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Distinct dynamics of social motivation drive differential social behavior in laboratory rat and mouse strains

Author

Listed:
  • Shai Netser

    (University of Haifa)

  • Ana Meyer

    (University of Heidelberg)

  • Hen Magalnik

    (University of Haifa)

  • Asaph Zylbertal

    (University College London)

  • Shani Haskal Zerda

    (University of Haifa)

  • Mayan Briller

    (University of Haifa)

  • Alexander Bizer

    (University of Haifa)

  • Valery Grinevich

    (University of Heidelberg)

  • Shlomo Wagner

    (University of Haifa)

Abstract

Mice and rats are widely used to explore mechanisms of mammalian social behavior in health and disease, raising the question whether they actually differ in their social behavior. Here we address this question by directly comparing social investigation behavior between two mouse and rat strains used most frequently for behavioral studies and as models of neuropathological conditions: C57BL/6 J mice and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Employing novel experimental systems for behavioral analysis of both subjects and stimuli during the social preference test, we reveal marked differences in behavioral dynamics between the strains, suggesting stronger and faster induction of social motivation in SD rats. These different behavioral patterns, which correlate with distinctive c-Fos expression in social motivation-related brain areas, are modified by competition with non-social rewarding stimuli, in a strain-specific manner. Thus, these two strains differ in their social behavior, which should be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriate model organism.

Suggested Citation

  • Shai Netser & Ana Meyer & Hen Magalnik & Asaph Zylbertal & Shani Haskal Zerda & Mayan Briller & Alexander Bizer & Valery Grinevich & Shlomo Wagner, 2020. "Distinct dynamics of social motivation drive differential social behavior in laboratory rat and mouse strains," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-19569-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19569-0
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