Diffuse traumatic axonal injury in mice induces complex behavioural alterations that are normalized by neutralization of interleukin-1β.

Widespread traumatic axonal injury (TAI) results in brain network dysfunction, which commonly leads to persisting cognitive and behavioural impairments following traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI induces a complex neuroinflammatory response, frequently located at sites of axonal pathology. The role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β has not been established in TAI.

Traumatic axonal injury in the mouse is accompanied by a dynamic inflammatory response, astroglial reactivity and complex behavioral changes.

Background: Diffuse traumatic axonal injury (TAI), a common consequence of traumatic brain injury, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Inflammatory processes may play an important role in the pathophysiology of TAI. In the central fluid percussion injury (cFPI) TAI model in mice, the neuroinflammatory and astroglial response and behavioral changes are unknown.

The multivariate concentric square field test reveals behavioral profiles of risk taking, exploration, and cognitive impairment in mice subjected to traumatic brain injury.

There is a need for more efficient tests to evaluate functional outcome following experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), reflecting deficits in cognitive, sensory, and motor functions that are seen in TBI patients. The Multivariate Concentric Square Field (MCSF) test is a relatively new behavioral model that measures exploration, risk taking, risk assessment, and shelter seeking, all of which are evolutionarily-conserved strategies for survival. The multivariate design enables scoring of different functional domains in a single test situation, with a free choice of optional environmental settings.

The multivariate concentric square field test reveals different behavioural profiles in male AA and ANA rats with regard to risk taking and environmental reactivity.

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the behavioural profiles in alcohol-preferring AA (Alko, alcohol) and alcohol-avoiding ANA (Alko, non-alcohol) rats. Twelve adult, alcohol-naïve male AA and ANA rats were tested in the recently established multivariate concentric square field (MCSF) test. The more traditional open field and elevated plus-maze tests were used as reference tests.

Variations in opioid peptide levels during the estrous cycle in Sprague-Dawley rats.

The estrous cycle, with its various hormonal conditions, may provide us with the means of understanding how endocrine states relate to opioid mechanisms. There has been increasing experimental support for interaction between sex steroids and opioid peptides in the central nervous system. Here, we describe fluctuations in endogenous brain immunoreactive (ir) peptide levels during various phases of the estrous cycle in the female Sprague-Dawley rat.

The Concentric Square Field: a multivariate test arena for analysis of explorative strategies.

In this study, we describe the behavior of laboratory rats in a recently developed observation arena, the Concentric Square Field (CSF). The CSF contains a number of areas designed to provoke exploration and behaviors associated with risk assessment, risk taking and security seeking in an environment not previously experienced. The model includes sheltered, open and elevated areas, a hole board device, areas with different light conditions, and wall-enclosed corridors.

Exploration and risk assessment in female wild house mice (Mus musculus musculus) and two laboratory strains.

In an evolutionary prospective, it is possible that female mice have a differential perception of novel events than male mice and use a different behavioural strategy for risk assessment. However, female mice are less studied than male mice in behavioural tests of emotional reactivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate how wild-derived female house mice differ from domesticated female mice in their risk assessment strategy.

Exploration and risk assessment: a comparative study of male house mice (Mus musculus musculus) and two laboratory strains.

The ability to gather information and assess risks in novel environments is crucial for survival and fitness in the wild. Our aim was to characterise behavioural strategies of exploration and risk assessment in novel environments and to investigate in what respects wild house mice differ from domesticated mice. A total of 39 adult male mice from three genetic backgrounds (Wild, BALB/c, and C57BL/6) were tested in three behavioural tests, the concentric square field (CSF), a modified open field (OF), and a conventional elevated plus maze (EPM).

Functional evaluation of cerebral microembolization in the rat.

This study investigates the effects of cerebral microembolism on motor performance and risk assessment behavior in the rat. Cerebral infarcts were produced in rats by injecting small plastic beads into the left heart ventricle under short-acting anesthesia. The functional outcome was tested 24 h later by subjecting the animals to a series of consecutive behavioral tests.