The Effect of Housing (Number of Mice/Cage) on Immunologic Competency.
Abstract
This project is evaluating the effect of housing 1 to 5 mice in identical sized cages on immunologic function. We have found that the C3H/HeJ male mouse, when placed from group housing to 1 animal housed per cage, has an enhanced T cell related immune function in comparison to mice housed 5 per cage. Female C3H mice so not show this effect. The effect is present approximately 10 days after being placed into a single cage and lasts approximately 3-4 weeks. The altered immune reactivity is not related to coriticosterone levels. The C3H.SW/SN mouse also shows a similar immunologic change. The SWSN mouse shares either the H2-D or H2-K loci antigens with the C3H/HeJ mice. Animals housed 1 per cage are significantly more resistant to infection with Candida albicans than animals housed 5 per cage. The time course of the development of enhanced resistance is similar to other immunologic parameters measured, appearing after approximately 10 days and disappearing at approximately 3-4 weeks. Thus, housing can influence immunologic parameters in some strains of mice and the immunologic alteration is most likely due to the change in housing conditions rather than the actual housing conditions present.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182749
Entities
People
- Bruce S. Rabin
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh