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Assessing Social Dominance in Mouse Models Using the Tube Test
Stephanie N Fox1, Shreya N Kashyap1, Charles F Murchison2
1Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Insights
The tube test offers a simple, cost-effective method for assessing social dominance in mice. This behavioral assay is valuable for preclinical research in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Animal Models
Background:
- Social dominance is a key behavior affected in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Assessing social dominance is crucial for preclinical studies of these disorders.
- Existing methods may be costly or complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the tube test as a simple behavioral assay for evaluating social dominance in mice.
- To highlight its utility in preclinical research, particularly for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- The tube test involves placing two mice in a clear plastic tube; the less dominant mouse retreats.
- The test is adaptable for male and female mice, with adjustable parameters.
- Mice can be tested against multiple opponents for a social dominance index and longitudinally.
Main Results:
- Social dominance in the tube test is stable over repeated testing.
- Results correlate with performance in other social assays.
- The test can assess within-cage hierarchies and is suitable for longitudinal studies.
Conclusions:
- The tube test is a simple, equipment-light, and adaptable assay for measuring social dominance in mice.
- It is a valuable and convenient outcome measure for preclinical therapeutic screening and mechanistic studies in neurological disorders.
Abstract:
Social dominance is altered in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases and serves as a useful outcome measure in preclinical studies of these disorders. The tube test is a simple behavioral assay for evaluating social dominance that does not require expensive equipment. In this test, two mice enter opposite ends of a clear plastic tube, and after meeting in the middle, one (the less dominant) must back out. The tube test can be used for both male and female mice and includes several adaptable parameters to suit the investigator's needs. Mice may be tested against multiple unique opponents to provide an index of social dominance. Social dominance in the tube test remains stable over repeated testing and correlates with performance in other social assays. Additionally, the test can be conducted between cage mates to assess within-cage social dominance hierarchies. The tube test is particularly useful in preclinical therapeutic studies, as it enables longitudinal testing before and after experimental interventions. Therefore, it serves as a convenient outcome measure for mechanistic studies and preclinical therapeutic screening.
