Waving Through the Window: A Model of Volitional Social Interaction in Female Mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mouse models of social behavior fail to account for volitional aspects of social interaction, and current neurobiological investigation of social behavior is performed almost exclusively using C57BL/6J mice, the background strain of most transgenic mice. Here, we introduce a mouse model of operant social self-administration and choice, using a custom-made apparatus.

Methods

First, we trained adolescent and adult female C57BL/6J and CD1 mice to self-administer palatable food pellets and then to lever press under increasing fixed-ratio response requirements for access to an age-matched female social partner. Next, we tested their motivation to seek social interaction using a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule, relapse to social seeking after social isolation,

SUBMITTER: Ramsey LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9081292 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature