Do individually ventilated cage systems generate a problem for genetic mouse model research

摘要: Technological developments over recent decades have produced a novel housing system for laboratory mice, so-called 'individually ventilated cage' (IVC) systems. IVCs present cage environment which is different to conventional filter-top cages (FILTER). Nothing known about the consequences of IVC on genetic mouse models, despite studies reporting IVC-mediated changes phenotypes inbred strains. Thus, in this study, we systematically compared established behavioural phenotype validated model schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (TM Nrg1 HET) kept FILTER with mutant mice raised We found that particular schizophrenia-relevant endophenotypes TM HETs had been and widely published using were altered when housing. diminished prepulse inhibition deficit males. Furthermore, sex-dependent moderate effect locomotive across test paradigms. Behavioural effects less prominent female mice. transferring breeding colony mutants from systems can shift disease-relevant behaviours therefore challenge face validity these Researchers facing an upgrade their or holding facilities must be aware potential impact might models. Future publications should provide more details used allow appropriate data comparison research sites.