Frequency Of Grooming Research Articles

Acute Toxicity Test of Gastroretentive Mucoadhesive Granule Preparation of Earthworm Flour (Lumbricus rubellus)

Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) contain the compound lumbricin, which is beneficial for treatment, and its use is still simple, leading to the innovation of gastroretentive mucoadhesive granule formulations. However, its security has not yet been fully supported by research. This research aims to determine the toxic effects caused by earthworm granule preparations in terms of toxicity symptoms and the determination of the LD50 value. This research used 20 male white rats that were randomly divided into 4 groups. One control group was given Aquadest, and three treatment groups were given earthworm granules at doses of 500 mg/kgBB (P1), 2000 mg/kgBB (P2), and 5000 mg/kgBB (P3) with a single oral administration. The research results indicate that the preparation of earthworm granules (Lumbricus rubellus) causes toxic symptoms such as decreased locomotor activity, piloerection, and increased grooming frequency in line with the increase in dosage, but does not result in the death of the test animals. (LD50). Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the LD50 value of the earthworm granules (Lumbricus rubellus) is >5000 mg/kgBB and falls into the practically non-toxic category with an LD50 range of 5–15 g/kgBB

Neurofibromin deficiency alters the patterning and prioritization of motor behaviors in a state-dependent manner.

Genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1 increase vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neurofibromatosis type 1 results from loss-of-function mutations in the neurofibromin gene and subsequent reduction in the neurofibromin protein (Nf1). While the mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated, loss of Nf1 may alter neuronal circuit activity leading to changes in behavior and susceptibility to cognitive and behavioral comorbidities. Here we show that mutations decreasing Nf1 expression alter motor behaviors, impacting the patterning, prioritization, and behavioral state dependence in a Drosophila model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Loss of Nf1 increases spontaneous grooming in a nonlinear spatial and temporal pattern, differentially increasing grooming of certain body parts, including the abdomen, head, and wings. This increase in grooming could be overridden by hunger in food-deprived foraging animals, demonstrating that the Nf1 effect is plastic and internal state-dependent. Stimulus-evoked grooming patterns were altered as well, with nf1 mutants exhibiting reductions in wing grooming when coated with dust, suggesting that hierarchical recruitment of grooming command circuits was altered. Yet loss of Nf1 in sensory neurons and/or grooming command neurons did not alter grooming frequency, suggesting that Nf1 affects grooming via higher-order circuit alterations. Changes in grooming coincided with alterations in walking. Flies lacking Nf1 walked with increased forward velocity on a spherical treadmill, yet there was no detectable change in leg kinematics or gait. Thus, loss of Nf1 alters motor function without affecting overall motor coordination, in contrast to other genetic disorders that impair coordination. Overall, these results demonstrate that loss of Nf1 alters the patterning and prioritization of repetitive behaviors, in a state-dependent manner, without affecting motor coordination.

Central amygdala is related to the reduction of aggressive behavior by monosodium glutamate ingestion during the period of development in an ADHD model rat.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), an umami substance, stimulates the gut-brain axis communication via gut umami receptors and the subsequent vagus nerves. However, the brain mechanism underlying the effect of MSG ingestion during the developmental period on aggression has not yet been clarified. We first tried to establish new experimental conditions to be more appropriate for detailed analysis of the brain, and then investigated the effects of MSG ingestion on aggressive behavior during the developmental stage of an ADHD rat model. Long-Evans, WKY/Izm, SHR/Izm, and SHR-SP/Ezo were individually housed from postnatal day 25 for 5 weeks. Post-weaning social isolation (PWSI) was given to escalate aggressive behavior. The resident-intruder test, that is conducted during the subjective night, was used for a detailed analysis of aggression, including the frequency, duration, and latency of anogenital sniffing, aggressive grooming, and attack behavior. Immunohistochemistry of c-Fos expression was conducted in all strains to predict potential aggression-related brain areas. Finally, the most aggressive strain, SHR/Izm, a known model of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was used to investigate the effect of MSG ingestion (60 mM solution) on aggression, followed by c-Fos immunostaining in aggression-related areas. Bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy was performed to verify the importance of gut-brain interactions in the effect of MSG. The resident intruder test revealed that SHR/Izm rats were the most aggressive among the four strains for all aggression parameters tested. SHR/Izm rats also showed the highest number of c-Fos + cells in aggression-related brain areas, including the central amygdala (CeA). MSG ingestion significantly decreased the frequency and duration of aggressive grooming and attack behavior and increased the latency of attack behavior. Furthermore, MSG administration successfully increased c-Fos positive cell number in the intermediate nucleus of the solitary tract (iNTS), a terminal of the gastrointestinal sensory afferent fiber of the vagus nerve, and modulated c-Fos positive cells in the CeA. Interestingly, vagotomy diminished the MSG effects on aggression and c-Fos expression in the iNTS and CeA. MSG ingestion decreased PWSI-induced aggression in SHR/Izm, which was mediated by the vagus nerve related to the stimulation of iNTS and modulation of CeA activity.

Excitatory Effect of Urtica dioica on Locomotor Behaviour of Mice Using the Open Field Maze Task

Introduction: It is generally believed that the presence of some neuroactive phytochemicals such as acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, tannins etc. in Urtica dioica may yet possess the key to the management of certain neurological and behavioral conditions at an easily accessible and affordable rates. The growing acceptance of alternative medicine in Nigeria and the world at large has necessitated this research work so as to ensure that the general/consuming public is properly guided.
 Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of administration of Urtica dioica on locomotor behavior. The amount of Urtica dioica reaching the Central Nervous System (CNS) is affected by the extent to which it is converted/stimulates any of the excitatory agents like acetylcholine in the periphery.
 Methods: A total of 30 apparently healthy Swiss male albino mice weighing 20-25g were used in the study. After the 14 days of acclimatization, the mice were randomly separated into three (3) groups of ten (10) animals each and were housed in separate cages. The amice in group one (1) serves as the control for the research work and were given water and normal animal feed. Group two (2) of the mice were given feed mixed 400mg/kg of the extract while group three (3) mice were given feed mixed with 800 mg/kg of the extract. The open field maze was employed for the evaluation of locomotor behavior while the extracts were mixed with the animals’ feed. So, the extracts were administered to the mice orally. The extracts were administered for a duration of 28days (4 weeks). 
 Results: The frequency of rearing in the open field was significantly increased in the Urtica dioica fed group compared to control (p<0.05). There is also a significant increase in the frequency of Line Crosses, Centre Square Entry and Rearing in the test groups compared to control (p<0.01). At a higher dosage, the Frequency and Duration of Grooming significantly increased (p<0.05). The Frequency of Defecation also significantly increased (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: These results indicate that repeated administration of Urtica dioica enhances locomotory behavior in mice.

Ondansetron attenuates cisplatin-induced behavioral and cognitive impairment through downregulation of NOD-like receptor inflammasome pathway

Cisplatin is an effective and commonly used chemotherapeutic drug; however, its use is accompanied by several adverse effects, including chemobrain. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 antagonist, commonly used in prophylactic against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Moreover, it has been identified as a novel neuroprotective agent in different animal models. However, its protective role against chemotherapy-induced chemobrain has not been investigated. The current study was the first study that explored the potential neuroprotective effect of ondansetron against cisplatin-induced chemobrain in rats. Cisplatin (5 mg/Kg) was injected intraperitoneally, once weekly, for 4 weeks with the daily administration of ondansetron (0.5 and 1 mg/Kg). Compared to the cisplatin-treated group, ondansetron administration showed a significant decrease in the latency time and a significant increase in ambulation, rearing, and grooming frequency in the open field test (OFT). Moreover, a significant improvement in the latency time in the rotarod and passive avoidance tests, following ondansetron administration. In addition, ondansetron treatment increased the percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test. Also, ondansetron showed a remarkable enhancement in the biochemical parameters in the hippocampus. It increased the acetylcholine (Ach) level and decreased the level of the acetylcholine esterase enzyme (AchE). Ondansetron significantly decreased interleukin-1β (Il-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), NOD-like receptor-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome as well as caspase-1 and caspase-3 levels. Furthermore, ondansetron significantly decreased the levels of copper transporter-1(CTR1) expression in the hippocampus. Collectively, these findings suggest that ondansetron may exhibit a neuroprotective and therapeutic activity against cisplatin-induced chemobrain.

Impact of NMDA receptors block versus GABA-A receptors modulation on synaptic plasticity and brain electrical activity in metabolic syndrome

PurposeMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common disorder associated with disturbed neurotransmitter homeostasis. Memantine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, was first used in Alzheimer's disease. Allopregnanolone (Allo), a potent positive allosteric modulator of the Gamma-Amino-Butyric Acid (GABA)-A receptors, decreases in neurodegenerative diseases. The study investigated the impact of Memantine versus Allo administration on the animal model of MetS to clarify whether the mechanism of abnormalities is related more to excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter dysfunction. Materials and methodsFifty-six male rats were allocated into 7 groups: 4 control groups, 1 MetS group, and 2 treated MetS groups. They underwent assessment of cognition-related behavior by open field and forced swimming tests, electroencephalogram (EEG) recording, serum markers confirming the establishment of MetS model and hippocampal Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). ResultsAllo improved anxiety-like behavior and decreased grooming frequency compared to Memantine. Both drugs increased GFAP and BDNF expression, improving synaptic plasticity and cognition-related behaviors. The therapeutic effect of Allo was more beneficial regarding lipid profile and anxiety. We reported progressive slowing of EEG waves in the MetS group with Memantine and Allo treatment with increased relative theta and decreased relative delta rhythms. ConclusionsBoth Allo and Memantine boosted the outcome parameters in the animal model of MetS. Allo markedly improved the anxiety-like behavior in the form of significantly decreased grooming frequency compared to the Memantine-treated groups. Both drugs were associated with increased hippocampal GFAP and BDNF expression, indicating an improvement in synaptic plasticity and so, cognition-related behaviors.

Evaluation of Anxiety and Locomotor Behaviour in High Salt-Fed Mice Treated with L-Arginine and Losartan

Salt consumption above dietary guidelines is detrimental to health, it causes impaired cognitive, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative functions. This study aimed at evaluating anxiety and locomotor behaviour in high salt-fed mice treated with L-arginine and losartan. Forty (40) mice weighing between 27-37g were categorized into four (4) parts of ten (10) members. Group I (Control) was served ordinary mice chow and water, group II was given 8% sodium chloride in chow and 1% NaCl in drinkable water (High Salt Diet), group III was given same diet as group II in addition to L-arginine on the 43rd day, group IV was given same as group II in addition to Losartan on the 43rd day. L-arginine and losartan administration lasted for 14 days. The total duration for drug administration and feeding lasted for one month and three weeks. Light-Dark Transition Box (LDTB) and Elevated+ Maze (EPM) were used to assess anxiety and locomotor behaviour. The results showed a significant (p<0.001) decrease in line crossing, transition frequency, and light box duration, with a corresponding significant (p<0.001) increase in stretch attend posture, grooming frequency duration, close arm entry, dark box duration frequency in the high salt fed group compared with the control. Both L-arginine and Losartan significantly (p<0.001) reversed these changes towards normal. Thus, a high salt diet is implicated in increased anxiety, whereas L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor, and losartan, an ACE blocker reduced anxiety which in turn improves locomotor behaviour in the mice.

Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis extract attenuates memory impairment in rats with Alzheimer’s disease by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by degeneration of the central nervous system. Recently, many studies have emphasized the beneficial role of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis extract (GJ-4) in neuroprotection, which is considered a potential drug for treating AD. However, the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects is obscure. This research intended to analyze the effectiveness of GJ-4 to induce neuronal protective role on a rat model of neurotoxicity and probe the potential mechanism. An AD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Then, AlCl3-induced rats were administered 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of GJ-4 orally. This study indicated that GJ-4 (25 and 50 mg/kg) mitigated AD-like behaviors, as evidenced by enhanced ambulation frequency, rearing frequency, and time spent in the target quadrant and decreased grooming frequency, defecation frequency, and escape latency in AlCl3-challenged rats. Also, GJ-4 at 25 and 50 mg/kg exerted an anti-apoptosis effect in the hippocampus of AlCl3-treated rats. Furthermore, GJ-4 (25 and 50 mg/kg) exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect in the hippocampus by repressing the activation of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, further inhibiting the activation of Caspase 1, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 in AD hippocampus. Altogether, GJ-4 mitigated AlCl3-triggered impairment of learning and memory in AD rats via repressing NLRP3 inflammasome.

Behavioral and Physiological Differences in Female Rabbits at Different Stages of the Estrous Cycle.

Estrus involves a series of complex physiological signs and changes in behavior before ovulation, which play a crucial role in animal reproduction. However, there have been few studies that evaluate behaviors during the different stages of estrus cycle in female rabbits. Therefore, more detailed information is needed on distinguishing the various stages of the estrous cycle. This study explored the behavioral and physiological differences at various estrous cycle stages in female New Zealand White rabbits. The continuous recording method was employed to record the daily behaviors of twenty postpartum female rabbits during the estrous cycle. Compared with the diestrus stage, the duration of foraging and drinking behavior in estrus decreased significantly, and the frequency of grooming and biting behaviors increased (p < 0.05). Differences in reproductive hormone levels (FSH, LH, P4, and E2) and follicle development were measured at each stage via ELISA and HE staining. The FSH and LH levels showed an increasing trend and then decreased, with the lowest being in late estrus (p < 0.05). The P4 level was the lowest in estrus (p < 0.05), and E2 showed a gradually increasing trend. There was no significant difference in the number of primordial follicles at each stage, but the number of primary follicles in estrus was significantly higher than at the other stages (p < 0.05). To further understand the molecular regulation mechanism of the estrous cycle in female rabbits, we analyzed the ovarian transcription patterns of female rabbits in diestrus (D group) and estrus (E group) employing RNA-seq. A total of 967 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the ovaries of female rabbits between the diestrus and estrus groups. A KEGG analysis of DEGs enriched in the estrogen signaling pathway, aldosterone synthesis, and secretion pathway, such as CYP19A1 and IGF1R, was performed. The rabbits' behavior, related physiological hormones, and molecular regulation also differed at different estrous cycle stages. The results provide recommendations for the adequate management practices of postpartum re-estrus and breeding female rabbits.

Behavioral adaptation in an adoptive free-ranging female Tibetan macaque.

Adoption is an important form of allomaternal care in nonhuman primates, with implications for reproductive output and infant survival. Here, we report a kidnapping that became an adoption of a 3-week-old infant by a mother with her own infant in Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). The adoptive mother nursed her "new" infant (allonursing), the first observation of this behavior in the species. The case provided a natural experiment for comparing how a female copes with a heavier burden of care for both her biological infant and another female's infant, compared to mothers caring for only one infant. Our results showed that the adoptive female spent more time foraging and resting, and less time in group social activity compared to females with a single infant. The adoptive female showed more instances of social bridging. Although the duration of post-bridging grooming received from group members decreased, the frequency of such grooming increased. We discuss this adoption with reference to possible factors involved in the evolution of adoption and allonursing behavior in Tibetan macaques.

Grooming and agonistic behaviors in the semi-terrestrial crabsOcypode quadrata(Fabricius, 1787) andMinuca(Uca) burgersi(Holthuis, 1967) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Ocypodidae)

AbstractGrooming behaviors reduce body fouling and are well documented in crustaceans. There are more detailed laboratory-based grooming studies on fully aquatic crabs compared to semi-terrestrial crabs. By contrast, semi-terrestrial crabs are predicted to have different grooming time budgets than fully aquatic crabs because semi-terrestrial crabs are not constantly submerged in water that can mechanically remove sedimentary fouling, whereas fully aquatic crustaceans have increased fouling from algae and epibionts. We studied the grooming behaviors of two semi-terrestrial crab species. Crabs (N = 50 ghost crabs, Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787); N = 50 fiddler crabs, Minuca (Uca) burgersi (Holthuis, 1967)) were observed in isolation for 45-min trials. We recorded grooming frequency, location, appendage, and time. Ghost crabs were also observed in agonistic encounters to determine how grooming varied in the presence of a conspecific individual. Ghost crabs and fiddler crabs have different grooming time budgets, (0.526 and 0.895%, respectively) with both species having lower grooming time budgets than fully aquatic crustaceans. Some similarities and differences in grooming between the two semi-terrestrial crabs exist, with both species frequently grooming their eyes and maxillipeds using a brush or scrape mechanism, but with fiddler crabs using their eyes as a grooming appendage more frequently than ghost crabs. Ghost crab males groom less than females, whereas fiddler crab males and females groom equally. In agonistic interactions in ghost crabs, the grooming time budget decreased compared with isolated observations and individuals engaged in a “playing dead” behavior (thanatosis) after engaging in a fight. Semi-terrestrial crabs were found to groom significantly less than fully aquatic crustaceans.

