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Development of behavioral patterns in young C57BL/6J mice: a home cage-based study
Maria Reiber1, Ines Koska1,2, Claudia Pace1,3
1Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Koeniginstr. 16, 80539, Munich, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|February 16, 2022
Summary
Mouse behavior and stress hormones change significantly during adolescence. Understanding these developmental changes is crucial for accurate research and welfare assessments in young mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Behavioral patterns in mice mature into adulthood.
- Understanding behavioral development is vital for neuroscientific research and assessing severity in genetically modified mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize age- and sex-specific behavioral patterns and stress indicators during mouse adolescence.
- To provide guidance for behavioral studies and severity assessments in young mice.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral assessments were conducted in the home cage environment across five post-weaning age groups.
- Fecal corticosterone metabolites were analyzed.
- Specific behavioral tests included saccharin preference, burrowing, nestlet complexity, wheel running, and open field activity.
Main Results:
- Significant age- and sex-specific differences were observed in behavioral parameters and fecal corticosterone metabolites.
- Female mice showed an age-dependent decline in saccharin preference.
- Burrowing activity increased with age, nest complexity was age-affected in females, wheel running peaked around postnatal day 50, and open field activity progressively increased with age.
Conclusions:
- Mouse behavior and stress physiology exhibit distinct developmental trajectories during adolescence.
- Age- and sex-specific data are essential for accurate interpretation of behavioral studies and welfare assessments in young mice.
- Most behavioral tests are applicable across developmental stages, but age/sex considerations are necessary.
