Influence of environmental enrichment on the behavior and physiology of mice infected by trypanosoma cruzi
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop
;
50(3): 341-349, May-June 2017. tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-896979
ABSTRACT
Abstract INTRODUCTION:
Enriched environments normally increase behavioral repertoires and diminish the expression of abnormal behaviors and stress-related physiological problems in animals. Although it has been shown that experimental animals infected with microorganisms can modify their behaviors and physiology, few studies have evaluated how environmental enrichment affects these parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior and physiology of confined mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.METHODS:
The behaviors of 20 T. cruzi-infected mice and 20 non-infected mice were recorded during three treatments baseline, enrichment, and post-enrichment. Behavioral data were collected using scan sampling with instantaneous recording of behavior every 30s, totaling 360h. Plasma TNF, CCL2, and IL-10 levels and parasitemia were also evaluated in infected enriched/non-enriched mice. Behavioral data were evaluated by Friedman's test and physiological data by one-way ANOVA and area under the curve (AUC) analysis.RESULTS:
Results showed that environmental enrichment significantly increased exploratory behaviors and diminished inactivity. The use of environmental enrichment did not diminish circulating levels of TNF and IL-10 but diminished circulating levels of CCL2 and parasitemia.CONCLUSIONS:
Positive behavioral and physiological effects of environmental enrichment were observed in mice living in enriched cages. Thus, environmental enrichment improved the welfare of these animals.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Behavior, Animal
/
Chagas Disease
/
Environment
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Animals
Language:
English
Journal:
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop
Journal subject:
Tropical Medicine
Year:
2017
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto/BR
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