Novel restraint system for neuroendocrine studies of socially living common marmoset monkeys

Abstract

We describe a novel soft jacket and sling-harness restraint that permits species-typical postures for small-bodied primates, such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), during long-term (>6 h), continuous restraint. The restraint system is straightforward to use and manipulate, it is easily repaired, and the materials used are readily available. The soft jacket allows for increased versatility and longevity, and the sling-harness provides for greater movement and much longer duration of continuous restraint (up to 3 days) compared to a previously described, more conventional chair restraint for small-bodied primates. The new restraint system prevents the normal diurnal decrease in plasma cortisol levels across the daylight hours; however, it does not disrupt ovulatory cycles. Unlike the previously available techniques, therefore, this new restraint system is applicable to many neurobiological and neuroendocrine studies involving small-bodied, non-human primates and is especially suited to investigations requiring the maintenance of relationships within social groups.

Two-photon imaging of cerebral hemodynamics and neural activity in awake and anesthetized marmosets

“…To satisfy these requirements, we trained marmosets to be calm while in a stereotax during 2 h of imaging. Their acclimatization progress was continuously evaluated approximately every 2 weeks using the Non-human Primate Behavioral Assessment Scale (Table S2) to ensure minimal anxiety during experiments (Schultz-Darken et al, 2004). A stereotaxic device with multiple degrees of freedom ( i.e.…”

“…The behavioral assessment scale (Fig. S1) was used to monitor the marmoset’s progress (Schultz-Darken et al, 2004). Similarly, animals were acclimatized to both body restraint and head-fixation in the custom-designed stereotaxic apparatus following implantation of the head post (Computer-aided design files available upon request; Figs.…”

Preparing New World Monkeys for Laboratory Research

“…Straightforward training procedures can readily prepare common marmosets living in male-female pairs, families, and social groups (Abbott 1984;Baker et al 1999;Saltzman et al 1994) for a variety of laboratory procedures Barnett et al 2005;Ferris et al 2001;Hearn 1977;Schultz-Darken et al 2004). With such training, marmosets can generally be handled for painless or minor procedures without sedation.…”

“…It has been reported (Barnett et al 2005) that by completion of the first experiment in a three-experiment study, female marmosets voluntarily bowed their heads while in the restraint tube, thus enabling stylet removal and peptide infusion without head restraint. For longer restraint during neuroendocrine experiments, marmosets can be adapted to sling-harness restraint at least 2 yr before a study (Schultz-Darken 2003;Schultz-Darken et al 2004) by a series of trials of increasing duration. Marmosets are fitted with a sling-harness jacket and placed into the harness restraint apparatus that suspends the animals over a wire-mesh platform but permits a variety of species-typical postures including standing, squatting, or huddling .…”

Longitudinal Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Animal Models

“…The scoring of each animal is performed using the Behavioral Assessment Scale shown in Table 2 (86). It is our experience that all animals successfully complete the training in phase 1, starting with an average score of 4 on the Behavioral Assessment Scale and acclimatizing to an average score of 2 by the end of phase 1.…”