Development and temporal organization of repetitive behavior in an animal model

Abstract

Despite repetitive behaviors being a common feature of a number of clinical disorders and ubiquitous in normative development, little attention has been given to their ontogeny or temporal dynamics. We characterized these features in a mouse model of repetitive behavior to identify discrete trajectories of development and developmental changes in temporal dynamics. Three qualitatively distinct trajectory groups were identified which allowed for an examination of the interaction between temporal organization and developmental trajectory. Significant differences in temporal dynamics were found across development and among trajectory groups. Significant interactions of trajectory group and developmental period on temporal organization were also found. The combination of group-based trajectory modeling and a novel method for analysis and graphic depiction of temporal organization allowed for the exploration of the interplay between these two fundamental behavioral processes. Such methods may be useful tools in the assessment and treatment of repetitive behavior in clinical populations.

Repetitive motor behavior: Further characterization of development and temporal dynamics

“…Ninety one mice (female: n=48; male: n=43) were selected from the colony and tested for their rates of stereotypy as described previously (Tanimura et al, 2010; 2011). The frequency of stereotypy for one complete dark cycle was measured at PND 22, 25, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63.…”

“…We have provided an initial characterization of the development of repetitive behavior in Peromyscus maniculatus (deer mice) in an earlier report (Tanimura et al, 2010). Deer mice exhibit high levels of stereotyped motor behavior (vertical jumping, backward somersaulting) as a consequence of being reared in standard laboratory cages (Powell et al, 2000; Presti & Lewis, 2005; Turner et al, 2002; 2003; Turner & Lewis, 2003).…”

“…Deer mice exhibit high levels of stereotyped motor behavior (vertical jumping, backward somersaulting) as a consequence of being reared in standard laboratory cages (Powell et al, 2000; Presti & Lewis, 2005; Turner et al, 2002; 2003; Turner & Lewis, 2003). In Tanimura et al (2010), we employed a group-based trajectory modeling procedure (Proc Traj; Jones & Nagin, 2007) to characterize the development of repetitive behavior as a function of age. This analysis yielded three distinct trajectory groups.…”

“…The present study sought to extend Tanimura et al (2010) in several key ways. First, we initiated assessment of stereotypy at an earlier point in development, one day after weaning (postnatal day [PND] 22).…”

A genetic map of Peromyscus with chromosomal assignment of linkage groups (a Peromyscus genetic map)

“…Other phenotypic differences could inform our understanding of repetitive movements common in obsessive-compulsive disorder (Korff et al 2008; Tanimura et al 2010), while still others could address the relationship between blood glucose regulation and stress (Oriel et al 2008). Peromyscus is also a potentially useful model for studying the genetic bass of monogamy and polygamy (Foltz 1981; Ribble 1991; Turner et al 2010).…”