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The goal of the Mouse Metabolic and Activity Phenotyping Core (MMPC) is to offer full mouse metabolic and activity phenotyping services to internal (CWRU) and external investigators. A basic run includes a setup consultation (free of charge), raw data from eight cages, including all measured parameters, and basic per-cage analysis (gas analysis, wheel activity, food and water intake, body mass). Additional analysis is at additional charge and can include full statistical and graphic representations of the finds for use in funding proposals or publications.

The Cardiovascular Research Institute Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Core (MMPC) uses the Sable (Sable Systems International) Promethion cage system for single-mouse whole body respirometry, body weight monitoring, and continuous food intake and activity measures. The state-of-the-art metabolic cage system uses open circuit respirometry in combination with a weigh station, massed food hopper, and exercise wheel. These features are combined with laser monitoring of mouse movement within the entire cage. The cage system is designed for low-stress housing (corn cob bedding, enrichment) allowing for the most accurate metabolic and behavioral phenotyping available.

Mousing transport, protocol transfer, and housing

Before mice can be brought to the core or characterized within the cage system the following must be completed:

1. Please contact core staff for assistance with IACUC amendment. 

Glucose tolerance characterization is also available including fasting glucose, IP or oral GTT, insulin tolerance tests

Housing

The core is not considered a clean facility and any mice brought to the core from a vivarium cannot be returned after metabolic caging. In order to accommodate experimental designs that require metabolic cage data collections over time (assessment before AND after procedures, induction of knockout etc), we can provide long-term housing upon arrangement. If arrangement for long-term housing by the core is not made, mouse must be housed in the PI laboratory (requires IACUC approval) within 24 hours of the completion of metabolic caging (per our IACUC core protocol) or euthanized. Per IACUC requirements, male mice are required to be housed singly after isolation in the metabolic cage system for three days or more to prevent fighting and injury.

Learn more about the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Core 

Organization Affiliations: Cardiovascular Research Institute