Abstract
BackgroundExperimental mice are often single-housed either for an individual analysis (feeding behavior, imaging, calorimetry) or as a stress paradigm (social isolation) in translational biomedical research. Reports of the influence of single housing in rodents are conflicting and may depend on age and duration of isolation. Sex is often not included as a factor. In this study we investigated the effects of 4-week single housing in male and female mice on behavior, body weight, and serum corticosterone levels.ResultsBehavioral tests showed no effect on anhedonia and stress coping, anxiety and motor exploration. Social avoidance occurred in both males and females. Regarding physiological effects, single housing did not induce changes in serum corticosterone levels, but reduced body weight gain.ConclusionsWhile some mouse studies of chronic social isolation reported depression-related disturbances, our data suggest that single housing might be not necessarily be too stressful. This is important for animal welfare regulations and experiments in life science research.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
