Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior using Light Aversion in Mice

Mengya Wang; Bianca N Mason; Levi P Sowers; Adisa Kuburas; Brandon J Rea; Andrew F Russo

doi:10.3791/62839

Back

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior using Light Aversion in Mice

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior using Light Aversion in Mice

Mengya Wang, Bianca N Mason, Levi P Sowers, Adisa Kuburas, Brandon J Rea and Andrew F Russo

Journal of Visualized Experiments, Vol.174, e62839

2021

DOI: 10.3791/62839

PMCID: PMC8428768

PMID: 34459825

Files and links (1)

url

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/8428768View

Open Access

Abstract

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by headache and sensory abnormalities, such as hypersensitivity to light, observed as photophobia. Whilst it is impossible to confirm that a mouse is experiencing migraine, light aversion can be used as a behavioral surrogate for the migraine symptom of photophobia. To test for light aversion, we utilize the light/dark assay to measure the time mice freely choose to spend in either a light or dark environment. The assay has been refined by introducing two critical modifications: pre-exposures to the chamber prior to running the test procedure and adjustable chamber lighting, permitting the use of a range of light intensities from 55 lux to 27,000 lux. Because the choice to spend more time in the dark is also indicative of anxiety, we also utilize a light-independent anxiety test, the open field assay, to distinguish anxiety from light-aversive behavior. Here, we describe a modified test paradigm for the light/dark and open field assays. The application of these assays is described for intraperitoneal injection of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in two mouse strains and for optogenetic brain stimulation studies.

Behavior

Details

Title: Subtitle: Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior using Light Aversion in Mice
Creators: Mengya Wang - University of Iowa
Bianca N Mason - The University of Texas at Dallas
Levi P Sowers - University of Iowa
Adisa Kuburas - University of Iowa
Brandon J Rea - University of Iowa
Andrew F Russo - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of Visualized Experiments, Vol.174, e62839
DOI: 10.3791/62839
PMID: 34459825
PMCID: PMC8428768
NLM abbreviation: J Vis Exp
ISSN: 1940-087X
eISSN: 1940-087X
Publisher: MyJove Corporation
Language: English
Date published: 2021
Academic Unit: Neurology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Neurology (Pediatrics)
Record Identifier: 9984354047002771

Metrics

15 Record Views

13 Times Cited - Web of Science

See more details