The GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, fails to slow disease progression in SOD1 and TDP-43 transgenic mouse models of ALS.

GLP-1 receptor agonists used for the treatment of diabetes, have shown some neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). There are currently few studies investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of ALS, where these neuroprotective effects may be beneficial. Here we investigate the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in two well characterised transgenic mouse models of ALS (SOD1 and TDP-43) to determine if liraglutide could be a potential treatment in ALS patients.

Pharmacological validation of individual animal locomotion, temperature and behavioural analysis in group-housed rats using a novel automated home cage analysis system: A comparison with the modified Irwin test.

Background: The ActualHCA™ system continuously monitors the activity, temperature and behavior of group-housed rats without invasive surgery. The system was validated to detect the contrasting effects of sedative and stimulant test agents (chlorpromazine, clonidine and amphetamine), and compared with the modified Irwin test (mIT) with rectal temperature measurements.

Methods: Six male Han Wistar rats per group were used to assess each test agent and vehicle controls in separate ActualHCA™ recordings and mIT.

Automated recording of home cage activity and temperature of individual rats housed in social groups: The Rodent Big Brother project.

Measuring the activity and temperature of rats is commonly required in biomedical research. Conventional approaches necessitate single housing, which affects their behavior and wellbeing. We have used a subcutaneous radiofrequency identification (RFID) transponder to measure ambulatory activity and temperature of individual rats when group-housed in conventional, rack-mounted home cages.