Taming anxiety in laboratory mice.
Routine laboratory animal handling has profound effects on their anxiety and stress responses, but little is known about the impact of handling method. We found that picking up mice by the tail induced aversion and high anxiety, whereas use of tunnels or open hand led to voluntary approach, low anxiety and acceptance of physical restraint. Using the latter methods, one can minimize a widespread source of anxiety in laboratory mice.
Hurst
Jane L
JL
Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK. jane.hurst@liv.ac.uk
West
Rebecca S
RS
D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005260:Female; D006234:Handling, Psychological; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D013045:Species Specificity