Behavior of immature and middle-aged mice as a function of dietary protein

The differential effects of continued maintenance on a 12% vs. 24% protein diet were examined in immature and middle-aged male and female C57BL/6J mice. Exploratory behavior, body weight and fluid consumption of water, saccharin and quinine were monitored over 9 weeks of presentation of the special diets. No rehabilitation datawere obtained. The dietary manipulations differentially effected the various groups, but the pattern of change in behavior was a function of the age and sex of the subject and the specific measure employed.