Individual behavior and physiology of group housed mice in a spaceflight habitat

Abstract

NASA has a robust history of biomedical investigations using rodent models in spaceflight. The results from these experiments have provided significant insights into the effects of spaceflight on mammalian physiological systems for fundamental, biomedical and commercial research interests. To date, more than 19 long-duration (> 30-day) Rodent Research (RR) missions have been successfully conducted on board ISS using the NASA Rodent Habitat. Recent installation of digital cameras within the Rodent Habitat to support in-flight video observations can provide recordings during spaceflight. We hypothesized that application of unique fur dye patterns would enable individual identification of animals and small, implantable data loggers could be used to collect and store body temperature data. We designed and performed two ground-based validation studies. First, animals were housed in the Rodent Habitat in groups of five; fur dye markings enabled identification of individual mice. Body temperature was acquired using implanted dataloggers. Video was recorded and species typical behaviors were quantified for individual mice during both light and dark phases. Second, centrifugation was used to mimic launch. For the first time, we validated the biocompatibility of datalogger implants, fur dye pattern application and mouse visual identification methods using digital video and behavioral analysis protocols.