Muricidal test

{{Short description|Behavioural test}}

The muricidal test is used in biological research. The name is derived from the Latin, for "killing of mice".

The test measures the propensity of rats to attack mice that are introduced to their home cage, or another environment.Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the serum of muricidal male Wistar rats: Indices of mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors? S. Miachon, a, M. Jouveneta and J. J. Vallon Well-described in the Materials and Methods section {{doi|10.1016/S0361-9230(99)00210-5}}{{cite journal |last=Karli |first=Pierre |date=1956 |title=The Norway rat's killing response to the white mouse: an experimental analysis |journal=Behaviour |volume=10 |pages=81–103 |doi=10.1163/156853956x00110}} The laboratory application of this test does not necessarily involve the actual killing of the mouse. This test is sometimes used for antidepressant screening,"Further characterisation of potential antidepressant action of flibanserin." Borsini F, Cesana R. Psychopharmacology 2001 Dec;159(1):64-9. Epub 2001 Sep 11 the investigation of aggression,"Mouse killing in rats: A comparison of spontaneous killers and rats with lesions of the medial hypothalamus or the medial accumbens nucleus." D.J. Alberta, M.L. Walsha, J. Ryana and Y. Siemens {{doi|10.1016/0031-9384(82)90288-8}} and in the investigation of other psychotropic agents."Behavioral pharmacology of zopiclone". Ueki, S. Sleep Volume 10 Suppl 1, 1987, Pages 1-6 The test may be useful in identifying antidepressants as many antidepressants with serotonergic mechanisms inhibit muricidal behavior.Psychopharmacology 1981;74(2):137-42. Differences in presynaptic alpha-blockade, noradrenaline uptake inhibition, and potential antidepressant activity between (+)- and (-)mianserin. Schoemaker H, Berendsen HH, Stevens HJ, Nickolson VJ. Lithium has antidepressant properties, but does not inhibit muricidal behavior,Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1975 Sep-Oct;3(5):795-7. Effects of lithium chloride on muricidal behavior in rats. Rush J, Mendels J. which suggests a potential limitation against using it as an antidepressant screening test.