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Spangenberg EMF, Keeling LJ. Assessing the welfare of laboratory mice in their home environment using animal-based measures--a benchmarking tool. Lab Anim 2015; 50:30-8. [PMID: 25801331 DOI: 10.1177/0023677215577298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Welfare problems in laboratory mice can be a consequence of an ongoing experiment, or a characteristic of a particular genetic line, but in some cases, such as breeding animals, they are most likely to be a result of the design and management of the home cage. Assessment of the home cage environment is commonly performed using resource-based measures, like access to nesting material. However, animal-based measures (related to the health status and behaviour of the animals) can be used to assess the current welfare of animals regardless of the inputs applied (i.e. the resources or management). The aim of this study was to design a protocol for assessing the welfare of laboratory mice using only animal-based measures. The protocol, to be used as a benchmarking tool, assesses mouse welfare in the home cage and does not contain parameters related to experimental situations. It is based on parameters corresponding to the 12 welfare criteria established by the Welfare Quality® project. Selection of animal-based measures was performed by scanning existing published, web-based and informal protocols, and by choosing parameters that matched these criteria, were feasible in practice and, if possible, were already validated indicators of mouse welfare. The parameters should identify possible animal welfare problems and enable assessment directly in an animal room during cage cleaning procedures, without the need for extra equipment. Thermal comfort behaviours and positive emotional states are areas where more research is needed to find valid, reliable and feasible animal-based measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin M F Spangenberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda J Keeling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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102
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The power of automated behavioural homecage technologies in characterizing disease progression in laboratory mice: A review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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103
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Taylor K, Balls M. Wider recommendations for institutions made in the Brown Report following the BUAV investigation into the use of animals at Imperial College London. Altern Lab Anim 2014; 42:335-42. [PMID: 25413294 DOI: 10.1177/026119291404200507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In December 2013, a group of experts produced a report on the management of an animal unit at Imperial College London, following a BUAV investigation that found evidence of systematic failures in the care and monitoring of animals used in procedures there. The Brown Report looked at four areas: the animal welfare and ethical review body (AWERB); the operation of the unit; training; and overall culture. The report made 33 recommendations to improve practices at Imperial College, many of which were relevant to other institutions. In this report, we identify the recommendations that are applicable to all animal facilities, and redraft them as a checklist with supporting information to assist those reviewing their animal care policies. We support the Brown Report's recommendation that institutions should have a vision statement and an action plan, as well as a 'champion' for the Three Rs. We encourage all institutions that use animals to, as a first step, review the performance of their animal units against this checklist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Taylor
- British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection ( BUAV ), London, UK
| | - Michael Balls
- c/o British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection ( BUAV ), London, UK
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104
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Animal models of herpes simplex virus immunity and pathogenesis. J Neurovirol 2014; 21:8-23. [PMID: 25388226 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-014-0302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex viruses are ubiquitous human pathogens represented by two distinct serotypes: herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1); and HSV type 2 (HSV-2). In the general population, adult seropositivity rates approach 90% for HSV-1 and 20-25% for HSV-2. These viruses cause significant morbidity, primarily as mucosal membrane lesions in the form of facial cold sores and genital ulcers, with much less common but more severe manifestations causing death from encephalitis. HSV infections in humans are difficult to study in many cases because many primary infections are asymptomatic. Moreover, the neurotropic properties of HSV make it much more difficult to study the immune mechanisms controlling reactivation of latent infection within the corresponding sensory ganglia and crossover into the central nervous system of infected humans. This is because samples from the nervous system can only be routinely obtained at the time of autopsy. Thus, animal models have been developed whose use has led to a better understanding of multiple aspects of HSV biology, molecular biology, pathogenesis, disease, and immunity. The course of HSV infection in a spectrum of animal models depends on important experimental parameters including animal species, age, and genotype; route of infection; and viral serotype, strain, and dose. This review summarizes the animal models most commonly used to study HSV pathogenesis and its establishment, maintenance, and reactivation from latency. It focuses particularly on the immune response to HSV during acute primary infection and the initial invasion of the ganglion with comparisons to the events governing maintenance of viral latency.
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105
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Lilley E, Hawkins P, Jennings M. A ‘Road Map’ toward Ending Severe Suffering of Animals Used in Research and Testing. Altern Lab Anim 2014; 42:267-72. [DOI: 10.1177/026119291404200408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ending severe suffering is a desirable goal for both ethical and scientific reasons. The RSPCA has pledged to work toward the end of such suffering for laboratory animals, and in this article we outline a practical approach that establishments can follow to achieve this aim
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Lilley
- RSPCA Research Animals Department Wilberforce Way Southwater Horsham RH13 9RS UK
| | - Penny Hawkins
- RSPCA Research Animals Department Wilberforce Way Southwater Horsham RH13 9RS UK
| | - Maggy Jennings
- RSPCA Research Animals Department Wilberforce Way Southwater Horsham RH13 9RS UK
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106
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Hawkins P. Progress in assessing animal welfare in relation to new legislation: Opportunities for behavioural researchers. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 234:135-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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107
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Jurk D, Wilson C, Passos JF, Oakley F, Correia-Melo C, Greaves L, Saretzki G, Fox C, Lawless C, Anderson R, Hewitt G, Pender SLF, Fullard N, Nelson G, Mann J, van de Sluis B, Mann DA, von Zglinicki T. Chronic inflammation induces telomere dysfunction and accelerates ageing in mice. Nat Commun 2014; 2:4172. [PMID: 24960204 PMCID: PMC4090717 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 543] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is associated with normal and pathological ageing. Here we show that chronic, progressive low-grade inflammation induced by knockout of the nfkb1 subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB induces premature ageing in mice. We also show that these mice have reduced regeneration in liver and gut. nfkb1(-/-) fibroblasts exhibit aggravated cell senescence because of an enhanced autocrine and paracrine feedback through NF-κB, COX-2 and ROS, which stabilizes DNA damage. Preferential accumulation of telomere-dysfunctional senescent cells in nfkb1(-/-) tissues is blocked by anti-inflammatory or antioxidant treatment of mice, and this rescues tissue regenerative potential. Frequencies of senescent cells in liver and intestinal crypts quantitatively predict mean and maximum lifespan in both short- and long-lived mice cohorts. These data indicate that systemic chronic inflammation can accelerate ageing via ROS-mediated exacerbation of telomere dysfunction and cell senescence in the absence of any other genetic or environmental factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Jurk
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - João F. Passos
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | - Laura Greaves
- Mitochondrial Research Group, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | - Chris Fox
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Conor Lawless
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Catherine Cookson Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Rhys Anderson
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Graeme Hewitt
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Sylvia LF Pender
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton. Mailpoint 813, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Nicola Fullard
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Glyn Nelson
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Jelena Mann
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Derek A. Mann
- Fibrosis Laboratory, Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Thomas von Zglinicki
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, UK
- These authors contributed equally to this work
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108
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Hawkins P. Refining Housing, Husbandry and Care for Animals Used in Studies Involving Biotelemetry. Animals (Basel) 2014; 4:361-73. [PMID: 26480045 PMCID: PMC4494373 DOI: 10.3390/ani4020361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biotelemetry, the remote detection and measurement of an animal function or activity, is widely used in animal research. Biotelemetry devices transmit physiological or behavioural data and may be surgically implanted into animals, or externally attached. This can help to reduce animal numbers and improve welfare, e.g., if animals can be group housed and move freely instead of being tethered to a recording device. However, biotelemetry can also cause pain and distress to animals due to surgery, attachment, single housing and long term laboratory housing. This article explains how welfare and science can be improved by avoiding or minimising these harms. Abstract Biotelemetry can contribute towards reducing animal numbers and suffering in disciplines including physiology, pharmacology and behavioural research. However, the technique can also cause harm to animals, making biotelemetry a ‘refinement that needs refining’. Current welfare issues relating to the housing and husbandry of animals used in biotelemetry studies are single vs. group housing, provision of environmental enrichment, long term laboratory housing and use of telemetered data to help assess welfare. Animals may be singly housed because more than one device transmits on the same wavelength; due to concerns regarding damage to surgical sites; because they are wearing exteriorised jackets; or if monitoring systems can only record from individually housed animals. Much of this can be overcome by thoughtful experimental design and surgery refinements. Similarly, if biotelemetry studies preclude certain enrichment items, husbandry refinement protocols can be adapted to permit some environmental stimulation. Nevertheless, long-term laboratory housing raises welfare concerns and maximum durations should be defined. Telemetered data can be used to help assess welfare, helping to determine endpoints and refine future studies. The above measures will help to improve data quality as well as welfare, because experimental confounds due to physiological and psychological stress will be minimised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Hawkins
- Research Animals Department, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex, RH13 9RS, UK.
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109
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Fiorito G, Affuso A, Anderson DB, Basil J, Bonnaud L, Botta G, Cole A, D'Angelo L, De Girolamo P, Dennison N, Dickel L, Di Cosmo A, Di Cristo C, Gestal C, Fonseca R, Grasso F, Kristiansen T, Kuba M, Maffucci F, Manciocco A, Mark FC, Melillo D, Osorio D, Palumbo A, Perkins K, Ponte G, Raspa M, Shashar N, Smith J, Smith D, Sykes A, Villanueva R, Tublitz N, Zullo L, Andrews P. Cephalopods in neuroscience: regulations, research and the 3Rs. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 14:13-36. [PMID: 24385049 PMCID: PMC3938841 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-013-0165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cephalopods have been utilised in neuroscience research for more than 100 years particularly because of their phenotypic plasticity, complex and centralised nervous system, tractability for studies of learning and cellular mechanisms of memory (e.g. long-term potentiation) and anatomical features facilitating physiological studies (e.g. squid giant axon and synapse). On 1 January 2013, research using any of the about 700 extant species of "live cephalopods" became regulated within the European Union by Directive 2010/63/EU on the "Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes", giving cephalopods the same EU legal protection as previously afforded only to vertebrates. The Directive has a number of implications, particularly for neuroscience research. These include: (1) projects will need justification, authorisation from local competent authorities, and be subject to review including a harm-benefit assessment and adherence to the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction). (2) To support project evaluation and compliance with the new EU law, guidelines specific to cephalopods will need to be developed, covering capture, transport, handling, housing, care, maintenance, health monitoring, humane anaesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia. (3) Objective criteria need to be developed to identify signs of pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm particularly in the context of their induction by an experimental procedure. Despite diversity of views existing on some of these topics, this paper reviews the above topics and describes the approaches being taken by the cephalopod research community (represented by the authorship) to produce "guidelines" and the potential contribution of neuroscience research to cephalopod welfare.
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110
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Burman O, Buccarello L, Redaelli V, Cervo L. The effect of two different Individually Ventilated Cage systems on anxiety-related behaviour and welfare in two strains of laboratory mouse. Physiol Behav 2014; 124:92-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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111
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Protein antigens increase the protective efficacy of a capsule-based vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus in a rat model of osteomyelitis. Infect Immun 2013; 82:83-91. [PMID: 24126523 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01050-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an invasive bacterial pathogen, and antibiotic resistance has impeded adequate control of infections caused by this microbe. Moreover, efforts to prevent human infections with single-component S. aureus vaccines have failed. In this study, we evaluated the protective efficacy in rats of vaccines containing both S. aureus capsular polysaccharides (CPs) and proteins. The serotypes 5 CP (CP5) and 8 CP (CP8) were conjugated to tetanus toxoid and administered to rats alone or together with domain A of clumping factor A (ClfA) or genetically detoxified alpha-toxin (dHla). The vaccines were delivered according to a preventive or a therapeutic regimen, and their protective efficacy was evaluated in a rat model of osteomyelitis. Addition of dHla (but not ClfA) to the CP5 or CP8 vaccine induced reductions in bacterial load and bone morphological changes compared with immunization with either conjugate vaccine alone. Both the prophylactic and therapeutic regimens were protective. Immunization with dHla together with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine used as a control did not reduce staphylococcal osteomyelitis. The emergence of unencapsulated or small-colony variants during infection was negligible and similar for all of the vaccine groups. In conclusion, addition of dHla to a CP5 or CP8 conjugate vaccine enhanced its efficacy against S. aureus osteomyelitis, indicating that the inclusion of multiple antigens will likely enhance the efficacy of vaccines against both chronic and acute forms of staphylococcal disease.
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112
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Wolfensohn S, Hawkins P, Lilley E, Anthony D, Chambers C, Lane S, Lawton M, Voipio HM, Woodhall G. Reducing suffering in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2013; 67:169-76. [PMID: 23357188 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This report is based on discussions and submissions from an expert working group consisting of veterinarians, animal care staff and scientists with expert knowledge relevant to the field. It aims to facilitate the implementation of the Three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animal models or procedures involving experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental model used in multiple sclerosis research. The emphasis is on refinement since this has the greatest potential for immediate implementation. Specific welfare issues are identified and discussed, and practical measures are proposed to reduce animal use and suffering. Some general issues for refinement are summarised to help achieve this, with more detail provided on a range of specific measures to reduce suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wolfensohn
- Seventeen Eighty Nine, 1st Floor, 21 High Street, Highworth, Swindon, SN6 7AG, United Kingdom
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113
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Wolfensohn S, Hawkins P, Lilley E, Anthony D, Chambers C, Lane S, Lawton M, Robinson S, Voipio HM, Woodhall G. Reducing suffering in animal models and procedures involving seizures, convulsions and epilepsy. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2013; 67:9-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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114
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Baumans V, Van Loo PLP. How to improve housing conditions of laboratory animals: the possibilities of environmental refinement. Vet J 2012; 195:24-32. [PMID: 23127868 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Housing systems for captive animals have often been designed on the basis of economic and ergonomic considerations, such as equipment, costs, space, workload, ability to observe the animals and to maintain a certain degree of hygiene, with little or no consideration for animal welfare. Environmental refinement can be defined as any modification in the environment of captive animals that seeks to enhance the physical and psychological well-being of the animals by providing stimuli which meet the animals' species-specific needs. This article provides an overview of environmental factors that influence the well-being of captive animals with specific reference to the needs of the most common laboratory species. It is important to evaluate environmental refinement in terms of the benefit to the animal, by assessing the use of and preference for certain enrichment, the effect on behaviour, and the performance of species-typical behaviour on physiological parameters. It is also necessary to evaluate the impact of refinement on scientific outcome, including whether and how statistical power is affected. Communication and team work between animal welfare scientists, animal research scientists, institutional animal welfare officers, veterinarians and animal ethics committees, animal facility management and personnel, are essential for success.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Baumans
- Dept. Animals, Science and Society, Div. Laboratory Animal Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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115
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Morton DB. A Risk Assessment Approach to Severity Classification in Animal Research. Altern Lab Anim 2012; 40:P2-3. [DOI: 10.1177/026119291204000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David B. Morton
- FRAME Russell and Burch House 96–98 North Sherwood Street Nottingham NG1 4EE UK
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