Studying the Brain Monoaminergic Systems and Neurotrophic Factors in Minipigs with High and Low Tolerance to the Presence of Human.

Here, we present the first evidence for brain adaptation in pigs tolerant to the human presence, as a behavioral trait favoring domestication. The study was carried out on minipiglets from population bred at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (Novosibirsk, Russia). We compared the behavior, metabolism of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, and functional activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, as well as neurotrophic markers in the brain of minipigs differing by tolerance to human presence (HT and LT - high and low tolerance).

Application of 3-D imaging sensor for tracking minipigs in the open field test.

Background: The minipig is a promising model in neurobiology and psychopharmacology. However, automated tracking of minipig behavior is still unresolved problem.

New Method: The study was carried out on white, agouti and black (or spotted) minipiglets (n=108) bred in the Institute of Cytology and Genetics.