Premium
Comparison of neurotransmitter levels, physiological conditions, and emotional behavior between isolation‐housed rats with group‐housed rats
Author(s) -
Kaneda Yuta,
Kawata Akira,
Suzuki Kota,
Matsunaga Daisuke,
Yasumatsu Mikinobu,
Ishiwata Takayuki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.22036
Subject(s) - neurochemical , monoaminergic , neurotransmitter , medicine , endocrinology , dopamine , serotonin , amygdala , open field , psychology , hippocampus , monoamine neurotransmitter , social isolation , neuroscience , biology , central nervous system , psychiatry , receptor
Abstract Brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters, such as dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT), and noradrenaline (NA), play crucial roles in neuronal and physiological functions, including social behaviors. Isolation housing may induce behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities in rats, although its influence on neurotransmitter levels remains obscure. This study investigated the influence of isolation‐ or group‐housing on core body temperature ( T core ), locomotor activity (ACT), emotional behavior, and neurotransmitter levels in male Wistar rats. Behavioral changes were monitored using the open field test (OFT) and social interaction test (SIT). After 4 weeks, brain tissues were collected to quantify 5‐HT, DA, and NA concentrations. Body weight and basal T core during both the light and dark phase were higher in isolation‐housed than in group‐housed rats, although no significant difference was seen in ACT. No significant differences were observed during the OFT. Isolation‐housed rats showed increased line crossing and decreased social behavior during the SIT. Isolation‐housed rats exhibited decreased levels of 5‐HT in the caudate putamen and amygdala, and elevated and decreased NA levels in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and hippocampus, respectively. However, DA levels were unaffected. Thus, housing environments may affect brain areas that regulate various neuronal and physiological functions, such as memory, stress responses, and emotional behavior.