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Bernstein BJ, Kendricks DR, Fry S, Wilson L, Koopmans B, Loos M, Stevanovic KD, Cushman JD. Sex differences in spontaneous behavior and cognition in mice using an automated behavior monitoring system. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114595. [PMID: 38810714 PMCID: PMC11246821 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Isolation of sex differences as a key characteristic underlying neurobehavioral differentiation is an essential component of studies in neuroscience. The current study sought to address this concern by observing behavioral differences using an automated home cage system for neurobehavioral assessment, a method rapidly increasing in use due to advances in technology and advantages such as reduced handling stress and cross-lab variability. Sex differences in C57BL/6 mice arose for motor activity and circadian-linked behavior, with females being more active compared to males, and males having a stronger anticipatory increase in activity leading up to the onset of the light phase compared to females. These activity differences were observed not only across the lifespan, but also in different genetic background mouse strains across different testing sites showing the generalizability and robustness of these observed effects. Activity differences were also observed in performance on a spatial learning and reversal task with females making more responses and receiving a corresponding elevation in reward pellets. Notably, there were no sex differences in learning nor achieved accuracy, suggesting these observed effects were predominantly in activity. The outcomes of this study align with previous reports showcasing differences in activity between males and females. The comparison across strains and testing sites showed robust and reproducible differences in behavior between female and male mice that are relevant to consider when designing behavioral studies. Furthermore, the observed sex differences in performance on the learning and reversal procedure raise concern for interpretation of behavior differences between sexes due to the attribution of these differences to motor activity rather than cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Bernstein
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dalisa R Kendricks
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Sydney Fry
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado, CO, USA
| | - Leslie Wilson
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Bastijn Koopmans
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics B.V.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; InnoSer Nederland B.V., Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Korey D Stevanovic
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), National Institute of Health, NC, USA.
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2
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Liao GY, Pettan-Brewer C, Ladiges W. Comparison of Age-Related Decline and Behavioral Validity in C57BL/6 and CB6F1 Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.599036. [PMID: 38915625 PMCID: PMC11195229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Variability in physical resilience to aging prompts a comprehensive examination of underlying mechanisms across organs and individuals. We conducted a detailed exploration of behavioral and physiological differences between C57BL/6 and CB6F1 mice across various age groups. In behavioral assays, B6 mice displayed superior performance in rotarod tasks but higher anxiety while CB6F1 mice exhibited a decline in short-term memory with age. Grip strength, long-term memory, and voluntary wheel running declined similarly with age in both strains. Examining physiological phenotypes, B6 mice exhibited lower body fat percentages across ages compared to CB6F1 mice, though cataract severity worsened with age in both strains. Analysis of cardiac functions revealed differences between strains, with worsening left ventricular hypertrophy and structural heart abnormalities with age in CB6F1 mice along with higher blood pressure than B6. Lesion scores showed an age-related increase in heart, kidney, and liver lesions in both strains, while lung lesions worsened with age only in CB6F1 mice. This study underscores the validity of behavioral assays and geropathology assessment in reflecting age-related decline and emphasizes the importance of considering strain specificity when using mouse models to study human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Yu Liao
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Warren Ladiges
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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3
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Owumi S, Agbarogi H, Oluwawibe BJ, Otunla MT, Anifowose MM, Arunsi UO. Modulation of the Nrf-2 and HO-1 signalling axis is associated with Betaine's abatement of fluoride-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03133-4. [PMID: 38713257 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Sodium fluoride (NaF) ingestion has several detrimental effects in humans and rodents. NaF mechanisms of toxicity include perturbation of intracellular redox homeostasis and apoptosis. Betaine (BET) is a modified amino acid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigates BET's effect on NaF-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats. Experimental rats (n = 30) were randomly assigned to groups (n = 6) and treated by gavage for 28 days. Group I (2 mL of distilled water), Group II (NaF: 9 mg/kg) alone, Group III: (BET: 100 mg/kg), Group IV: (NaF: 9 mg/kg and BET 1: 50 mg/kg), and Group V: (NaF: 9 mg/kg and BET 2: 100 mg/kg). Our findings revealed significantly (p < 0.05) increased hepatic transaminase activities alongside creatinine and urea levels following NaF-alone treatment in addition to increased oxidative status, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and total sulfhydryl groups. The reduced levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and the activities of heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin, and thioredoxin reductase in NaF-alone treated rats equally compromised cellular molecular responses to oxidative stress. Also, NaF increased (p < 0.05) hepatorenal inflammatory biomarkers-nitric oxide, interleukin-10, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase. Furthermore, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased (p < 0.05) in rats treated with NaF alone. Contrastingly, BET was observed to alleviate the harmful effects of NaF. Treatment with BET mitigated NaF-induced oxido-inflammatory responses and apoptosis in the experimental rat's hepatorenal system. The study demonstrates the potential of BET to abate NaF-induced hepatorenal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Owumi
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - Harieme Agbarogi
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Bayode J Oluwawibe
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Moses T Otunla
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Mayowa M Anifowose
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
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4
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Kroll T, Miranda A, Drechsel A, Beer S, Lang M, Drzezga A, Rosa-Neto P, Verhaeghe J, Elmenhorst D, Bauer A. Dynamic neuroreceptor positron emission tomography in non-anesthetized rats using point source based motion correction: A feasibility study with [ 11C]ABP688. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024:271678X241239133. [PMID: 38684219 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241239133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
To prevent motion artifacts in small animal positron emission tomography (PET), animals are routinely scanned under anesthesia or physical restraint. Both may potentially alter metabolism and neurochemistry. This study investigates the feasibility of fully awake acquisition and subsequent absolute quantification of dynamic brain PET data via pharmacokinetic modelling in moving rats using the glutamate 5 receptor radioligand [11C]ABP688 and point source based motion correction. Five male rats underwent three dynamic [11C]ABP688 PET scans: two test-retest awake PET scans and one scan under anesthesia for comparison. Specific radioligand binding was determined via the simplified reference tissue model (reference: cerebellum) and outcome parameters BPND and R1 were evaluated in terms of stability and reproducibility. Test-retest measurements in awake animals gave reliable results with high correlations of BPND (y = 1.08 × -0.2, r = 0.99, p < 0.01) and an acceptable variability (mean over all investigated regions 15.7 ± 2.4%). Regional [11C]ABP688 BPNDs under awake and anesthetized conditions were comparable although in awake scans, absolute radioactive peak uptakes were lower and relative blood flow in terms of R1 was higher. Awake small animal PET with absolute quantification of neuroreceptor availability is technically feasible and reproducible thereby providing a suitable alternative whenever effects of anesthesia are undesirable, e.g. in sleep research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kroll
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | - Alan Miranda
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Drechsel
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | - Simone Beer
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | - Markus Lang
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | - Alexander Drzezga
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn-Cologne, Germany
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Douglas Research Institute, Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jeroen Verhaeghe
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David Elmenhorst
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
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5
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Almishri W, Altonsy MO, Swain MG. Cholestatic liver disease leads to significant adaptative changes in neural circuits regulating social behavior in mice to enhance sociability. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167100. [PMID: 38412926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholestatic liver diseases (CLD) are commonly associated with behavioral changes, including social isolation, that negatively affects patient quality of life and remains unaltered by current therapies. It remains unclear whether CLD-associated social dysfunction stems from a direct effect on the brain, or from the psychological impact of CLD. The psychological component of disease is absent in animals, so we investigated the impact of CLD on social behavior and gene expression profiles in key social behavior-regulating brain regions in a mouse model. METHODS CLD due to bile duct ligation was used with the three-chamber sociability test for behavioral phenotyping. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) signatures were delineated in 3 key brain regions regulating social behavior using RNA-seq. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA®) was applied to streamline DEG data interpretation and integrate findings with social behavior-regulating pathways to identify important brain molecular networks and regulatory mechanisms disrupted in CLD. RESULTS CLD mice exhibited enhanced social interactive behavior and significantly altered gene expression in each of the three social behavior-regulating brain regions examined. DEG signatures in BDL mice were associated with key IPA®-identified social behavior-regulating pathways including Oxytocin in Brain Signaling, GABA Receptor Signaling, Dopamine Receptor Signaling, and Glutamate Receptor Signaling. CONCLUSIONS CLD causes complex alterations in gene expression profiles in key social behavior-regulating brain areas/pathways linked to enhanced social interactive behavior. These findings, if paralleled in CLD patients, suggest that CLD-associated reductions in social interactions predominantly relate to psychological impacts of disease and may inform new approaches to improve management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagdi Almishri
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed O Altonsy
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mark G Swain
- Department of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; University of Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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6
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Gullino LS, Fuller C, Dunn P, Collins HM, El Mestikawy S, Sharp T. Evidence for a Role of 5-HT-glutamate Co-releasing Neurons in Acute Stress Mechanisms. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1185-1196. [PMID: 38377469 PMCID: PMC10958520 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A major subpopulation of midbrain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons expresses the vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) and co-releases 5-HT and glutamate, but the function of this co-release is unclear. Given the strong links between 5-HT and uncontrollable stress, we used a combination of c-Fos immunohistochemistry and conditional gene knockout mice to test the hypothesis that glutamate co-releasing 5-HT neurons are activated by stress and involved in stress coping. Acute, uncontrollable swim stress increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in neurons co-expressing VGLUT3 and the 5-HT marker tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). This effect was localized in the ventral DRN subregion and prevented by the antidepressant fluoxetine. In contrast, a more controllable stressor, acute social defeat, had no effect on c-Fos immunoreactivity in VGLUT3-TPH2 co-expressing neurons in the DRN. To test whether activation of glutamate co-releasing 5-HT neurons was causally linked to stress coping, mice with a specific deletion of VGLUT3 in 5-HT neurons were exposed to acute swim stress. Compared to wildtype controls, the mutant mice showed increased climbing behavior, a measure of active coping. Wildtype mice also showed increased climbing when administered fluoxetine, revealing an interesting parallel between the behavioral effects of genetic loss of VGLUT3 in 5-HT neurons and 5-HT reuptake inhibition. We conclude that 5-HT-glutamate co-releasing neurons are recruited by exposure to uncontrollable stress. Furthermore, natural variation in the balance of 5-HT and glutamate co-released at the 5-HT synapse may impact stress susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Sophie Gullino
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Cara Fuller
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Poppy Dunn
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Helen M. Collins
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Salah El Mestikawy
- Douglas
Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H
1R3, Canada
- Sorbonne
Université, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine –
Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS – IBPS), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Trevor Sharp
- University
Department of Pharmacology, University of
Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
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7
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Anup A, Dieterich S, Oreffo ROC, Dailey HL, Lang A, Haffner-Luntzer M, Hixon KR. Embracing ethical research: Implementing the 3R principles into fracture healing research for sustainable scientific progress. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:568-577. [PMID: 38124294 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
As scientific advancements continue to reshape the world, it becomes increasingly crucial to uphold ethical standards and minimize the potentially adverse impact of research activities. In this context, the implementation of the 3R principles-Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement-has emerged as a prominent framework for promoting ethical research practices in the use of animals. This article aims to explore recent advances in integrating the 3R principles into fracture healing research, highlighting their potential to enhance animal welfare, scientific validity, and societal trust. The review focuses on in vitro, in silico, ex vivo, and refined in vivo methods, which have the potential to replace, reduce, and refine animal experiments in musculoskeletal, bone, and fracture healing research. Here, we review material that was presented at the workshop "Implementing 3R Principles into Fracture Healing Research" at the 2023 Orthopedic Research Society (ORS) Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amritha Anup
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Sandra Dieterich
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Richard O C Oreffo
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah L Dailey
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melanie Haffner-Luntzer
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katherine R Hixon
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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8
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Bannerman DM, Barkus C, Eltokhi A. Behavioral Analysis of NMDAR Function in Rodents: Tests of Long-Term Spatial Memory. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2799:107-138. [PMID: 38727905 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3830-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
NMDAR-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity in brain regions like the hippocampus are widely believed to provide the neural substrate for long-term associative memory formation. However, the experimental data are equivocal at best and may suggest a more nuanced role for NMDARs and synaptic plasticity in memory. Much of the experimental data available comes from studies in genetically modified mice in which NMDAR subunits have been deleted or mutated in order to disrupt NMDAR function. Behavioral assessment of long-term memory in these mice has involved tests like the Morris watermaze and the radial arm maze. Here we describe these behavioral tests and some of the different testing protocols that can be used to assess memory performance. We discuss the importance of distinguishing selective effects on learning and memory processes from nonspecific effects on sensorimotor or motivational aspects of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Bannerman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Chris Barkus
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ahmed Eltokhi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Mercer University, Columbus, GA, USA
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9
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Hull MA, Nunamaker EA, Reynolds PS. Effects of Refined Handling on Reproductive Indices of BALB/cJ and CD-1 IGS Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63:3-9. [PMID: 38154807 PMCID: PMC10844741 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Current mouse handling methods during cage change procedures can cause stress and potentially compromise animal welfare. Our previous study of breeding C57BL/6J mice found modest increases in pup production and a significant reduction in preweaning litter losses when mice were handled using a tunnel as compared with a tail-lift with padded forceps. The current study evaluated how these 2 handling methods affected reproduction by 2 additional mouse strains, BALB/cJ (a low- to intermediate-fecundity strain) and CD-1 IGS (a high-fecundity stock). We predicted that refined handling would have minimal effects on the high-fecundity line with a satisfactory production rate and greater effects on the low-fecundity line. Handling method (tunnel compared with tail-lift) was randomly assigned to monogamous breeding pairs of mice. Reproductive metrics (litter size at birth and weaning, numbers of litters, litter attrition, between-litter intervals, pup wean- ing weight, and sex ratio) were prospectively monitored for 80 BALB/cJ and 77 CD-1 pairs that were bred continuously for 6 mo. Both strains of mice were highly productive, exceeding previously published breeding data. However, neither strain demonstrated operational or statistically significant differences between handling methods for any reproduction metric. As we detected no negative effects in these 2 strains and the benefits are clear in other strains, refined handling should be considered for all breeding mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Hull
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Elizabeth A Nunamaker
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, Massachusetts; and
| | - Penny S Reynolds
- Statistics in Anesthesiology Research Core, Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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10
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Hohlbaum K, Merle R, Warnke R, Nagel-Riedasch S, Thöne-Reineke C, Ullmann K. The implementation of tunnel handling in a mouse breeding facility revealed strain-specific behavioural responses. Lab Anim 2023:236772231215077. [PMID: 38141658 DOI: 10.1177/00236772231215077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
As a step towards implementing non-aversive handling techniques at a big mouse breeding facility in Germany, tunnel handling was introduced in a breeding unit comprising three inbred mouse strains. To assess whether tunnel handling would be feasible for the animal technicians in their everyday work and beneficial for the mice when being handled during weekly cage change only, the behaviour of tunnel- and tail-handled animals of both sexes was examined before, during and after the handling events over a period of nine weeks. Moreover, the time expenditure was compared between both handling techniques. It was possible to use the tunnel in all three mouse strains. However, the impact of the handling techniques on the behavioural parameters investigated in the present study were strain-specific. All behavioural parameters suggested that NZW mice benefited the most from tunnel handling. The results obtained from Hello Kitty and WNK mice were ambiguous, which may suggest that a brief handling session during the cage clean may have not been sufficient to habituate them to the process of handling. It took the animal technicians approximately 3 seconds longer per mouse when using a tunnel. The strain-specific results should encourage researchers to share their experiences with non-aversive handling techniques in different mouse strains, for example, along with their research articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hohlbaum
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Ramona Warnke
- Research Facilities for Experimental Medicine (FEM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Nagel-Riedasch
- Research Facilities for Experimental Medicine (FEM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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11
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Dedek C, Azadgoleh MA, Prescott SA. Reproducible and fully automated testing of nocifensive behavior in mice. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100650. [PMID: 37992707 PMCID: PMC10783627 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Pain in rodents is often inferred from their withdrawal from noxious stimulation. Threshold stimulus intensity or response latency is used to quantify pain sensitivity. This usually involves applying stimuli by hand and measuring responses by eye, which limits reproducibility and throughput. We describe a device that standardizes and automates pain testing by providing computer-controlled aiming, stimulation, and response measurement. Optogenetic and thermal stimuli are applied using blue and infrared light, respectively. Precise mechanical stimulation is also demonstrated. Reflectance of red light is used to measure paw withdrawal with millisecond precision. We show that consistent stimulus delivery is crucial for resolving stimulus-dependent variations in withdrawal and for testing with sustained stimuli. Moreover, substage video reveals "spontaneous" behaviors for consideration alongside withdrawal metrics to better assess the pain experience. The entire process was automated using machine learning. RAMalgo (reproducible automated multimodal algometry) improves the standardization, comprehensiveness, and throughput of preclinical pain testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Dedek
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Mehdi A Azadgoleh
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Steven A Prescott
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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12
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Klabukov I, Shestakova V, Krasilnikova O, Smirnova A, Abramova O, Baranovskii D, Atiakshin D, Kostin AA, Shegay P, Kaprin AD. Refinement of Animal Experiments: Replacing Traumatic Methods of Laboratory Animal Marking with Non-Invasive Alternatives. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3452. [PMID: 38003070 PMCID: PMC10668729 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable methods for identifying rodents play an important role in ensuring the success of preclinical studies. However, animal identification remains a trivial laboratory routine that is not often discussed, despite the fact that more than 6 million rodents are used in animal studies each year. Currently, there are extensive regulations in place to ensure adequate anesthesia and to reduce animal suffering during experiments. At the same time, not enough attention is paid to the comfort of rodents during routine identification procedures, which can be painful and cause some complications. In order to achieve the highest ethical standards in laboratory research, we must minimize animal discomfort during the identification phase. In this article, we discuss traumatic methods of identification and describe several painless methods for marking in long-term experimental studies. The use of non-traumatic and non-invasive methods requires the renewal of marks as they fade and additional handling of the rodents. Laboratory personnel must be trained in stress-minimizing handling techniques to make mark renewal less stressful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Klabukov
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 249039 Obninsk, Russia
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Russian Laboratory Animal Science Association (Rus-LASA), 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria Shestakova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 249039 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Olga Krasilnikova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Anna Smirnova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 249039 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Olga Abramova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Denis Baranovskii
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitri Atiakshin
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center for Innovative Technologies of Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Kostin
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Shegay
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Andrey D. Kaprin
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
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13
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Molina LA, Milla-Cruz JJ, Ghavasieh Z, Kim LH, Cheng N, Whelan PJ. High-throughput gait acquisition system for freely moving mice. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:1081-1091. [PMID: 37728487 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00133.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal and pathological locomotion can be discriminated by analyzing an animal's gait on a linear walkway. This step is labor intensive and introduces experimental bias due to the handling involved while placing and removing the animal between trials. We designed a system consisting of a runway embedded within a larger arena, which can be traversed ad libitum by unsupervised, freely moving mice, triggering the recording of short clips of locomotor activity. Multiple body parts were tracked using DeepLabCut and fed to an analysis pipeline (GaitGrapher) to extract gait metrics. We compared the results from unsupervised against the standard experimenter-supervised approach and found that gait parameters analyzed via the new approach were similar to a previously validated approach (Visual Gait Lab). These data show the utility of incorporating an unsupervised, automated, approach for collecting kinematic data for gait analysis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The acquisition and analysis of walkway data is a time-consuming task. Here, we provide an unmonitored approach for collecting gait metrics that reduces the handling and stress of mice and saves time. A detailed pipeline is outlined that provides for the collection and analysis of data using an integrated suite of tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo A Molina
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan J Milla-Cruz
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zahra Ghavasieh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Linda H Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ning Cheng
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patrick J Whelan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Young L, Goldsteen D, Nunamaker EA, Prescott MJ, Reynolds P, Thompson-Iritani S, Thurston SE, Martin TL, LaFollette MR. Using refined methods to pick up mice: A survey benchmarking prevalence & beliefs about tunnel and cup handling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288010. [PMID: 37676886 PMCID: PMC10484434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Refined handling improves laboratory mouse welfare and research outcomes when compared to traditional tail handling, yet implementation does not seem to be widespread. Refined handling includes picking up a mouse using a tunnel or cupped hands. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of and beliefs towards refined handling using the theory of planned behavior. It was predicted that refined handling prevalence is low compared to traditional handling methods, and its implementation is determined by individual and institutional beliefs. Research personnel were recruited via online convenience sampling through email listservs and social media. A total of 261 participants in diverse roles (e.g. veterinarians, managers, caretakers, researchers, etc.) responded primarily from the USA (79%) and academic institutions (61%) Participants were surveyed about their current use, knowledge, and beliefs about refined handling. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and generalised regression. Qualitative data were analyzed by theme. Research personnel reported low levels of refined handling implementation, with only 10% of participants using it exclusively and a median estimate of only 10% of institutional mice being handled with refined methods. Individually, participants had positive attitudes, neutral norms, and positive control beliefs about refined handling. Participants' intention to provide refined handling in the future was strongly associated with their attitudes, norms, and control beliefs (p<0.01). Participants believed barriers included jumpy mice, perceived incompatibility with restraint, lack of time, and other personnel. However, participants also believed refined handling was advantageous to mouse welfare, handling ease, personnel, and research. Although results from this survey indicate that current refined handling prevalence is low in this sample, personnel believe it has important benefits, and future use is associated with their beliefs about the practice. People who believed refined handling was good, felt pressure to use it, and were confident in their use reported higher implementation. Increased refined handling could be encouraged through education on misconceptions, highlighting advantages, and addressing important barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Young
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donna Goldsteen
- Independent Consultant (Formerly AstraZeneca), Damascus, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Charles River Laboratories, Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Prescott
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Penny Reynolds
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Sarah E. Thurston
- Charles River Laboratories, Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tara L. Martin
- Refinement and Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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15
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Marin N, Moragon A, Gil D, Garcia-Garcia F, Bisbal V. Acclimation and Blood Sampling: Effects on Stress Markers in C57Bl/6J Mice. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2816. [PMID: 37760216 PMCID: PMC10525122 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood sampling in rodents is common practice in scientific studies. Some of the refined methods widely used are the puncture of the saphenous vein or tail vein, or even tail docking. The handling needs of these different blood sampling methods are different and can directly affect stress, increasing the variability of the study. Moreover, there is less aversion and stress if the animal is accustomed to the environment, handling and technique. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the influence of these three blood sampling techniques (saphenous puncture, tail vein puncture and tail vein docking) and the use of previous acclimation on different indicators of animal stress, assessing blood glucose concentrations and faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs). Twenty-four young adult male and female C57Bl6/J mice were divided in three groups by sampling method: tail docking (TD), saphenous vein puncture (SV) and caudal vein puncture (CV) groups. All mice were studied with and without acclimation, which was performed during 9 consecutive days. The results showed that both males and females present very similar responses to the different handling and sampling methods without significant differences. Nevertheless, acclimation in all sampling methods decreased glucose and FCM levels significantly. The method that obtained the lowest glucose and FCM levels with significance was saphenous vein puncture. Therefore, we can say that it causes less stress when performing prior acclimation, even when this involves greater handling of the animal. Our results contribute to refinement within the 3R concept and could serve researchers to programme and select a good handling technique and a welfare-friendly blood sampling method for their experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Marin
- Animal Facility IISLAFE, Hospital La Fe Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Amparo Moragon
- Animal Facility CIPF, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.); (D.G.)
| | - Domingo Gil
- Animal Facility CIPF, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.); (D.G.)
| | - Francisco Garcia-Garcia
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Unit CIPF, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Viviana Bisbal
- Animal Facility IISLAFE, Hospital La Fe Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
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16
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Owumi SE, Akinwunmi AO, Nwozo SO, Arunsi UO, Oyelere AK. Aflatoxin B1-induced dysfunction in male rats' reproductive indices were abated by Sorghum bicolor (L.Moench) hydrophobic fraction. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108425. [PMID: 37355213 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The burden of infertility distresses millions of families worldwide. The harmful effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the reproductive system involve oxidative stress, culminating in inflammation and cellular apoptosis. The phytochemical in Sorghum bicolor is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities. The effect of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (SBE-HP) extract -hydrophobic fraction- enriched in Apigenin (API) was investigated in rats chronically dosed with AFB1 and the likely mechanism (s) of SBE-HP to protect against AFB1-induced reproductive toxicity. Adult Wistar male rats (twenty-four) were selected randomly and allocated into four groups. Cohort 1 was administered 0.05 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); cohort 2 received AFB1 (50 µg/kg) alone; while cohorts 3 and 4 received 5 & 10 mg/kg of (SBE-HP) respectively, along with 50 µg/kg of AFB1. After 28 days, AFB1 induced remarkable reproductive toxicity as evidenced by increased sperm abnormalities, lowered sperm quality and motility, altered serum hormonal levels and testicular enzyme activities, decreased anti-oxidants, increased pro-oxidants, apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as altered histoarchitectural structure of the testis, epididymis, and hypothalamus of rats. API-enriched extract of S. bicolor reduced AFB1-induced oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and histological derangement by improving sperm function parameters, testicular enzymes, and reproductive hormones. Anti-oxidant levels and anti-inflammatory mediators were increased while decreases in the activities and levels of pro-oxidants, pro-inflammatory molecules and caspase-9 occurred in the rats' testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus. API-enriched S. bicolor protected the testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of male rats exposed to AFB1 by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | | | - Sarah O Nwozo
- Nutrition and Industrial Biochemistry Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0400, GA, United States
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0400, GA, United States
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17
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Yang P, Hish G, Lester PA. Comparison of Systemic Extended-release Buprenorphine and Local Extended-release Bupivacaine-Meloxicam as Analgesics for Laparotomy in Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:416-422. [PMID: 37612078 PMCID: PMC10597327 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-22-000107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Extended-release (ER) local anesthetics can be used in multi-modal analgesia or in situations in which systemic analgesics may alter animal physiology and thus introduce interpretational confounds. In this study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of an ER buprenorphine formulation with that of a synergistic combination of ER bupivacaine and meloxicam. Female and male CD1 mice were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous buprenorphine (3.25mg/kg) preemptively, subcutaneous infiltration of bupivacaine???meloxicam (0.03mL at incision closure (bupivacaine, 35mg/kg; meloxicam, 1mg/kg), or saline (10mL/kg SC) after induction of anesthesia. After laparotomy, mice were assessed for changes in daily body weight, rearing frequency, nest consolidation scores, time-to-integrate-nest test (TINT), and response to von Frey testing at 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72h after surgery. Daily weight, nest consolidation scores and rearing frequency were not significantly different among the 3 groups. TINT had fallen significantly response at 24 and 48h after injection in the ER buprenorphine group as compared with the saline and ER bupivacaine-meloxicam groups. Nociceptive thresholds, as assessed with von Frey testing, differed between saline controls and both analgesic groups at 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. None of the mice in the bupivacaine???meloxicam group developed signs of neurotoxicity, a potential side effect of high-dose local anesthetics. This study demonstrates that local ER bupivacaine???meloxicam may be a useful alternative to systemic, ER buprenorphine for the relief of pain after laparotomy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Yang
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gerry Hish
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Patrick A Lester
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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18
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Godoy R, Macedo AB, Gervazio KY, Ribeiro LR, Lima JLF, Salvadori MGSS. Effects of ortho-eugenol on anxiety, working memory and oxidative stress in mice. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e271785. [PMID: 37610945 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.271785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ortho-eugenol is a synthetic derivative from eugenol, the major compound of clove essential oil, which has demonstrated antidepressant and antinociceptive effects in pioneering studies. Additionally, its effects appear to be dependent on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. Depression and anxiety disorders are known to share a great overlap in their pathophysiology, and many drugs are effective in the treatment of both diseases. Furthermore, high levels of anxiety are related to working memory deficits and increased oxidative stress. Thus, in this study we investigated the effects of acute treatment of ortho-eugenol, at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, on anxiety, working memory and oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. Our results show that the 100 mg/kg dose increased the number of head-dips and reduced the latency in the hole-board test. The 50 mg/kg dose reduced malondialdehyde levels in the prefrontal cortex and the number of Y-maze entries compared to the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion group. All doses reduced nitrite levels in the hippocampus. It was also possible to assess a statistical correlation between the reduction of oxidative stress and hyperlocomotion after the administration of ortho-eugenol. However, acute treatment was not able to prevent working memory deficits. Therefore, the present study shows that ortho-eugenol has an anxiolytic and antioxidant effect, and was able to prevent substance-induced hyperlocomotion. Our results contribute to the elucidation of the pharmacological profile of ortho-eugenol, as well as to direct further studies that seek to investigate its possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Godoy
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos, Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
| | - A B Macedo
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos, Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
| | - K Y Gervazio
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos, Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos Naturais e Sintéticos - PgPNSB, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
| | - L R Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos, Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
| | - J L F Lima
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos, Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos Naturais e Sintéticos - PgPNSB, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
| | - M G S S Salvadori
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos, Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos Naturais e Sintéticos - PgPNSB, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil
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19
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Owumi SE, Umez AO, Arunsi U, Irozuru CE. Dietary aflatoxin B1 and antimalarial-a lumefantrine/artesunate-therapy perturbs male rat reproductive function via pro-inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12172. [PMID: 37500724 PMCID: PMC10374580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the impact of Coartem™ (COA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rats' hypothalamus, epididymis, and testis. Male rats were randomly grouped (n = 5 rats) and treated: control group (corn oil), AFB1 (70 µg/kg), COA (5 mg/kg), COA + AFB1 (5 + 0.035 mg/kg) and COA + AFB1 (5 + 0.07 mg/kg) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for serum prolactin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinising hormones (FSH and LH) assay upon sacrifice. The semen, hypothalamus, epididymis, and testes were harvested for morphological, biochemical, and histopathology determination of oxidative, inflammation stress, genomic integrity, and pathological alterations. Exposure to the COA and AFB1 caused the cauda epididymal spermatozoa to display low motility, viability, and volume, with increased abnormalities. Hormonal disruption ensued in animals exposed to COA and AFB1 alone or together, exemplified by increased prolactin, and decreased testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Treatment-related reduction in biomarkers of testicular metabolism-acid and alkaline phosphatases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase-were observed. Also, COA and AFB1 treatment caused reductions in antioxidant (Glutathione and total thiols) levels and antioxidant enzyme (Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) activities in the examined organs. At the same time, treatment-related increases in DNA damage (p53), oxidative stress (xanthine oxidase, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation), inflammation (nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-alpha), and apoptosis (caspase-9, and -3) were observed. Chronic exposure to COA and AFB1 led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage in male rats' hypothalamic-reproductive axis, which might potentiate infertility if not contained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria.
