How can mice be tested? - briefly
Mice are evaluated using behavioral assays, physiological measurements, and molecular analyses in controlled laboratory conditions. Common approaches include maze navigation, activity monitoring, blood sampling, and gene‑expression profiling.
How can mice be tested? - in detail
Mice serve as primary models for biomedical research, and a range of experimental techniques enables comprehensive assessment of their biological responses.
Behavioral assays quantify locomotion, anxiety, cognition, and social interaction. Open‑field testing records movement patterns and thigmotaxis, while elevated plus‑maze measures anxiety‑related avoidance. Morris water maze and fear‑conditioning protocols evaluate spatial learning and memory. Social preference tests detect alterations in affiliative behavior.
Physiological measurements capture cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic parameters. Telemetry implants provide continuous heart‑rate and blood‑pressure data under baseline and stress conditions. Indirect calorimetry chambers assess oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and respiratory exchange ratio, revealing energy expenditure and substrate utilization.
Imaging techniques visualize organ structure and function in vivo. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) delineates brain anatomy and tumor growth. Positron emission tomography (PET) tracks metabolic activity using radiotracers. Optical imaging with fluorescent reporters monitors gene expression and cellular dynamics in real time.
Molecular and genetic analyses identify alterations at the cellular level. Quantitative PCR and RNA‑sequencing quantify transcriptional changes across tissues. CRISPR‑based editing creates targeted gene knockouts or knock‑ins, allowing functional interrogation of specific loci. Proteomic profiling via mass spectrometry detects post‑translational modifications and signaling pathway activation.
Toxicological and pharmacological evaluations determine dose‑response relationships and safety margins. Acute toxicity tests record mortality and clinical signs after single exposure. Sub‑chronic studies monitor weight, organ histopathology, and biochemical markers over weeks of repeated dosing. Pharmacokinetic sampling measures absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, informing therapeutic windows.
Immunological assays assess innate and adaptive responses. Flow cytometry characterizes leukocyte subsets and activation markers. Enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) quantify cytokine concentrations in serum or tissue extracts. In vivo challenge models, such as bacterial infection or tumor implantation, reveal functional immunity.
Each method demands precise protocol adherence, appropriate controls, and ethical compliance. Combining multiple approaches yields a multidimensional profile of mouse physiology, behavior, and molecular status, thereby enhancing the translational relevance of experimental outcomes.