Mother-to-daughter transmission of hygienic anti-parasite behaviour in mandrills.

Social animals are particularly exposed to infectious diseases. Pathogen-driven selection pressures have thus favoured the evolution of behavioural adaptations to decrease transmission risk such as the avoidance of contagious individuals. Yet, such strategies deprive individuals of valuable social interactions, generating a cost-benefit trade-off between pathogen avoidance and social opportunities. Recent studies revealed that hosts differ in these behavioural defences, but the determinants driving such inter-individual variation remain understudied. Using 6 years of behavioural and parasite data on a large natural population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), we showed that, when parasite prevalence was high in the population, females avoided grooming their conspecifics' peri-anal region (PAR), where contagious gastro-intestinal parasites accumulate. Females varied, however, in their propensity to avoid this risky body region: across years, some females consistently avoided grooming it, while others did not. Interestingly, hygienic females (i.e. those avoiding the PAR) were less parasitized than non-hygienic females. Finally, age, dominance rank and grooming frequency did not influence a female's hygiene, but both mother-daughter and maternal half-sisters exhibited similar hygienic levels, whereas paternal half-sisters and non-kin dyads did not, suggesting a social transmission of this behaviour. Our study emphasizes that the social inheritance of hygiene may structure behavioural resistance to pathogens in host populations with potential consequences on the dynamics of infectious diseases.

Analgesic and anxiolytic properties of aqueous extract of bark from trunk of Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) on arthritis induced in mice

Background: Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints. Patients suffering from chronic pain are anxious, which contributes to reducing the quality of life. The development of analgesic compounds with anxiolytic properties could prove to be of great interest for the treatment of chronic pain. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic and anxiolytic properties of the aqueous extract of the bark of the trunk of Diospyros mespiliformis in arthritic mice.&#x0D; Methods: Arthritis was induced by injection of 1% formaline into the left hind paw of the animals. Inflammatory pain and comorbid anxiety were tested using a hotplate (55 ± 0.5 °C) and labyrinths (Dark and Light and the open arena), respectively.&#x0D; Results: The aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformis reduced the inflammatory process by inhibiting the edema of the legs of animals to a maximum percentage of 63.63 % as well as the significant increase (p &lt; 0.001) of the threshold of nociception at the dose of 100 mg/kg. A significant increase (p &lt; 0.001) in the time spent in the lighted compartment alongside the decrease in the time spent in the dark environment was observed with the two-compartment maze. In the open arena the time spent in the central plaza significantly (p &lt; 0.001) increased compared to the time spent on the edge. In addition, a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.01) in the frequency of grooming and reaning was observed.&#x0D; Conclusion: The aqueous extract of the bark of the trunk of Diospyros mespiliformis displayed beneficial effects on pain and anxiety, justifying it traditional use for the management of arthritis.&#x0D; Keywords: analgesic, anxiolytic, Diospyros mespiliformis, arthritis.

Pengamatan Perilaku Grooming pada Monyet Ekor Panjang (Macaca fascicularis) di Taman Wisata Tlogo Putri Kaliurang dan Kaitannya dengan Isu Eksploitasi

Long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are primate animals that carry out social interactions with other individuals in their group. One of the social behaviors carried out by long-tailed monkeys is grooming or probing. There are two types of long-tailed monkey grooming behavior, namely auto-grooming and allo-grooming which can be influenced by their habitat. This study aims to determine the pattern of grooming behavior of long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in the Tlogo Putri Kaliurang nature tourism area and its relation to the issue of exploitation. The method used in this study is the ad libitum method and behavior sampling which was carried out in 2022 November in the morning at 08.00-10.00 WIB. The results showed that the frequency of grooming on Macaca fascicularis was more allogrooming than autogrooming, the duration of grooming was higher in allogrooming, grooming hours in the morning started from 08.00 to 10.00, the majority of grooming was done by parent to child, and female to male, as well as grooming behavior strongly influenced by the presence of humans. It is hoped that this research will determine the grooming behavior of Macaca fascicularis and determine the relationship between grooming behavior and other daily behavior and exploitation issues, so that it can support the success of conservation activities.

