A novel system for tracking social preference dynamics in mice reveals sex- and strain-specific characteristics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Deciphering the biological mechanisms underlying social behavior in animal models requires standard behavioral paradigms that can be unbiasedly employed in an observer- and laboratory-independent manner. During the past decade, the three-chamber test has become such a standard paradigm used to evaluate social preference (sociability) and social novelty preference in mice. This test suffers from several caveats, including its reliance on spatial navigation skills and negligence of behavioral dynamics.

Methods

Here, we present a novel experimental apparatus and an automated analysis system which offer an alternative to the three-chamber test while solving the aforementioned caveats. The custom-made apparatus is simple for production, and the analysis system is publi

SUBMITTER: Netser S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5627457 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature