drugs by assessing anorectic and thermogenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Animal Models
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Rising obesity and type 2 diabetes rates necessitate new weight management medications.
- Continuous monitoring of animal metabolic functions is crucial for identifying novel anorectic and thermogenic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an in vivo procedure for simultaneous recording of feeding, drinking, and motor activity in mice.
- To illustrate the calculation of key pharmacological parameters like minimum effective dose and ED(50).
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous in vivo recording of feeding, drinking, and motor activity in mice.
- Utilizing reference compounds to validate the procedure and calculate dose-response metrics.
- Analysis of meal patterns to infer effects on satiety and hunger.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of how to calculate minimum effective dose and ED(50) using reference compounds.
- Presentation of data illustrating the time of onset and duration of action for tested compounds.
- Validation of the procedure for assessing the specificity of anorectic effects.
Conclusions:
- The described in vivo method enables simultaneous monitoring of key physiological functions in mice.
- This technique is valuable for the discovery and characterization of novel appetite-suppressing and metabolism-boosting drugs.
- Analysis of feeding patterns provides insights into drug-induced changes in satiety and hunger.