THE USE OF VARIOUS BEHAVIORAL MODELS IN STUDYING THE RESPONSE OF RATS UNDER THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVE AEROIONS

The aim of the work was to evaluate the behavior of laboratory rats under the influence of negative air ions using various behavioral models. To create an excess of negative air ions, a Hippocrates ionizer (Enterprise Energia, Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia) was used. The exposure was carried out daily for 2 hours for 18-20 days. Wistar rats were used in the work. It was found that according to the open field test, under the influence of negative air ions, the level of indicators reflecting vertical and horizontal motor activity increased; decreased grooming rates and the number of bowel movements; the frequency of examination of holes increased. According to the elevated plus maze test, the number of visits to open and closed arms, hanging from open arms significantly increased with a simultaneous decrease in the frequency and duration of grooming, a decrease in the duration and number of freezes. The index of anxiety in the studies changed insignificantly. On the model of a black-and-white chamber, the time spent by rats in the dark and light compartments varied. The rats of the experimental group spent more time in the open space of the test, there was a significant increase in the exits and the duration of the time of looking out from the dark into the light compartments. In general, according to the behavioral models used, keeping animals in an environment enriched with air ions led to significant changes in the behavior of animals, increasing activity, emotional reactivity and stress resistance.

Protective Effects ofKefirAgainst Unpredictable Chronic Stress Alterations in Mice Central Nervous System, Heart, and Kidney.

Kefir is a probiotic mixture with anxiolytic and antioxidant properties. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety disorders and increase oxidative damage in organs such as the heart and kidney. In this study, we examined whether kefir ameliorates the anxiety-like behavior of mice submitted to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) by modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticosterone levels and whether kefir modifies the oxidative parameters in the heart and kidney of mice. Male Swiss mice received kefir (0.3mL/100g/day) or milk for 30days (gavage). On the 10th day, the mice were submitted to CUS. Behavioral analysis was performed using the elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests. BDNF levels were analyzed in brain tissues. Heart and kidney superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), 3-nitrotyrosine, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and plasma corticosterone were evaluated. Kefir reverted the CUS-induced decrease in the time spent in the open arms, the increase in grooming frequency, and decrease in the head dipping frequency, but not the reduced immobility time. CUS decreased the cerebellum BDNF levels and increased corticosterone levels, which were restored by Kefir. Neither catalase and SOD activities nor GSH, TBARS, 3-nitrotyrosine, and MMP-2 were modified by CUS in the heart. In the kidney, CUS increased 3-nitrotyrosine and MMP-2. Kefir increased the antioxidant defense in the heart and kidney of control and CUS mice. These results suggest that kefir ameliorated CUS-induced anxiety-like behavior by modulating brain BDNF and corticosterone levels. Kefir also increased the antioxidant defense of mice heart and kidney.

Xiongzhi Dilong decoction interferes with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced migraine in rats through the CGRP/iNOS pathway

To evaluate the effects of Xiongzhi Dilong decoction (XZDLD) and its wind medicine on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced migraine and explore the mechanism through the CGRP/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway. Rats were divided into control, model, XZDLD, XZDLD (external wind), XZDLD (internal wind), and olcegepant groups. CGRP was injected into the dura mater to induce a migraine. The frequency of head scratching, cage climbing, and facial grooming was observed. The pain threshold, the levels of CGRP, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P (SP), and the plasma protein extravasation (PPE) ratio were measured. The phosphorylation levels of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and expression of iNOS were detected by western blot. Compared with the model group, the three modified XZDLD groups showed reduced frequency of head scratching and cage climbing in the first 30 min (all P < .05). Facial grooming frequency was reduced in XZDLD and XZDLD (external wind) groups ( P = .0003 and P = .0131, respectively). External wind medicine played a more important role in increasing mechanical pain threshold than internal wind medicine. Moreover, compared with the model group, the three modified XZDLD groups demonstrated reduced plasma levels of CGRP and PACAP (all P < .05). No difference in the SP level was observed among the six groups. XZDLD reduced PPE ratio. XZDLD and XZDLD (external wind) groups suppressed the CGRP/iNOS pathway by inhibiting the p-p38/p38 ratio and the expression of iNOS. No difference in pERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio was detected among the six groups. XZDLD increases pain threshold, downregulates the expression of CGRP and PACAP, and reduces PPE ratio by inhibiting the CGRP/iNOS pathway. External wind medicine is more effective than internal one on improving facial grooming and head scratching, increasing the mechanical pain threshold, and inhibiting the expression of iNOS.

The mite Acarus farris inducing defensive behaviors and reducing fitness of termite Coptotermes formosanus: implications for phoresy as a precursor to parasitism

BackgroundThe ecology and evolution of phoretic mites and termites have not been well studied. In particular, it is unknown whether the specific relationship between mites and termites is commensal or parasitic. High phoretic mite densities have often been found to occur in weak termite colonies, suggesting that the relationship is closer to that of parasitism than commensalism.ResultsTo examine this, Coptotermes formosanus was used as a carrier, and Acarus farris as the phoretic mite. We used video recordings to observe termite social immunity behaviors and bioassay to examine termite fitness. Our results showed that the attachment of the mite on the termite can enhance termite social immunity behaviors like alarm vibration and grooming frequency while decreasing the duration of individual grooming episodes in phoretic mites. Further, A. farris phoresy led to a 22.91% reduction in termite abdomen volume and a 3.31-fold increase in termite mortality.ConclusionsWhen termites groom more frequently, the consequence is short duration of grooming bouts. This may be indicative of a trade-off which provides suggestive evidence that frequent social behaviors may cost termites energy. And this caused phoretic behavior hastened termites’ death, and helped propagate the population of mites feeding on dead termites. So, it provides a case for phoresy being a precursor to parasitism, and the specific relationship between A. farris and C. formosanus is closer to parasitism than to commensalism.

Achyranthes aspera ameliorates stress induced depression in mice by regulating neuroinflammatory cytokines

Background and aimAchyranthes aspera Linn. (A. aspera) (family: Amaranthaceae) is highly recognized in ethnomedicine and traditional systems of Indian medicine as a nervine restorative for several psychiatric disorders. Study presented here was designed to appraise the antidepressant-like effects of A. aspera in murine model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression. Experimental procedures-Rodents were exposed to different stressor in unpredictive manner during CUMS protocol once a day for 4 weeks. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with A. aspera extract (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) or betaine (20 mg/kg) once daily during day 15–28 of the CUMS protocol. Sucrose preference, motivation and self-care, immobility latency and plasma corticosterone were evaluated after 24 h of last stressor. After behavioral assessments TNF-α, Il-6 and BDNF immunocontent was determined in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Results and conclusionA. aspera extract as well as betaine improved sucrose preference, increased grooming frequency and latency in splash test and ameliorated depression-like condition in CUMS mice in Porsolt test. A. aspera treatment decreased the elevated plasma corticosterone and reversed the effect of CUMS on TNF-α, Il-6 and BDNF immunocontent in mice. The results of the present study suggest A. aspera as a promising indigenous medicine for stress associated neurobehavioral and comorbid complications.

Eyeblink rate as an indicator of concentration on grooming in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).

In primates, social relationships with a high frequency of social grooming are referred to as "affiliate relationships," "friendship," "bonding," and are described as involving positive emotion. However, the psychological state during social grooming has not been fully understood. In this study, I focused on blinking as a behavior that reflects psychological state during grooming in Macaca fuscata, a nonhuman wild primate, and examined for the first time whether the blink rate reflects concentration on social grooming. To test this hypothesis, I focused on ectoparasite removals during social grooming with the following three predictions: (1) blinks are synchronized with breakpoints (when monkeys can release visual attention) of mouthing ectoparasites during grooming, (2) the blink rate is lower during grooming (when requiring visual concentration) than during resting (when no visual concentration is required), and (3) the lower the blink rate during grooming (supposedly in high concentration), the higher the frequency of ectoparasites removals (outputs of the task). I recorded the faces of 10 wild female Japanese macaques on Kinkazan Island, Miyagi Prefecture, with video, while they were resting and grooming, and recorded the timing and frequency of eyeblink and ectoparasite removals. All three predictions were supported, suggesting that the blink rate during grooming can be an indicator of concentration on grooming in nonhuman primates. Whether grooming concentration is associated with an affiliative relationship with the grooming partner is an issue that should be carefully examined in future studies, but eyeblink studies may provide new perspectives for understanding the psychological state of individuals during grooming in a noninvasive manner.