Aggression and preputial gland of male mice affected by the presence of other males

Abstract

--The level of aggressiveness and the weight of preputial gland and testis in male mice (Mus musculus) were influenced by housing condition, especially by the presence of cohabitant males. In this study, the relation between aggressiveness and the preputial gland and testis weight was studied for various housing conditions. The mouse individually housed in a cage that was linked to another cage containing another male separated by wire net was more aggressive than isolated or paired mice. The preputial gland weight also showed the same tendency, suggesting that the odor from other males promotes pituitary-gonadal activity in males, and that long-term cohabitance inhibits it.

Who's the Boss? Assessing Convergent Validity of Aggression Based Dominance Measures in Male Laboratory Mice, Mus Musculus

“…Further, some research found conflicting evidence of this association where no relationship was found between the preputial glands and social status. However, these analyses were based solely on gland weight, not the relation to body size (30,31). A final physiological measure is urinary levels of MUP20 (darcin) which has been connected to social rank, with mice who display more attack behavior, win more conflicts, and possess a more desirable nest site producing higher levels than opponents or other enclosure occupants (32)(33)(34).…”

A surgical approach in the treatment of preputial gland abscesses in mice

“…The incidence of preputial gland inflammation or abscess are influenced by several factors. Mouse strain, age and microbiological flora are considered to be of importance [ 3 – 10 ] but also environmental condition such as group housing have been considered to increase the incidence of the condition [ 2 ]. In this case report, the high prevalence of this condition in C3H/HeNHsd mice was considered to be due to the high fat diet and the sugar water regimen used for the main study but no bacterial culture was performed to identify an infectious agent, as this would not have impacted our treatment approach.…”

“…Preputial glands are accessory glands of the reproductive system of the male mouse and play a role in reproduction and dominance behavior [ 1 , 2 ]. Inflammation and infection of these glands can lead to abscess formation.…”