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A Protocol for Housing Mice in an Enriched Environment
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Environmental Enrichment Induces Increased Cerebral Capillary Density and Improved Cognitive Function in Mice
Chuan He1, Constantinos P Tsipis2, Joseph C LaManna2
1Department of Neurology, Jiangsu-Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215228, China.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 8, 2017
Summary
Environmental enrichment significantly increases brain capillary density and enhances cognitive function in mice. This suggests that stimulating environments may improve brain health and performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Environmental enrichment promotes physical activity and sensory stimulation, increasing neuronal activity and brain oxygen demand.
- The brain's microvasculature adapts to energy demands through angioplasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of environmental enrichment on cerebral capillary density and cognitive performance in mice.
- To determine if increased stimulation affects brain microvasculature and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Mice were housed in either non-enriched or enriched environments for 3 weeks.
- Cerebral capillary density was measured using GLUT-1 immunohistochemistry in 3-month-old mice.
- Cognitive function was assessed in 18-month-old mice using the Y-maze and novel object recognition tests after 4 weeks of enrichment.
Main Results:
- Environmental enrichment led to a significant (~30%) increase in cortical capillary density compared to controls.
- Enriched aged mice demonstrated improved cognitive function, evidenced by a higher alternation rate in the Y-maze test.
Conclusions:
- Environmental enrichment may enhance brain capillary density.
- Enrichment-induced improvements in brain vasculature correlate with enhanced cognitive performance.
