Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 4 June 1999:
Vol. 284. no. 5420, pp. 1670 - 1672
DOI: 10.1126/science.284.5420.1670
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Reports

Genetics of Mouse Behavior: Interactions with Laboratory Environment

John C. Crabbe, 1* Douglas Wahlsten, 2 Bruce C. Dudek 3

Strains of mice that show characteristic patterns of behavior are critical for research in neurobehavioral genetics. Possible confounding influences of the laboratory environment were studied in several inbred strains and one null mutant by simultaneous testing in three laboratories on a battery of six behaviors. Apparatus, test protocols, and many environmental variables were rigorously equated. Strains differed markedly in all behaviors, and despite standardization, there were systematic differences in behavior across labs. For some tests, the magnitude of genetic differences depended upon the specific testing lab. Thus, experiments characterizing mutants may yield results that are idiosyncratic to a particular laboratory.

1 Portland Alcohol Research Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
2 Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9.
3 Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: crabbe{at}ohsu.edu

Read the Full Text


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Foxn1 Gene Knockout Suppresses Sexual Attractiveness and Pheromonal Components of Male Urine in Inbred Mice.
J.-X. Zhang, L. Sun, and Y.-H. Zhang (2010)
Chem Senses 35, 47-56
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Freedom of movement and the stability of its unfolding in free exploration of mice.
E. Fonio, Y. Benjamini, and I. Golani (2009)
PNAS 106, 21335-21340
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Differences in LTM-forming capability between geographically different strains of Alberta Lymnaea stagnalis are maintained whether they are trained in the lab or in the wild.
M. Orr, K. Hittel, K. S. Lukowiak, J. Han, and K. Lukowiak (2009)
J. Exp. Biol. 212, 3911-3918
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Modeling the Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia in Genetically Modified Mice: Pharmacology and Methodology Aspects.
M. van den Buuse (2009)
Schizophr Bull
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Home cage testing of delay discounting in rats.
S. Koot, W. Adriani, L. Saso, R. van den Bos, and G. Laviola (2009)
Behav Res Methods 41, 1169-1176
   Abstract »    PDF »
Direct comparisons of the size and persistence of anisomycin-induced consolidation and reconsolidation deficits.
J. M. Stafford and K. M. Lattal (2009)
Learn. Mem. 16, 494-503
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Effects of environmental enrichment on the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model.
A D Sorrells, K Corcoran-Gomez, K A Eckert, A G Fahey, B L Hoots, L B Charleston, J S Charleston, C R Roberts, and H Markowitz (2009)
Lab Anim 43, 182-190
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Chronic enhancement of CREB activity in the hippocampus interferes with the retrieval of spatial information.
J. Viosca, G. Malleret, R. Bourtchouladze, E. Benito, S. Vronskava, E. R. Kandel, and A. Barco (2009)
Learn. Mem. 16, 198-209
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Reliability, robustness, and reproducibility in mouse behavioral phenotyping: a cross-laboratory study.
S. Mandillo, V. Tucci, S. M. Holter, H. Meziane, M. A. Banchaabouchi, M. Kallnik, H. V. Lad, P. M. Nolan, A.-M. Ouagazzal, E. L. Coghill, et al. (2008)
Physiol Genomics 34, 243-255
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genomic copy number and expression variation within the C57BL/6J inbred mouse strain.
D. E. Watkins-Chow and W. J. Pavan (2008)
Genome Res. 18, 60-66
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Test standardization in behavioural neuroscience: a response to Stanford.
D. A. Blizard, A. Takahashi, M. J. Galsworthy, B. Martin, and T. Koide (2007)
J Psychopharmacol 21, 136-139
   PDF »
The power of automated high-resolution behavior analysis revealed by its application to mouse models of Huntington's and prion diseases.
A. D. Steele, W. S. Jackson, O. D. King, and S. Lindquist (2007)
PNAS 104, 1983-1988
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
From the Cover: Stability of inbred mouse strain differences in behavior and brain size between laboratories and across decades.