- ChangeLab-changing Lives, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Rm NB 302, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - Angel O Umez
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Uche Arunsi
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
| | - Chioma E Irozuru
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
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20
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Martinez-Lopez S, Angel-Gomis E, Sanchez-Ardid E, Pastor-Campos A, Picó J, Gomez-Hurtado I. The 3Rs in Experimental Liver Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2357. [PMID: 37508134 PMCID: PMC10376896 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis present multiple physiological and immunological alterations that play a very important role in the development of clinically relevant secondary complications to the disease. Experimentation in animal models is essential to understand the pathogenesis of human diseases and, considering the high prevalence of liver disease worldwide, to understand the pathophysiology of disease progression and the molecular pathways involved, due to the complexity of the liver as an organ and its relationship with the rest of the organism. However, today there is a growing awareness about the sensitivity and suffering of animals, causing opposition to animal research among a minority in society and some scientists, but also about the attention to the welfare of laboratory animals since this has been built into regulations in most nations that conduct animal research. In 1959, Russell and Burch published the book "The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique", proposing that in those experiments where animals were necessary, everything possible should be done to try to replace them with non-sentient alternatives, to reduce to a minimum their number, and to refine experiments that are essential so that they caused the least amount of pain and distress. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the most widely used techniques to replace, reduce, and refine in experimental liver research is offered, to assess the advantages and weaknesses of available experimental liver disease models for researchers who are planning to perform animal studies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Martinez-Lopez
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
| | - Enrique Angel-Gomis
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
| | - Elisabet Sanchez-Ardid
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Patología Digestiva, Institut de Recerca IIB-Sant Pau, Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Pastor-Campos
- Oficina de Investigación Responsable, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Joanna Picó
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Gomez-Hurtado
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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21
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LaFollette MR, Cloutier S, Brady CM, O’Haire ME, Gaskill BN. Benchmarking Enrichment Efforts in the US & Canada Across Species and Enrichment Categories. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:303-316. [PMID: 37197898 PMCID: PMC10434742 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-22-000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Enrichment is important for animal welfare and data quality. Provision of enrichment opportunities varies between species and enrichment category. However, data benchmarking these differences does not exist. Our objective was to characterize enrichment provision and associated factors across species in the US and Canada. Personnel who work with research animals (n = 1098) in the US and Canada voluntarily responded to online promotions and completed a survey about enrichment used for the species they worked with most, their control of and wish for more enrichment, stress or pain in the animals they worked the most with, and demographics. All participants (except those working with rats) received the same questionnaire regardless of species to allow objectivity, as the effects of many enrichment items on some species have not yet been determined. The questionnaire asked about enrichments that were beneficial to at least one species. The provision of enrichment was allocated into 2 outcome variables: diversity and frequency per enrichment category. Results showed a significant interaction between enrichment category and species. Generally, physical, nutritional, and sensory enrichments were provided less often than social enrichment. In addition, nonhuman primates received more diverse and more frequent enrichment than did other species (twice as much as rats and mice). Enrichment was provided less frequently by personnel who wished they could do more than the status quo. Both enrichment frequency and diversity were higher in respondents from Canada, those who had more control over provision, and those who had been in the field longer. While our results cannot be used to determine the quality of enrichment provided to various species, they do provide information on current enrichment practices in the US and Canada and identify differences in implementation by species and enrichment category. The data also indicate provision of enrichment is influenced by factors such as country and individual control over enrichment. This information can also be used to identify areas for greater enrichment efforts for some species (for example, rats and mice) and categories, with the ultimate goal of improving animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R LaFollette
- The 3Rs Collaborative, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | | | - Colleen M Brady
- Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Marguerite E O’Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Brianna N Gaskill
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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22
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Grimm H, Biller-Andorno N, Buch T, Dahlhoff M, Davies G, Cederroth CR, Maissen O, Lukas W, Passini E, Törnqvist E, Olsson IAS, Sandström J. Advancing the 3Rs: innovation, implementation, ethics and society. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1185706. [PMID: 37396988 PMCID: PMC10310538 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1185706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3Rs principle of replacing, reducing and refining the use of animals in science has been gaining widespread support in the international research community and appears in transnational legislation such as the European Directive 2010/63/EU, a number of national legislative frameworks like in Switzerland and the UK, and other rules and guidance in place in countries around the world. At the same time, progress in technical and biomedical research, along with the changing status of animals in many societies, challenges the view of the 3Rs principle as a sufficient and effective approach to the moral challenges set by animal use in research. Given this growing awareness of our moral responsibilities to animals, the aim of this paper is to address the question: Can the 3Rs, as a policy instrument for science and research, still guide the morally acceptable use of animals for scientific purposes, and if so, how? The fact that the increased availability of alternatives to animal models has not correlated inversely with a decrease in the number of animals used in research has led to public and political calls for more radical action. However, a focus on the simple measure of total animal numbers distracts from the need for a more nuanced understanding of how the 3Rs principle can have a genuine influence as a guiding instrument in research and testing. Hence, we focus on three core dimensions of the 3Rs in contemporary research: (1) What scientific innovations are needed to advance the goals of the 3Rs? (2) What can be done to facilitate the implementation of existing and new 3R methods? (3) Do the 3Rs still offer an adequate ethical framework given the increasing social awareness of animal needs and human moral responsibilities? By answering these questions, we will identify core perspectives in the debate over the advancement of the 3Rs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herwig Grimm
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikola Biller-Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Buch
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gail Davies
- Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Otto Maissen
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Animal Welfare Division, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wilma Lukas
- Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Passini
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Elin Törnqvist
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - I. Anna S. Olsson
- Laboratory Animal Science, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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23
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Owumi SE, Adebisi G. Epirubicin Treatment Induces Neurobehavioral, Oxido-Inflammatory and Neurohistology Alterations in Rats: Protective Effect of the Endogenous Metabolite of Tryptophan - 3-Indolepropionic Acid. Neurochem Res 2023:10.1007/s11064-023-03941-9. [PMID: 37097396 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03941-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Epirubicin's (EPI) efficacy as a chemotherapeutic agent against breast cancer is limited by EPI's neurotoxicity associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory stressors. 3-Indolepropionic acid (3-IPA) derived from in vivo metabolism of tryptophan is reported to possess antioxidative properties devoid of pro-oxidant activity. In this regard, we investigated the effect of 3-IPA on EPI-mediated neurotoxicity in forty female rats (180-200 g; five cohorts (n = 6) treated as follows: Untreated control; EPI alone (2.5 mg/Kg); 3-IPA alone (40 mg/Kg body weight); EPI (2.5 mg/Kg) + 3-IPA (20 mg/Kg) and EPI (2.5 mg/Kg) + 3-IPA (40 mg/Kg) for 28 days. Experimental rats were treated with EPI via intraperitoneal injection thrice weekly or co-treated with 3-IPA daily by gavage. Subsequently, the rat's locomotor activities were measured as endpoints of neurobehavioural status. After sacrifice, inflammation, oxidative stress and DNA damage biomarkers were assessed in rats' cerebrum and cerebellum alongside histopathology. Our results demonstrated that locomotor and exploratory deficits were pronounced in EPI-alone treated rats and improved in the presence of 3-IPA co-treatment. EPI-mediated decreases in tissue antioxidant status, increases in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), as well as in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were lessened in the cerebrum and cerebellum of 3-IPA co-treated rats. Increases in nitric oxide (NO) and 8-hydroxydeguanosin (8-OHdG) levels and myeloperoxidase MPO activity were also abated by 3-IPA. Light microscopic examination of the cerebrum and cerebellum revealed EPI-precipitated histopathological lesions were subsequently alleviated in rats co-treated with 3-IPA. Our findings demonstrate that supplementing endogenously derived 3-IPA from tryptophan metabolism enhances tissue antioxidant status, protects against EPI-mediated neuronal toxicity, and improves neurobehavioural and cognitive levels in experimental rats. These findings may benefit breast cancer patients undergoing Epirubicin chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo, Nigeria.
