Automated home-cage monitoring uncovers behavioral differences in aging male mice across inbred strains, suggesting a need for more reliable assessments.
Key Points
This research aims to understand how aging and genetic background influence motor, thermal, and cognitive functions in male mice.
Utilized advanced RFID-based automated home-cage platforms (Mouse Matrix and IntelliCage) for monitoring
Compared two inbred strains: C57BL/6 J and 129S2/SvPasCrl
Measured circadian locomotor activity, core body temperature, and cognitive performance
Conducted assessments in a familiar home-cage environment to reduce stress
Aged mice exhibited reduced locomotor activity and impaired anticipatory behavior
Significant differences in anxiety and adaptability between strains, with 129S2/SvPasCrl showing higher anxiety
C57BL/6 J mice demonstrated greater cognitive flexibility and quicker learning
Found differences in thermal rhythms, with 129S2/SvPasCrl displaying higher thermal stability