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Updated: May 21, 2026
A Protocol for Housing Mice in an Enriched Environment
Published on: June 8, 2015
Metal contamination in mice under conventional husbandry
C Fortmann1, T Goeen2, N Held3
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Abstract:
Metal release after implantation of medical metal implants can induce serious symptoms of hypersensitivity. A variety of immunologic reactions to metal particles has been demonstrated by a number of studies. To analyze the effect of metal abrasion in the thoracic cavity we aimed at developing a suitable mouse model. However, during the course of the study, high baseline concentrations of both chromium and nickel in conventional husbandry systems were observed. This finding necessitated modifications to the husbandry conditions. Groups of male C57BL/6 J mice were transferred into metal-free cages and fed a diet with reduced nickel and chromium content. After eight weeks, urinary concentrations of chromium and nickel were reduced, which was statistically significant in most groups for chromium and in one group for nickel. Due to their immunological impacts, we report the need to understand potential metal contaminations under conventional husbandry conditions in experimental set ups.
Insights
High levels of chromium and nickel in standard mouse cages can affect research. Modifying housing and diet reduced these metal levels in mice, highlighting the need for controlled environments in immunological studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Metal release from medical implants can cause hypersensitivity and immunologic reactions.
- Developing a mouse model for metal abrasion in the thoracic cavity is crucial for research.
- Conventional animal husbandry systems may contain high baseline levels of metals like chromium and nickel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a suitable mouse model for analyzing metal abrasion effects in the thoracic cavity.
- To investigate the impact of conventional husbandry conditions on metal concentrations in experimental animals.
- To assess the efficacy of modified husbandry conditions in reducing metal exposure.
Main Methods:
- Groups of male C57BL/6J mice were housed in metal-free cages.
- Mice were fed a diet with reduced chromium and nickel content.
- Urinary concentrations of chromium and nickel were measured before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- Transferring mice to metal-free cages and altering their diet significantly reduced urinary chromium and nickel levels.
- Statistical significance was observed for chromium reduction in most groups and nickel in one group.
- The study identified high baseline metal concentrations in conventional husbandry systems.
Conclusions:
- Conventional husbandry systems can introduce confounding metal contamination in experimental settings.
- Modifying housing and diet can effectively reduce metal exposure in mice.
- Understanding and controlling potential metal contamination is essential for accurate immunological and toxicological research involving medical implants.
