Lockbox enrichment facilitates manipulative and cognitive activities for mice DOI Creative Commons
Katharina Hohlbaum, Niek Andresen, Paul Mieske

et al.

Open Research Europe, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4, P. 108 - 108

Published: Aug. 28, 2024

Background Due to the lack of complexity and variety stimuli, conventional housing conditions laboratory mice do not allow these animals fully express their behavioral repertoire, including manipulative cognitive activities. Therefore, we designed mechanical puzzles, so-called lockboxes, for that can be provided in home cages. We investigated impact lockbox enrichment on phenotype affective state when compared (CH) super-environmental (SEE). Methods Young adult female C57BL/6JCrl were examined before after 2-month exposure different types a phenotyping test battery, tests trait anxiety-related behavior, calorimetric measurements, body weight analysis stress hormone metabolite concentrations, sequential problem-solving abilities with novel lockbox. At end study, adrenal gland weights determined pathohistological evaluation was performed. For all continuous variables, relative variability calculated. Results While affected neither behavior nor physiological variables (i.e., bodyweight, resting metabolic rate, weights) influenced. LE improved solving lockboxes) SEE. Regardless condition, increased most over time, although coefficient variation decreased some especially access LE. There no evidence toxicopathological effects associated material from which lockboxes made. Conclusions All are available as open-source tool. revealed beneficial performance lockboxes. Neither relevant reproducibility data compromised by LE, similar The may also used approach assessing cognition mice.

Language: Английский

Lockbox enrichment facilitates manipulative and cognitive activities for mice DOI Creative Commons
Katharina Hohlbaum, Niek Andresen, Paul Mieske

et al.

Open Research Europe, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4, P. 108 - 108

Published: Aug. 28, 2024

Background Due to the lack of complexity and variety stimuli, conventional housing conditions laboratory mice do not allow these animals fully express their behavioral repertoire, including manipulative cognitive activities. Therefore, we designed mechanical puzzles, so-called lockboxes, for that can be provided in home cages. We investigated impact lockbox enrichment on phenotype affective state when compared (CH) super-environmental (SEE). Methods Young adult female C57BL/6JCrl were examined before after 2-month exposure different types a phenotyping test battery, tests trait anxiety-related behavior, calorimetric measurements, body weight analysis stress hormone metabolite concentrations, sequential problem-solving abilities with novel lockbox. At end study, adrenal gland weights determined pathohistological evaluation was performed. For all continuous variables, relative variability calculated. Results While affected neither behavior nor physiological variables (i.e., bodyweight, resting metabolic rate, weights) influenced. LE improved solving lockboxes) SEE. Regardless condition, increased most over time, although coefficient variation decreased some especially access LE. There no evidence toxicopathological effects associated material from which lockboxes made. Conclusions All are available as open-source tool. revealed beneficial performance lockboxes. Neither relevant reproducibility data compromised by LE, similar The may also used approach assessing cognition mice.

Language: Английский

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