D. Wahlsten, A. Bachmanov, D. A. Finn, and J. C. Crabbe (2006)
PNAS 103, 16364-16369
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genetic and Environmental Effects on Complex Traits in Mice.
W. Valdar, L. C. Solberg, D. Gauguier, W. O. Cookson, J. N. P. Rawlins, R. Mott, and J. Flint (2006)
Genetics 174, 959-984
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A cis-regulatory Sequence Within the yellow Locus of Drosophila melanogaster Required for Normal Male Mating Success.
M. D. Drapeau, S. A. Cyran, M. M. Viering, P. K. Geyer, and A. D. Long (2006)
Genetics 172, 1009-1030
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
One generation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deprivation increases depression and aggression test scores in rats.
J. C. DeMar Jr., K. Ma, J. M. Bell, M. Igarashi, D. Greenstein, and S. I. Rapoport (2006)
J. Lipid Res. 47, 172-180
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genotype-Dependent Activity of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 Determines the Response to Citalopram in a Mouse Model of Depression.
L. Cervo, A. Canetta, E. Calcagno, S. Burbassi, G. Sacchetti, S. Caccia, C. Fracasso, D. Albani, G. Forloni, and R. W. Invernizzi (2005)
J. Neurosci. 25, 8165-8172
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Cognitive performance is highly sensitive to prior experience in mice with a learning and memory deficit: Failure leads to more failure.
E. K. Hebda-Bauer, S. J. Watson, and H. Akil (2005)
Learn. Mem. 12, 461-471
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Identification of Glyoxalase-I as a Protein Marker in a Mouse Model of Extremes in Trait Anxiety.
S. A. Kromer, M. S. Kessler, D. Milfay, I. N. Birg, M. Bunck, L. Czibere, M. Panhuysen, B. Putz, J. M. Deussing, F. Holsboer, et al. (2005)
J. Neurosci. 25, 4375-4384
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Strain-dependent differences in responses to exercise training in inbred and hybrid mice.
M. P. Massett and B. C. Berk (2005)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 288, R1006-R1013
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genotype-environment interactions in mouse behavior: A way out of the problem.
N. Kafkafi, Y. Benjamini, A. Sakov, G. I. Elmer, and I. Golani (2005)
PNAS 102, 4619-4624
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Inherent Complexities of Gene-Environment Interactions.
E. L. Grigorenko (2005)
J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 60, 53-64
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci for Anxiety in Chromosome Substitution Strains of Mice.
J. B. Singer, A. E. Hill, J. H. Nadeau, and E. S. Lander (2005)
Genetics 169, 855-862
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Test of the principle of initial value in rat genetic models of exercise capacity.
L. G. Koch, C. L. Green, A. D. Lee, J. E. Hornyak, G. T. Cicila, and S. L. Britton (2005)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 288, R466-R472
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genetic influence on daily wheel running activity level.
J. T. Lightfoot, M. J. Turner, M. Daves, A. Vordermark, and S. R. Kleeberger (2004)
Physiol Genomics 19, 270-276
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
New replicable anxiety-related measures of wall vs. center behavior of mice in the open field.
D. Lipkind, A. Sakov, N. Kafkafi, G. I. Elmer, Y. Benjamini, and I. Golani (2004)
J Appl Physiol 97, 347-359
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Observer-rated ataxia: rating scales for assessment of genetic differences in ethanol-induced intoxication in mice.
P. Metten, K. L. Best, A. J. Cameron, A. B. Saultz, J. M. Zuraw, C.-H. Yu, D. Wahlsten, and J. C. Crabbe (2004)
J Appl Physiol 97, 360-368
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Clean Thoughts about Dirty Genes.
R. N. van Gelder and J. B. Hogenesch (2004)
J Biol Rhythms 19, 3-9
   Abstract »    PDF »
Modulation of Neural Circuit Operation by Prior Environmental Stress.
R. M. Robertson (2004)
Integr. Comp. Biol. 44, 21-27
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genotypic differences in ethanol sensitivity in two tests of motor incoordination.
