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Abstract

Behavior

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior Using Light Aversion in Mice

Published: August 11th, 2021

DOI:

10.3791/62839

1Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 2School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 3Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Administration Health Center, Iowa City, IA, 4Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, 5Department of Neurology, University of Iowa

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.

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Keywords Migraine

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