Distinct dynamics of social motivation drive differential social behavior in laboratory rat and mouse strains

This study directly compares social investigation behavior between C57BL/6J mice and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, commonly used in behavioral studies and as models for neuropathological conditions. Using novel experimental systems, researchers found marked differences in behavioral dynamics, suggesting stronger and faster induction of social motivation in SD rats. These differences, correlated with c-Fos expression in brain areas related to social motivation, were modified by competition with non-social rewards in a strain-specific manner. The findings highlight strain-specific differences in social behavior that should be considered when choosing model organisms.

Shai Netser, Ana Meyer, Hen Magalnik, Asaph Zylbertal, Shani Haskal de la Zerda, Mayan Briller, Alexander Bizer, Valery Grinevich, Shlomo Wagner