Vascular response to social cognitive performance measured by infrared thermography: A translational study from mouse to man

Abstract

To assess complex social recognition in mice, we previously developed the SocioBox paradigm. Unexpectedly, 4 weeks after performing in the SocioBox, mice displayed robust social avoidance during Y-maze sociability testing. This unique "sociophobia" acquisition could be documented in independent cohorts. We therefore employed infrared thermography as a non-invasive method of stress-monitoring during SocioBox testing (presentation of five other mice) versus empty box. A higher Centralization Index (body/tail temperature) in the SocioBox correlated negatively with social recognition memory and, after 4 weeks, with social preference in the Y-maze. Assuming that social stimuli might be associated with characteristic thermo-responses, we exposed healthy men (N = 103) with a comparably high intelligence level to a standardized test session including two cognitive tests with or without social component (face versus pattern recognition). In some analogy to the Centralization Index (withinsubject measure) used in mice, the Reference Index (ratio nose/malar cheek temperature) was introduced to determine the autonomic facial response/flushing during social recognition testing. Whereas cognitive performance and salivary cortisol were comparable across human subjects and tests, the Face Recognition Test was associated with a characteristic Reference Index profile. Infrared thermography may have potential for discriminating disturbed social behaviors. K E Y W O R D Sflushing, IRT, social stimulus, stress, temperature, vasoactivity

Inducing sterile pyramidal neuronal death in mice to model distinct aspects of gray matter encephalitis

“…2 a-b; Table 1 ). The SocioBox test is superior to other presently available social recognition tests, successfully addressing multiple social contacts in parallel [ 23 , 39 ]. We noted overall hyperactivity in the SocioBox memory test displayed by DTA mice, from total distance traveled to social interactions, including increased total interaction time and visits to the interaction zone, combined with a trend of shorter initial latency to interaction zone and time/visit (Fig.…”

“…We had reported previously that the SocioBox test with its forced and inescapable social interaction delivers substantial stress to healthy mice, even leading to the development of social avoidance, and thus constitutes a terminal test in behavioral batteries [ 39 ]. The distinct thermographic changes in this situation, resulting from stress-related blood flow alterations via reactive vasoconstriction and vasodilation, respectively, suggested the concomitant screening of body/tail temperature during SocioBox performance in our model.…”

“…This technique and data extraction/processing have been published previously in detail [ 39 ] and were slightly modified for the present application. In short, for SocioBox experiments (performed with 3 × tamoxifen mice), an A655sc infrared thermography camera (FLIR) was mounted 110 cm above the arena, recording images at 640 × 480 pixels and framerate of 2 Hz (habituation 3, exposure 1 + 2) and 5 Hz (memory test), via ResearchIR (FLIR Systems, Oregon, USA) and connected to a computer located in a separate room.…”

“…Analyzed parameters were temperature changes over time of test mice, latency and duration of interaction with stimulus mice and “strangers” and visits to interaction zones. The Centralization Index (ratio body/tail temperature = T ratio) was used as continuous temperature measure [ 39 ].…”

Assessing Scientific Soundness and Translational Value of Animal Studies on DPP4 Inhibitors for Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Clinical signs of this welfare-impaired state include excessive feeding and drinking (from increased hunger and thirst), as well as polyuria, increased aggressiveness, body weight loss, and reduced activity [56]. Animals experience peripheral neuropathy and allodynia [57], and although it has been proposed that the welfare impact of animals reaching >450 mg/dL glycaemia values raises ethical issues [58], this was observed in 67 of the 449 treatment groups in our sample, often for several weeks (data not shown), which would warrant refinement measures.…”