J. C. Crabbe, P. Metten, C.-H. Yu, J. P. Schlumbohm, A. J. Cameron, and D. Wahlsten (2003)
J Appl Physiol 95, 1338-1351
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Neuronal depletion of calcium-dependent proteins in the dentate gyrus is tightly linked to Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive deficits.
J. J. Palop, B. Jones, L. Kekonius, J. Chin, G.-Q. Yu, J. Raber, E. Masliah, and L. Mucke (2003)
PNAS 100, 9572-9577
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genetic component of sensorimotor capacity in rats.
L. G. Koch and S. L. Britton (2003)
Physiol Genomics 13, 241-247
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Genes and Brains of Mice and Men.
L. H. Tecott (2003)
Am J Psychiatry 160, 646-656
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genetic Models in Applied Physiology: Selected Contribution: Variation and heritability for the adaptational response to exercise in genetically heterogeneous rats.
M. L. Troxell, S. L. Britton, and L. G. Koch (2003)
J Appl Physiol 94, 1674-1681
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Assessment of genetic susceptibility to ethanol intoxication in mice.
N. R. Rustay, D. Wahlsten, and J. C. Crabbe (2003)
PNAS 100, 2917-2922
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A pervasive mechanism for analgesia: Activation of GIRK2 channels.
Y. A. Blednov, M. Stoffel, H. Alva, and R. A. Harris (2003)
PNAS 100, 277-282
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Elevated Expression of 5-HT1B Receptors in Nucleus Accumbens Efferents Sensitizes Animals to Cocaine.
J. F. Neumaier, E. S. Vincow, A. Arvanitogiannis, R. A. Wise, and W. A. Carlezon Jr (2002)
J. Neurosci. 22, 10856-10863
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Is Critically Involved in Neurobehavioral Effects of Alcohol.
R. Spanagel, S. Siegmund, M. Cowen, K.-C. Schroff, G. Schumann, M. Fiserova, I. Sillaber, S. Wellek, M. Singer, and J. Putzke (2002)
J. Neurosci. 22, 8676-8683
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Maintenance Diets of C57BL/6J and 129X1/SvJ Mice Influence Their Taste Solution Preferences: Implications for Large-Scale Phenotyping Projects.
M. G. Tordoff, D. M. Pilchak, J. A. Williams, A. H. McDaniel, and A. A. Bachmanov (2002)
J. Nutr. 132, 2288-2297
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genetics and social class.
N A Holtzman (2002)
J Epidemiol Community Health 56, 529-535
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Identification of Multiple Genetic Loci Linked to the Propensity for ""Behavioral Despair"" in Mice.
T. Yoshikawa, A. Watanabe, Y. Ishitsuka, A. Nakaya, and N. Nakatani (2002)
Genome Res. 12, 357-366
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Neurodevelopmental delay, motor abnormalities and cognitive deficits in transgenic mice overexpressing Dyrk1A (minibrain), a murine model of Down's syndrome.
X. Altafaj, M. Dierssen, C. Baamonde, E. Marti, J. Visa, J. Guimera, M. Oset, J. R. Gonzalez, J. Florez, C. Fillat, et al. (2001)
Hum. Mol. Genet. 10, 1915-1923
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping in Laboratory Mice Derived From a Replicated Selection Experiment for Open-Field Activity.
M. G. Turri, N. D. Henderson, J. C. DeFries, and J. Flint (2001)
Genetics 158, 1217-1226
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Cytokine- and microbially induced sleep responses of interleukin-10 deficient mice.
L. A. Toth and M. R. Opp (2001)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 280, R1806-R1814
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Precision in mouse behavior genetics.
D. Pfaff (2001)
PNAS
   Full Text »
Transgenic Studies of Pain and Analgesia: Mutation or Background Genotype?.
W. R. Lariviere, E. J. Chesler, and J. S. Mogil (2001)
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 297, 467-473
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Soy-Containing Diet Suppresses Chronic Neuropathic Sensory Disorders in Rats.
