Influence of age on behavioural response in the light/dark paradigm.
We have compared the performance of male Swiss mice at different ages (correlated with different body weight; 12-34 g) in the light/dark test of anxiety. Mice received saline only. The best age at which control values were optimum was that of 4 weeks old. Mice at this age spent 58% of the total test duration in the dark compartment. The oldest mice (i.e., 8 weeks old) exhibited an increase in total activity characterised by increase in movements in each compartment, together with an increase in the number of transitions. An age-related effect was found suggesting caution when interpreting the results of mice in the light/dark paradigm, the best period being that of 4 weeks.
Hascoët
M
M
Faculty of Medicine and GIS Médicament, JE 2027 Neurobiologie de l'anxiété, Faculté de Médecine BP 53508, Nantes, France.
Colombel
M C
MC
Bourin
M
M
D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal; D001835:Body Weight; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003624:Darkness; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity