Medical treatment improves social behavior in a primate endometriosis model (Callithrix jacchus).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As endometriosis is known to be very painful in humans, therapeutic studies should consider pain-related aspects in experimental animals too. In a previous study, we found that common marmosets suffering from endometriosis show remarkable deviations in social behavior and cognitive tasks. METHODS: Female marmosets with endometriosis undergoing medical treatment were tested vs. two control groups (healthy and endometriosis monkeys without treatment) concerning behavioral aspects, cognitive skills, and mobility. RESULTS: The treated monkeys performed significant more social and self-grooming, comfort behavior and were more active than the untreated endometriosis monkeys. The treated marmosets even returned to equal levels as their healthy conspecifics. Cognitive and mobility tests revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial effect of the applied endometriosis medication on behavioral impairments could be obtained. Including such measurements in therapeutic research contributes to aspects of animal welfare and pain-relieving potential of the tested compound.