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Experimental Assessment of Mouse Sociability Using an Automated Image Processing Approach
Published on: May 15, 2016
Differential sensitivity to detect prosocial effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in different social
Satoko Mukai1, Sao Nakada1, Hikari Kamada1
1Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
Abstract:
A recreational drug, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has prosocial effects including increased sociability, enhancement of trust feelings, and empathy. Although several methods, such as the social interaction and three chamber tests, have been used, the neural mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects have not been well understood. In the present study, based on a social approach paradigm using a single-chamber apparatus, we have developed two reproducible and simple social approach tests, SAT1 and SAT2, in ICR mice. In the SAT1, an unfamiliar mouse was set in a wire mesh cylinder cage that was placed in the center of a rectangular open field, while in the SAT2, an unfamiliar mouse was set in a wire mesh rectangular cage that was placed along a wall of a rectangular open field. Although MDMA treatment enhanced sociability in both SAT1 and SAT2, the ratio of high sociability mice was higher in the SAT2 than in the SAT1, indicating a differential sensitivity to detect the prosocial effects. Thus, we suggest that the SAT2 is a promising and suitable method to explore the neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of MDMA.
Insights
Researchers developed two new mouse tests to study the prosocial effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The SAT2 test showed higher sensitivity in detecting MDMA-induced sociability, making it promising for further research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is known for its prosocial effects, including increased sociability, trust, and empathy.
- The precise neural mechanisms driving these prosocial effects remain incompletely understood.
- Existing behavioral tests have limitations in fully elucidating these mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, reproducible, and simple social approach tests for assessing prosocial behavior in mice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these new tests in detecting the prosocial effects of MDMA.
- To identify a preferred test for exploring the underlying neural mechanisms of MDMA's prosocial actions.
Main Methods:
- Development of two social approach tests (SAT1 and SAT2) utilizing a single-chamber apparatus and ICR mice.
- SAT1 involved an unfamiliar mouse in a central cylinder cage within an open field.
- SAT2 involved an unfamiliar mouse in a wall-adjacent rectangular cage within an open field.
Main Results:
- MDMA treatment significantly enhanced sociability in both SAT1 and SAT2 paradigms.
- The proportion of mice exhibiting high sociability was notably greater in the SAT2 test compared to SAT1.
- This suggests SAT2 possesses differential sensitivity for detecting MDMA's prosocial effects.
Conclusions:
- The developed social approach tests (SAT1 and SAT2) are effective in evaluating MDMA's prosocial effects in mice.
- The SAT2 test demonstrates superior sensitivity and is recommended for future investigations.
- SAT2 is a promising tool for elucidating the neural underpinnings of MDMA-induced prosocial behaviors.
