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Multivariate Analysis of Temporal Descriptions of Open-field Behavior in Wild-derived Mouse Strains

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The open-field test is a commonly used apparatus in many behavioral studies. However, in most studies, temporal changes of details of behavior have been ignored. We thus examined open-field behavior as measured by both conventional indices and 12 ethograms supported by detailed temporal observation. To obtain a broader understanding, we used genetically diverse mouse strains: 10 wild-derived mouse strains (PGN2, BFM/2, HMI, CAST/Ei, NJL, BLG2, CHD, SWN, KJR, MSM), one strain derived from the so-called fancy mouse (JF1), and one standard laboratory strain, C57BL/6. Conventional measurements revealed a variety of relationships: some strains did not show the hypothesized association between high ambulation, longer stay in the central area, and low defecation. Our ethological approach revealed that some behaviors, such as freezing and jumping, were not observed in C57BL/6 but were seen in some wild-derived strains. Principal component analysis which included temporal information indicated that these strains had varied temporal patterns of habituation to novelty.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to D. A. Blizard for comments on the manuscript, K. Moriwaki for his considerable work in establishing wild-derived strains, and to T. Takano for statistical advice. We thank all members of the Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory at NIG for rearing the mice and for supporting this study. This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and by a Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This study is contribution number 2502 from the NIG.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan

    Aki Takahashi, Toshihiko Shiroishi & Tsuyoshi Koide

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

    Katsunori Kato

  3. Department of Welfare Psychology, Health Science University, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi, Japan

    Junshiro Makino

  4. Mammalian Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan

    Toshihiko Shiroishi

  5. Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), 1111 Yata, 411-8540, Mishima, Shizuoka-ken, Japan

    Aki Takahashi & Tsuyoshi Koide

  6. Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), 1111 Yata, 411-8540, Mishima, Shizuoka-ken, Japan

    Tsuyoshi Koide

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  1. Aki Takahashi
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  2. Katsunori Kato
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Correspondence to Tsuyoshi Koide.

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Takahashi, A., Kato, K., Makino, J. et al. Multivariate Analysis of Temporal Descriptions of Open-field Behavior in Wild-derived Mouse Strains. Behav Genet 36, 763–774 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-005-9038-3

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