| | - Grace Adebisi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo, Nigeria
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24
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Corder KM, Hoffman JM, Sogorovic A, Austad SN. Behavioral comparison of the C57BL/6 inbred mouse strain and their CB6F1 siblings. Behav Processes 2023; 207:104836. [PMID: 36720324 PMCID: PMC10184519 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A large portion of basic biomedical research studies are conducted using genetically defined, inbred mouse strains. The C57BL/6 mouse strain is the most widely used genetic background in current rodent research. The rationale for using inbred strains is that all individuals are genetically identical with minimal phenotypic variation, allowing for more statistically powerful analyses. F1 hybrids between two inbred strains are also genetically identical to one another but are heterozygous at every locus at which the parental strains differ rather than homozygous. Both theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that this heterozygosity in F1 hybrids allow for potentially greater resilience in response to the inevitable stresses of laboratory environments. The purpose of this study was to characterize the differences in commonly used tests of physical performance (forelimb grip strength and rotarod) and anxiety-like behavior between the F1 hybrids created from BALB/c females mated to C57BL/6 males (called CB6F1 mice) and one of its parental strains, C57BL/6. We used a natural cross-fostering breeding scheme to minimize maternal care effects and emphasize the effects of genetic differences. We found significant correlations between anxiety-like behavioral measures and physical performance measures which are not traditionally associated with anxiety-like behavior, and which differ between strains. Findings from this study should be taken into consideration when designing behavioral studies and choosing model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelynn M Corder
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Biology, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; Samford University, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Homewood, AL 35229.
| | - Jessica M Hoffman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Biology, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
| | - Anamarija Sogorovic
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Biology, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
| | - Steven N Austad
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Biology, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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25
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Owumi SE, Adebisi GE, Odunola OA. Epirubicin toxicity in rat's ovary and uterus: A protective role of 3-Indolepropionic acid supplementation. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 374:110414. [PMID: 36822302 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The "anthracycline, Epirubicin (EPI)," in managing breast cancer, is highly cytotoxic. Tryptophan-derived 3-indolepropionic acid (3-IPA) decreases oxidative damage, and its prospect of alleviating EPI-induced cytotoxicity was examined in rats' hypothalamus-ovary-uterus axis. Female rats: Control, EPI (2.5 mg/kg), 3-IPA alone (40 mg/kg), EPI+3-IPA (2.5 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg), EPI + 3-IPA2 (2.5 mg/kg + 40 mg/kg) were treated for 28 days. Subsequently, reproductive hormones, oxidative and inflammatory stress biomarkers, and tissue histology were examined. 3-IPA prevented EPI-induced decreases in the follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin levels. EPI-mediated reduction in antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups were partially counteracted by 3-IPA co-treatment. Increased oxidative and inflammatory stress biomarkers caused by treatment with EPI alone were lessened by 3-IPA co-treatment. Also, 3-IPA reduced histological damage in the examined tissues. Conclusively, 3-IPA ameliorated biochemical markers and tissue injury caused by EPI treatment alone via an antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanism while stabilising serum hormone dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria.
| | - Grace E Adebisi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Oyeronke A Odunola
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
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26
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Crates R, Stojanovic D, Heinsohn R. The phenotypic costs of captivity. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:434-449. [PMID: 36341701 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The breeding of threatened species in captivity for release is a central tool in conservation biology. Given gloomy predictions for biodiversity trends in the Anthropocene, captive breeding will play an increasingly important role in preventing future extinctions. Relative to the wild, captive environments drastically alter selection pressures on animals. Phenotypic change in captive animals in response to these altered selection pressures can incur fitness costs post-release, jeopardising their potential contribution to population recovery. We explore the ways in which captive environments can hinder the expression of wild phenotypes. We also stress that the phenotypes of captive-bred animals differ from their wild counterparts in multiple ways that remain poorly understood. We propose five new research questions relating to the impact of captive phenotypes on reintroduction biology. With better use of monitoring and experimental reintroductions, a more robust evidence base should help inform adaptive management and minimise the phenotypic costs of captivity, improving the success of animal reintroductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Crates
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Dejan Stojanovic
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Robert Heinsohn
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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27
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Individualized Housing Modifies the Immune–Endocrine System in CD1 Adult Male Mice. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061026. [PMID: 36978567 PMCID: PMC10044133 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, different research groups have made considerable efforts to improve the care and use of animals in research. Mice (Mus musculus) are the most widely used animal species in research in the European Union and are sociable and hierarchical creatures. During experiments, researchers tend to individualize males, but no consideration is given to whether this social isolation causes them stress. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore whether 4 weeks of social isolation could induce changes in different physiological parameters in adult Crl:CD1(ICR) (CD1) males, which may interfere with experimental results. Body weight, blood cells, and fecal corticosterone metabolites levels were the analyzed parameters. Blood and fecal samples were collected at weeks 1 and 4 of the experimental procedure. Four weeks of single housing produced a significant time-dependent decrease in monocytes and granulocytes. Fecal corticosterone metabolite levels were higher in single-housed mice after 1 week and then normalized after 4 weeks of isolation. Body weight, red blood cells, and platelets remained unchanged in both groups during this period. We can, therefore, conclude that social isolation affects some immune and endocrine parameters, and that this should be taken into account in the interpretation of research data.
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28
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A mapping review of refinements to laboratory rat housing and husbandry. Lab Anim (NY) 2023; 52:63-74. [PMID: 36759746 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-023-01124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Refining the housing and husbandry of laboratory rats is an important goal, both for ethical reasons and to allow better quality research. We conducted a mapping review of 1,017 studies investigating potential refinements of housing and husbandry of the laboratory rat to assess what refinements have, and have not, been studied, and to briefly assess whether there is evidence to support any impact on rat welfare. Among the many refinements studied, the majority involve changes to the cage, but some also involve alterations to the wider environment. The effects of these refinements were assessed using a range of readouts, many of which are difficult to interpret from a welfare perspective. Preference studies, which are easier to interpret, provide evidence that rats prefer complex environments, including shelters and multiple objects, which offer different areas/resources allowing the rat to engage in diverse behaviors. The reporting of methodology in papers was often poor, indicating that studies were potentially subject to biases. Given that many refinements co-occurred, it was often difficult to tease apart which ones were most beneficial for rat welfare. Effects of refinements were also moderated by a number of factors including age, sex, strain and photoperiod. Altogether our findings show that a one-size-fits-all approach to refinements is not appropriate, because different refinements will impact different rats in different ways. Our review has also produced a database of >1,000 articles that can be used for further and more detailed analyses. Our findings have also highlighted areas where future research is likely to be valuable, including refinements to rat transport, handling and the use of training.
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29
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Experimenter familiarization is a crucial prerequisite for assessing behavioral outcomes and reduces stress in mice not only under chronic pain conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2289. [PMID: 36759654 PMCID: PMC9911644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent behavior is affected by different environmental conditions. These do not only comprise experimental and housing conditions but also familiarization with the experimenter. However, specific effects on pain-related behavior and chronic pain conditions have not been examined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of different housing conditions, using individually ventilated and standard open top cages, inverted day-night cycles, and experimenter familiarization on male mice following peripheral neuropathy using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Using a multimodal approach, we evaluated evoked pain-related- using von Frey hair filaments, measured gait pattern with the CatWalk system, assessed anxiety- and depression-like behavior with the Elevated plus maze and tail suspension test, measured corticosterone metabolite levels in feces and utilized an integrative approach for relative-severity-assessment. Mechanical sensitivity differed between the cage systems and experimenter familiarization and was affected in both sham and SNI mice. Experimenter familiarization and an inverted day-night cycle reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in SNI and sham mice. SNI mice of the inverted day-night group displayed the slightest pronounced alterations in gait pattern in the Catwalk test. Anxiety-related behavior was only found in SNI mice of experimenter-familiarized mice compared to the sham controls. In addition, familiarization reduced the stress level measured by fecal corticosteroid metabolites caused by the pain and the behavioral tests. Although no environmental condition significantly modulated the severity in SNI mice, it influenced pain-affected phenotypes and is, therefore, crucial for designing and interpreting preclinical pain studies. Moreover, environmental conditions should be considered more in the reporting guidelines, described in more detail, and discussed as a potential influence on pain phenotypes.
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30
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Layton R, Layton D, Beggs D, Fisher A, Mansell P, Stanger KJ. The impact of stress and anesthesia on animal models of infectious disease. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1086003. [PMID: 36816193 PMCID: PMC9933909 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1086003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress and general anesthesia have an impact on the functional response of the organism due to the detrimental effects on cardiovascular, immunological, and metabolic function, which could limit the organism's response to an infectious event. Animal studies have formed an essential step in understanding and mitigating infectious diseases, as the complexities of physiology and immunity cannot yet be replicated in vivo. Using animals in research continues to come under increasing societal scrutiny, and it is therefore crucial that the welfare of animals used in disease research is optimized to meet both societal expectations and improve scientific outcomes. Everyday management and procedures in animal studies are known to cause stress, which can not only cause poorer welfare outcomes, but also introduces variables in disease studies. Whilst general anesthesia is necessary at times to reduce stress and enhance animal welfare in disease research, evidence of physiological and immunological disruption caused by general anesthesia is increasing. To better understand and quantify the effects of stress and anesthesia on disease study and welfare outcomes, utilizing the most appropriate animal monitoring strategies is imperative. This article aims to analyze recent scientific evidence about the impact of stress and anesthesia as uncontrolled variables, as well as reviewing monitoring strategies and technologies in animal models during infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Layton
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Rachel Layton ✉
| | - Daniel Layton
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - David Beggs
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Fisher
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Mansell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly J. Stanger
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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31
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Owumi SE, Otunla MT, Arunsi UO. A biochemical and histology experimental approach to investigate the adverse effect of chronic lead acetate and dietary furan on rat lungs. Biometals 2023; 36:201-216. [PMID: 36418810 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00472-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite lead widespread environmental pollution, its effect on humans and livestock's respiratory systems remains inadequately investigated. Similarly, furan is industrially relevant with enormous environmental presence. Lead and furan can be ingested -via lead pipes contaminated water and heat-treated food respectively. Thus, humans are inadvertently exposed continuously. Lead toxicity is well studied, and furan have earned a position on the IARC's list of carcinogens. Here, we evaluate the effect of co-exposure to lead and furan on rat lungs. Thirty Wistar rats were grouped randomly into six cohorts (n = 6) consisting of a control group, furan alone group, lead acetate (PbAc) alone group and three other groups co-exposure to graded PbAc (1, 10 & 100 µg/L) alongside a constant furan (8 mg/kg) dose. After twenty-eight days, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were biochemically evaluated. The ELISA-based technique was used to measure oxidative-DNA damage (8-OHG), tumour protein 53 (TP53) expressed and tumour necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α) level. Dose-dependent increases (p < 0.05) in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, TNF-α and TP53 level, with an associated decrease (p < 0.05) in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed in the furan, PbAc and the co-treated rats relative to the control. In addition, PbAc and furan treatment impaired the histoarchitectural structures of rat lungs, exemplified by pro-inflammatory cell infiltration and trafficking into the bronchioles and alveolar spaces. Co-exposure to furan and PbAc may contribute to lung dysfunction via loss of redox balance, genomic damage/instability, inflammation and disrupted histoarchitectural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, CRMB Laboratories, Room NB 302, Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria.
| | - Moses T Otunla
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, CRMB Laboratories, Room NB 302, Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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32
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Owumi SE, Otunla MT, Elerewe OO, Arunsi UO. Co-exposure to aflatoxin B1 and therapeutic coartem worsens hepatic and renal function through enhanced oxido-inflammatory responses and apoptosis in rats. Toxicon 2023; 222:106988. [PMID: 36473514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin synthesised as a secondary metabolite by members of the Aspergillus species contaminating agricultural produce. Aspergillus species thrive in tropical climes, endemic to malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) effectively treat and prevent malaria recrudescence; Coartem (COA) is an ACT whose toxicity is evident. Although there are scanty studies on COA toxicity, the scientific literature is replete on AFB1 toxic effects -including carcinogenicity. The current research investigates AFB1 and COA toxicity in experimental Wistar rats' hepatorenal systems. Thirty albino rats were randomly grouped into five cohorts (n = 6) and treated as follows: Group I: Untreated control (2 mL/kg of corn oil); group II: AFB1 alone (70 μg/kg); group III: COA alone (5 mg/kg); group IV: COA and a low dose of AFB11 (5 mg/kg & 35 μg/kg); while Group V: COA and a high dose AFB12 (5 mg/kg & 70 μg/kg) by gavage. Our results show that exposure to AFB1 and COA significantly (p < 0.05) reduced superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities, besides reduced glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups level. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, nitric oxide, xanthine oxidase, and myeloperoxidase levels were increased (p < 0.05) in rats co-treated with COA and AFB1. Cell death was aggravated in COA and AFB1 groups, exemplified by increased Caspase-3 and 9 activities and alterations in the typical histological features of experimental rats' livers and kidneys. Finally, rats co-treated with AFB1 and COA experienced increased hepatorenal dysregulation, oxidative and inflammatory tissue damage, and apoptotic cell death. All the observed systemic perturbations occurred dose-dependently. It is crucial, therefore, to prevent AFB1 dietary contaminations during COA therapeutic regimen due to increased pathophysiological damage exerted on experimental rat liver and kidneys, as evidenced in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria.
