Social dominance status and social stability in spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) and its relation to ear-hole regeneration and glucocorticoids

Abstract

Spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) are an emerging animal model in studies measuring tissue regeneration, but decades of research on social dominance in other animals indicates the relationships animals form in their home-cage may affect phenotypic plasticity in tissue regeneration and glucocorticoids. Studies in baboons and mice, for example, indicate that subordinate ranked animals heal wounds slower than their dominant group-mates, and have increased levels of basal glucocorticoids. Recent studies in tissue regeneration with salamanders and zebrafish indicate that increased glucocorticoids can delay tissue regeneration, but whether this effect extends to Acomys is unknown, especially regarding their social dominance relationships. Here we report that most adult Acomys had a social dominance status, but many groups had unclear social stability, with more frequent huddling than fighting during their active cycle. We also found no sex differences in social dominance behavior, and that Acomys more frequently fled than froze when chased or approached. After a 4mm ear-pinna biopsy, we found that social stability significantly accounted for variability in time to close the ear-hole but adding age to the statistical model removed the effect of social stability. When investigating glucocorticoid blood levels, there were no significant effects of social dominance status or social stability. A transcriptional enhancer for StAR, Nr5a1 had a significant effect for the interaction of social dominance status and social stability. This effect, however, was not reflected in StAR and unclear groups mostly had unclear social statuses, so this effect should be considered with caution. This is the first study to investigate home-cage social dominance behaviors in Acomys since the 1970s or measure any associations with their ability to regenerate tissue. This provides a platform for further work on their social dominance and glucocorticoids and highlights the need to consider the role of aging in their ability to regenerate tissue.