Exploring the complex interplay between anxiety, aging, and behavior in CB6F1 and C57BL/6 mice: implications for cognitive function

Abstract

Anxiety is a pervasive emotional response that can profoundly impact well-being and cognitive function in both humans and animals. The relationship between anxiety and aging remains complex and multifaceted. To explore this relationship in more detail, an open-field photobeam system was used to quantify anxiety-related behaviors in aging CB6F1 and C57BL/6 male mice and to determine associations with aging phenotypes, including short- and long-term memory, grip strength, rotarod performance, and self-motivated wheel running. Results indicated a heightened anxiety in novel environments with increasing age as evidenced by a preference for peripheral areas during the open-field test. Elevated anxiety levels were not associated with decreased cognitive performance, suggesting that anxiety and cognition operate somewhat independently of each other. A negative correlation was observed between anxiety levels and distance run in the voluntary wheel running assessment, while no associations were seen with grip strength or rotarod performance. These observations contribute to a better understanding of anxiety and its consequences in aging mice, providing insights into potential therapeutic interventions aimed at delaying aging through anxiety management.

Keywords: Anxiety, aging, behavioral assessment, cognition, CB6F1 mice, C57BL/6 mice