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. 2015 Jun 1;5(2):95-133.
doi: 10.1002/9780470942390.mo140195.

Aging Research Using Mouse Models

Cheryl L Ackert-Bicknell  1   2 , Laura C Anderson  1 , Susan Sheehan  1 , Warren G Hill  3 , Bo Chang  1 , Gary A Churchill  1 , Elissa J Chesler  1 , Ron Korstanje  1 , Luanne L Peters  1
Affiliations

Aging Research Using Mouse Models

Cheryl L Ackert-Bicknell et al. Curr Protoc Mouse Biol. .

Abstract

Despite the dramatic increase in human lifespan over the past century, there remains pronounced variability in "health-span," or the period of time in which one is generally healthy and free of disease. Much of the variability in health-span and lifespan is thought to be genetic in origin. Understanding the genetic mechanisms of aging and identifying ways to boost longevity is a primary goal in aging research. Here, we describe a pipeline of phenotypic assays for assessing mouse models of aging. This pipeline includes behavior/cognition testing, body composition analysis, and tests of kidney function, hematopoiesis, and immune function, as well as physical parameters. We also describe study design methods for assessing lifespan and health-span, and other important considerations when conducting aging research in the laboratory mouse. The tools and assays provided can assist researchers with understanding the correlative relationships between age-associated phenotypes and, ultimately, the role of specific genes in the aging process.

Keywords: age-related disease; health-spanm; lifespan; mouse; phenotyping.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percent change detectable at a <0.05 and 80% power for different sample sizes using C57BL/6J mice from inbred aging study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Images of voiding behavior captured by UV transilluminescence. A, a normal spotting pattern for a six-month-old female. B,C are spotting patterns from 26-month-old females and show distinct differences. In B a large number of small spots appear to be drips. C shows a larger than normal volume of urine deposited in six large, partially overlapping voiding events.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Painted pipe fittings used as novel objects suitable for strong, active mice.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Configuration of T-maze and large geometric objects (top, T; bottom, circle).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Plastic cone to prevent climbing behavior.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Ring-stand bar, height 30cm from floor of testing apparatus to bar.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Grip-strength meter.
Figure 8
Figure 8
A–B: Slit lamp biomicroscope for the examination of the anterior segment (i.e. iris, cornea, lens) of the eye. C–D: Close-up of the light source (green asterisk) of slit-lamp in A–B.
Figure 9
Figure 9
A: Superficial gross appearance of the normal eye and cornea. B and C: Superficial gross appearance of a bilateral corneal change in transparency. D: Small spot with peripheral cloudy appearance of the cornea. E: Large white spot with signs of neovascularization in the cornea. F: Diffusely white cornea with neovascularization and two foci of corneal ulcerations.
Figure 10
Figure 10
A: Fully dilated eye showing normal, clear and transparent, lens. B: An example of lens snowflake cataract. C: An example of a lens nuclear cataract. D: An example of a lens suture cataract.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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