Y. Shir, R. Sheth, J. N. Campbell, S. N. Raja, and Z.'e. Seltzer (2001)
Anesth. Analg. 92, 1029-1034
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Female preproenkephalin-knockout mice display altered emotional responses.
A. Ragnauth, A. Schuller, M. Morgan, J. Chan, S. Ogawa, J. Pintar, R. J. Bodnar, and D. W. Pfaff (2001)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Prepulse Inhibition Deficits and Perseverative Motor Patterns in Dopamine Transporter Knock-Out Mice: Differential Effects of D1 and D2 Receptor Antagonists.
R. J. Ralph, M. P. Paulus, F. Fumagalli, M. G. Caron, and M. A. Geyer (2001)
J. Neurosci. 21, 305-313
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Transgenic study of energy homeostasis equation: implications and confounding influences.
A. INUI (2000)
FASEB J 14, 2158-2170
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Urinary Excretion of LH and Testosterone from Male Rats During Exposure to Increased Gravity: Post-Spaceflight and Centrifugation.
R. M. Ortiz, C. E. Wade, and E. Morey-Holton (2000)
Experimental Biology and Medicine 225, 98-102
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Responses of the Circadian System of Rats to Conditioned and Unconditioned Stimuli.
M. H. M. de Groot and B. Rusak (2000)
J Biol Rhythms 15, 277-291
   Abstract »    PDF »
Abolition and Reversal of Strain Differences in Behavioral Responses to Drugs of Abuse After a Brief Experience.
S. Cabib, C. Orsini, M. L. Moal, and P. V. Piazza (2000)
Science 289, 463-465
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Analysis of organ physiology in transgenic mice.
S. Rao and A. S. Verkman (2000)
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 279, C1-C18
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Short Reviews.
O. Eizner-Favreau (2000)
Feminism Psychology 10, 279-282
   PDF »
Strain-dependent Differences in LTP and Hippocampus-dependent Memory in Inbred Mice.
P. V. Nguyen, T. Abel, E. R. Kandel, and R. Bourtchouladze (2000)
Learn. Mem. 7, 170-179
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Analysis of mammalian central nervous system gene expression and function using bacterial artificial chromosome-mediated transgenesis.
N. Heintz (2000)
Hum. Mol. Genet. 9, 937-943
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Dissection of behavior and psychiatric disorders using the mouse as a model.
L. Tarantino and M. Bucan (2000)
Hum. Mol. Genet. 9, 953-965
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
In Vivo Gene Modification Elucidates Subtype-Specific Functions of alpha 2-Adrenergic Receptors.
J. W. Kable, L. C. Murrin, and D. B. Bylund (2000)
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 293, 1-7
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Macronutrient diet selection in thirteen mouse strains.
B. K. Smith, P. K. Andrews, and D. B. West (2000)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 278, R797-R805
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Psychobiology and Social Psychology: Past, Present, and Future.
G. G. Berntson and J. T. Cacioppo (2000)
Personality and Social Psychology Review 4, 3-15
   Abstract »    PDF »
Impaired Learning and Motor Behavior in Heterozygous Pafah1b1 (Lis1) Mutant Mice.
R. Paylor, S. Hirotsune, M. J. Gambello, L. Yuva-Paylor, J. N. Crawley, and A. Wynshaw-Boris (1999)
Learn. Mem. 6, 521-537
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Female preproenkephalin-knockout mice display altered emotional responses.
A. Ragnauth, A. Schuller, M. Morgan, J. Chan, S. Ogawa, J. Pintar, R. J. Bodnar, and D. W. Pfaff (2001)
PNAS 98, 1958-1963
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Precision in mouse behavior genetics.
D. Pfaff (2001)
PNAS 98, 5957-5960
   Full Text »    PDF »
Hot and Cold Nociception Are Genetically Correlated.
J. S. Mogil and S. M. Adhikari (1999)
J. Neurosci. 19, RC25
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)