Effects of repetition and estrous cycle on behavioral tests in female ICR mice

The open field test (OF) and elevated plus maze test (EPM) are widely used behavioral assessment methods for evaluating anxiety-like behaviors in rodents based on their spontaneous activity. These tests are commonly used to screen anxiolytic compounds. Repeated trials are often required to assess the efficacy of pharmacological treatments. Previous studies suggested that the number of experimental trials can influence various parameters in male animals. However, the knowledge of the effects of repeated trials on female mice is limited. Here, I report the effects of repeated testing on behavioral parameters in female ICR mice during the OF and EPM. The results showed that the number of trial repetitions influenced several behavioral parameters, consistent with previous findings in males. In contrast, the female-specific estrous cycle had a smaller effect. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for designing behavioral experiments involving female animals.