Characterization of behavioral phenotypes in the BTBR T⁺ Itpr3^tf/J mouse model of autism spectrum disorder under social housing conditions using the multiple animal positioning system.

ABSTRACT: The BTBR T⁺ Itpr3^tf/J (BTBR) mouse strain is a widely used model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The BTBR mice display behavior consistent with the three diagnostic categories of ASD. However, the behavioral phenotypes of the BTBR mice in a long-term group housing setting are largely unknown because conventional behavioral tests for ASD model mice are designed for use under simplified artificial conditions over a short observation period. In this study, we applied a newly developed assay system, the Multiple Animal Positioning System (MAPS), to quantify behaviors under group housing conditions over four days of continuous observation. Using MAPS, we showed that in a group housing condition, the BTBR mice exhibited lower activity levels in the dark phase and alterat

SUBMITTER: Endo N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6699967 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature