Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Body Composition and Metabolic Caging Analysis in High Fat Fed Mice
Published on: May 24, 2018
Comprehensive Assessments of Energy Balance in Mice
1Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, The Obesity Research and Education Initiative, François M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, The Fraternal Order of Eagles' Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Rd., 2-307 BSB, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. justin-grobe@uiowa.edu.
Abstract:
Increasing evidence supports a major role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in energy balance physiology. The RAS exists as a circulating system but also as a local paracrine/autocrine signaling mechanism in target tissues including the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, the kidney, and distinct adipose beds. Through activation of various receptors in these target tissues, the RAS contributes to the control of food intake behavior, digestive efficiency, spontaneous physical activity, and aerobic and anaerobic resting metabolism. Although the assortment of methodologies available to assess the various aspects of energy balance can be daunting for an investigator new to this area, a relatively straightforward array of entry-level and advanced methodologies can be employed to comprehensively and quantitatively dissect the effects of experimental manipulations on energy homeostasis. Such methodologies and a simple initial workflow for the use of these methods are described in this chapter, including the use of metabolic caging systems, bomb calorimetry, body composition analyzers, respirometry systems, and direct calorimetry systems. Finally, a brief discussion of the statistical analyses of metabolic data is included.
Insights
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) significantly influences energy balance by regulating food intake and metabolism. This review details methods to study RAS effects on energy homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance.
- RAS operates both as a circulating hormone system and locally within tissues like the brain and gut.
- It influences food intake, digestion, physical activity, and metabolic rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methodologies for assessing energy balance.
- To provide a workflow for investigating the RAS's impact on energy homeostasis.
- To guide researchers in quantitatively dissecting metabolic effects.
Main Methods:
- Metabolic caging systems for monitoring physiological parameters.
- Bomb calorimetry for measuring energy content.
- Body composition analyzers for assessing tissue mass.
- Respirometry and direct calorimetry for metabolic rate determination.
Main Results:
- The RAS impacts multiple facets of energy balance, including appetite and metabolism.
- A structured approach using described methodologies allows for comprehensive analysis.
- Experimental manipulation effects on energy homeostasis can be quantitatively determined.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the RAS's role in energy balance requires robust methodological approaches.
- The described methods offer a pathway for researchers to explore these complex interactions.
- Quantitative analysis is key to elucidating the RAS's contribution to metabolic health.
