Preferences for drinking water temperature in mice vary with ambient temperature

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Animal Behavior
• Thermoregulation

Background:

• Maintaining thermal homeostasis is vital for survival.
• Accurate measurement of temperature preference is essential for understanding physiological responses.
• Existing methods like the 2-plate test have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new, accessible method for assessing temperature preference in mice.
• To evaluate the influence of ambient temperature on water drinking behavior.
• To establish a reliable test for thermal preference.

Main Methods:

• Modified the 2-bottle taste preference test to assess water drinking behavior.
• Utilized varying ambient temperatures (10°C, 23°C, 35°C) and water temperatures.
• Observed drinking patterns in response to different thermal conditions.

Main Results:

• Mice avoided drinking water above 40°C in a 23°C environment.
• At 23°C, mice showed equal preference for 10°C and 30°C water.
• In a hot environment (35°C), mice preferred 10°C water over 30°C water.
• In a cold environment (10°C), mice preferred 40°C water over 10°C water.

Conclusions:

• The developed temperature preference test is effective in evaluating thermal preferences.
• Ambient temperature significantly impacts water drinking choices in mice.
• This method offers a valuable tool for studying thermoregulation and behavioral responses to temperature.