Strain specific behavioural response to environmental enrichment in the mouse

The influence of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of the mouse has been studied in two inbred strains (C57BL and BALB/c). Male mice of each of the two strains were subjected to behavioural tests after being housed for two months either under standard housing conditions or in an enriched environment. The results of the behavioural test indicated that the C57BL mice housed in the enriched environment were more reactive and alert compared to mice housed in the standard environment. In the BALB/c mice results may be interpreted as if enriched environments lead to an increased level of anxiety. It is concluded that environmental enrichment has a strain specific effect on the behaviour of mice.