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[Evaluation of marble burying behavior: induced alteration of monoamine metabolism in mouse brain]
1Department of Pharmacognosy, Tohoku College of Pharmacy, Sendai, Japan.
Abstract:
Evaluation of marble burying behavior (MBB) housing-induced alteration of monoamine metabolism in mouse brain was performed by measuring metabolite levels with HPLC-ECD. Isolated housing of mice, each in a cage (22 x 32 x 14 cm; sawdust, 1-mm diameter; 5 cm in thickness) with 15 evenly spaced glass marbles on the floor (2.5-cm diameter; control, without marbles) for 24-168 hr, 5-HIAA contents were decreased in three regions: the midbrain, thalamus and hypothalamus. 5-HT turnover was not inhibited except for in the hypothalamus due to the decreases of 5-HT in the other two regions. On the other hand, DOPAC content and DA turnover were decreased in four regions: striatum, midbrain, thalamus, hypothalamus. The decrease in hypothalamic monoamine neurons was observed notably after 72 hr of MBB housing. No alterations were observed in feeding, water-drinking, spontaneous locomotor activity, number of buried marbles, serum corticosterone and serum glucose concentrations during MBB keeping compared with the control mice. These results suggested that the isolated mouse housed in a cage with evenly spaced glass marbles for a long period may be a model animal for alteration of monoamine metabolism in brain regions without physical infringement.
Insights
Marble burying behavior (MBB) in isolated mice alters brain monoamine metabolism, decreasing serotonin and dopamine metabolites in key regions. This housing model shows changes without affecting physical activity or stress markers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Housing conditions significantly impact animal models.
- Understanding monoamine metabolism is crucial for neurological research.
- Marble burying behavior (MBB) is a potential indicator of stress or altered behavior.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effects of isolated housing with MBB on mouse brain monoamine metabolism.
- To determine if MBB housing alters serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) pathways.
- To establish MBB as a valid model for studying neurochemical changes.
Summary:
- Isolated mice housed with marbles for 24-168 hours showed decreased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the midbrain, thalamus, and hypothalamus, and decreased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the striatum, midbrain, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
- Hypothalamic monoamine neuron changes were notable after 72 hours.
- No significant alterations in feeding, water intake, locomotor activity, marble burying counts, or serum corticosterone/glucose levels were observed compared to controls.
Impact:
- The study suggests that MBB housing in isolated mice can serve as a non-invasive model for investigating alterations in brain monoamine metabolism.
- Findings indicate specific regional changes in serotonin and dopamine pathways due to prolonged isolation and MBB.
- This model may offer new avenues for research into conditions involving monoamine dysregulation without causing physical harm to the animals.