Work published by researchers at Emory University shows that neural signaling from the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex to the lateral septum drives the preference for male spiny mice to affiliate with large peer groups. Spiny mice are closely related to the house mice but have more hair follicles. Using spiny mice as a laboratory model for social neuroscience is a breakthrough that paves the way for new insights into the complex social behaviors of mammals. Methods to study the neural mechanisms that make group living possible have been lacking. Unfortunately, the rats and mice species commonly used for labs do not get along well in large mixed groups. Male species of rats and mice tend to fight. The prairie vole has emerged and is an amazing laboratory model for the neuroscience of pair bonding. Additionally, scientists learned that the spiny mouse has the power of wound healing and the ability to regenerate large suits of
tissue. It can easily regenerate skin that is complete with stiff and spiny hairs.
The researchers’ results characterized the social behaviors of the spiny mice. The mice demonstrated high social boldness and could rapidly approach their peers. They are prosocial and prefer to hang out with larger groups instead of smaller groups. Moreover, the activity in the lateral septum (LS) region of the brain was higher in the spiny mice that preferred to hang out in larger groups. The lateral septum is involved in a variety of functions, including aggression and other social behaviors. There was also a stronger signal from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to the LS for the spiny mice exposed to larger versus smaller groups of peers. Researchers also used chemogenetic tools that allowed them to temporarily switch off the ACC-to-LS circuit. As a result, the female spiny mice showed no preference for a small or large group. On the other hand, the males chose to spend more time with a smaller group. In conclusion, the spiny mice allow researchers to collect rich datasets by allowing the mice to interact with each other and analyze the activity in their brains. Animal research on the brain can also be compared to unique human behaviors. The results of animal labs have produced improvements in human health and well-being. In conclusion, spiny mice in the lab have paved the way for neuroscience studies on complex social behaviors and is truly fascinating.
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