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Influence of "Enriched Environment" on Behavior and Neurogenesis in Mice Selected by Cognitive Trait
A Yu Tarasova1, O V Perepelkina2, I G Lil'p2
1Department of Higher Nervous Activity, Faculty of Biology, M. V. Lomonosov State University, Moscow, Russia. odrima@yandex.ru.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
|March 27, 2018
Summary
Mice bred for enhanced cognitive abilities (EX line) showed increased brain weight and neurogenesis after 3 months in an enriched environment. These cognitive enhancements also improved their activity and response to new stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Animal Cognition
Background:
- Cognitive abilities can be influenced by genetic selection and environmental factors.
- Enriched environments are known to impact brain plasticity and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of selective breeding for cognitive traits on brain structure and function.
- To assess the impact of an enriched environment on locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and novelty response in selected mice.
Main Methods:
- Selection of mice for high performance in an extrapolation test (EX line).
- Exposure of selected mice to an enriched environment for 3 months.
- Assessment of locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and reaction to novelty.
- Measurement of relative brain weight and hippocampal neurogenesis.
Main Results:
- Mice in the EX line exhibited significant changes in locomotor and exploratory activity.
- Enhanced reaction to novelty was observed in the selected mice.
- Relative brain weight was higher, and hippocampal neurogenesis was more intensive in the EX line mice compared to non-selected controls.
Conclusions:
- Selective breeding for cognitive traits, combined with environmental enrichment, can lead to significant neurobiological and behavioral changes.
- The EX line demonstrates a heightened capacity for adaptation and learning, evidenced by increased neurogenesis and altered activity patterns.
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