Adolescent Isolation Stress Impact on Compulsive-like Behaviors in Male Rats
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-17-2026
Keywords
fsc2026
Abstract
Rats have been a long-standing model organism for research due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Furthermore, they are a great model species to study behavioral patterns that can be seen in humans as well. Covid-19 created a longstanding time period of isolation followed by excess fear and anxiety. This is something that is particularly visible in the adolescent population. To investigate the potential behavioral patterns due to social isolation in rats, this study examined OCD-like and ASD-like behaviors in adolescent rats using a marble burying test. A group of 12 adolescent male rats will be subjected to isolation at age post-natal day (PND) 27 for two weeks, after previously being pair-housed. An additional group of 12 rats will be subjected to intermittent isolation at PND 27 until PND 41. The control group of 12 rats will remain pair-housed. After isolation the rats will be placed back together in pairs, with their initial partner. Behavioral assessments were conducted with the marble burying test, in which rats were placed into an empty cage containing a layer of bedding and twenty marbles evenly spaced out for thirty minutes. Increased marble burying reflects repetitive and compulsive like behaviors which is characteristic of OCD and ASD.
Publication Information
Draper, Katie and Corbin, Olivia, "Adolescent Isolation Stress Impact on Compulsive-like Behaviors in Male Rats" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 100.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/100
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Comments
Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.