The Effect of Housing (Number of Mice/Cage) on Immunologic Competency

Abstract

This project evaluated the effect of housing 1 or 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 enhanced T cell related immune function in comparison to mice housed per cage. Female C3H mice do 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 corticosterone levels. Other cytokines, including IL-1 and macrophage colony stimulating factor are also produced in higher concentrations in individually housed mice. Bone marrow hematopoietic cell activity is greater in individually housed 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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA207823

Entities

People

  • Bruce S. Rabin

Organizations

  • University of Pittsburgh

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • B Lymphocytes
  • Blood
  • Blood Cells
  • Bone Marrow
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cells
  • Erythrocytes
  • Hematopoietic Cells
  • Immune System
  • Infection
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Macrophages
  • Nervous System
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Resistance
  • T Lymphocytes

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

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