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Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Marble Burying and Nestlet Shredding as Tests of Repetitive, Compulsive-like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: December 24, 2013
Object Burying Test for Assessment of Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors in Mice
Ann-Katrin Kraeuter1,2, Paul C Guest3, Zoltán Sarnyai4,5
1Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
Abstract:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can occur in several psychiatric illnesses such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and it is more prevalent in children. This condition is characterized by repeated and apparently meaningless behaviors such as frequent hand washing, counting, tapping, and rocking. This can disrupt normal socialization and in some cases lead to self-harm. Therefore there is interest in developing more effective therapies for individuals suffering from these conditions. This chapter describes how to conduct the mouse marble burying test as a sensitive measure of compulsive behaviors.
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