| | - Moses T Otunla
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Oyindamola O Elerewe
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Verderio P, Lecchi M, Ciniselli CM, Shishmani B, Apolone G, Manenti G. 3Rs Principle and Legislative Decrees to Achieve High Standard of Animal Research. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020277. [PMID: 36670818 PMCID: PMC9854901 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal experimentation is a vast ecosystem that tries to make different issues such as legislative, ethical and scientific coexist. Research in animal experimentation has made many strides thanks to the 3Rs principle and the attached legislative decrees, but for this very reason, it needs to be evenly implemented both among the countries that have adhered to the decrees and among the team members who design and execute the experimental practice. In this article, we emphasize the importance of the 3Rs principle's application, with a particular focus on the concept of Reduction and related key aspects that can best be handled with the contribution of experts from different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Verderio
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-2390-3201
| | - Mara Lecchi
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Maura Ciniselli
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Bjorn Shishmani
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Apolone
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Manenti
- Unit of Animal Health and Welfare, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
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d'Isa R, Gerlai R. Designing animal-friendly behavioral tests for neuroscience research: The importance of an ethological approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1090248. [PMID: 36703720 PMCID: PMC9871504 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1090248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience (DNS), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Buchecker V, Koska I, Pace C, Talbot SR, Palme R, Bleich A, Potschka H. Toward Evidence-Based Severity Assessment in Mouse Models with Repeated Seizures: (II.) Impact of Surgery and Intrahippocampal Kainate. Eur Surg Res 2023; 64:89-107. [PMID: 35073547 PMCID: PMC9808668 DOI: 10.1159/000522156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic epilepsy models require neurosurgical procedures including depth electrode implants. The intrahippocampal kainate model is a frequently used chronic paradigm, which is based on chemoconvulsant administration and status epilepticus induction during the surgical procedure. This experimental approach raises the question of the extent to which this approach affects postsurgical recovery. In addition to the short- and long-term impact of the surgical intervention, a potential impact of highly frequent electrographic seizure events needs to be considered in the context of severity assessment. METHODS Various behavioral, biochemical, and telemetric parameters were analyzed in four experimental groups of mice: 1st naive, 2nd with transmitter implants, 3rd with transmitter and electrode implants, and 4th with transmitter implants, electrode implants, and kainate-induced status epilepticus. RESULTS During the early postsurgical phase, transmitter implants caused a transient impact on Mouse Grimace scores and intragroup increase of fecal corticosterone metabolites. Additional craniotomy was associated with an influence on total heart rate variability and fecal corticosterone metabolites. Heart rate and Irwin score increases as well as a prolonged increase in Mouse Grimace scores pointed to an added burden related to the induction of a nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Data from the chronic phase argued against a relevant influence of frequent electrographic seizures on behavioral patterns, fecal corticosterone metabolites, heart rate, and its variability. However, Irwin scores indicated long-term changes in some animals with increased reactivity, body tone, and Straub tail. Interestingly, selected behavioral and telemetric data from the early post-status epilepticus phase correlated with the frequency of electrographic seizure events in the chronic phase. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings argue against the pronounced impact of highly frequent electrographic seizures on the well-being of mice. However, an increased level of nervousness in a subgroup of animals should be considered for handling procedures and refinement measures. In the early postsurgical phase, several parameters indicate an influence of the interventions with evidence that the nonconvulsive status epilepticus can negatively affect the recovery. Thus, the development and validation of refinement efforts should focus on this experimental phase. Finally, the datasets suggest that simple readout parameters may predict the long-term consequences of the epileptogenic insult. Respective biomarker candidates require further validation in the follow-up studies in models with subgroups of animals with or without epilepsy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Buchecker
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Koska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Pace
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steven R. Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Heidrun Potschka,
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Huffstetler CM, Cochran B, May CA, Maykut N, Silver CR, Cedeno C, Franck E, Cox A, Fadool DA. Single cannabidiol administration affects anxiety-, obsessive compulsive-, object memory-, and attention-like behaviors in mice in a sex and concentration dependent manner. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173498. [PMID: 36455670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The behavioral effects of cannabidiol (CBD) are understudied, but are important, given its therapeutic potential and widespread use as a natural supplement. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether a single injection of CBD affected anxiety-like or attention-like behavior, or memory in wildtype mice or mice with reported trait anxiety due to a targeted gene-deletion in a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3. METHODS Wildtype C57BL/6 J and Kv1.3-/- mice of both sexes were reared to adulthood and then administered an intraperitoneal injection of 10 or 20 mg/kg CBD. Mice were behaviorally-phenotyped using the marble-burying test, the light-dark box (LDB), short (1 h) and long-term (24 h) object memory test, the elevated-plus maze (EPM), and the object-based attention task in order to assess obsessive compulsive-, anxiety-, and attention-like behaviors, and memory. RESULTS We discovered that acute CBD treatment reduced marble burying in male, but not female mice. CBD was effective in lessening anxiety-like behaviors determined by the LDB test in both male and female wildtype mice, whereby the effective dose required to observe the effect in females was less. In Kv1.3-/- mice, CBD increased anxiety-like behaviors in the LDB in both sexes at the higher concentration of CBD and it similarly increased anxiety-like behavior in females in the EPM at the lower concentration of CBD. Long-term object memory was reduced in male wildtype mice at the lower concentration of CBD. Finally, ADHD- or attention-like behaviors were not altered by CBD in wildtype mice, but in Kv1.3-/- mice, females were observed to have a loss in attention while males demonstrated improved attention. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that administration of a single dose of CBD has immediate effects on mouse behavior that is dose, sex, and anxiety-state dependent - and that these behavioral outcomes are important to examine in parallel human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brigitte Cochran
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Camilla Ann May
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Nicholas Maykut
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Claudia Rose Silver
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Claudia Cedeno
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Ezabelle Franck
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Alexis Cox
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Debra Ann Fadool
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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Swan J, Boyer S, Westlund K, Bengtsson C, Nordahl G, Törnqvist E. Decreased levels of discomfort in repeatedly handled mice during experimental procedures, assessed by facial expressions. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1109886. [PMID: 36873771 PMCID: PMC9978997 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1109886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice are the most commonly used laboratory animal, yet there are limited studies which investigate the effects of repeated handling on their welfare and scientific outcomes. Furthermore, simple methods to evaluate distress in mice are lacking, and specialized behavioral or biochemical tests are often required. Here, two groups of CD1 mice were exposed to either traditional laboratory handling methods or a training protocol with cup lifting for 3 and 5 weeks. The training protocol was designed to habituate the mice to the procedures involved in subcutaneous injection, e.g., removal from the cage, skin pinch. This protocol was followed by two common research procedures: subcutaneous injection and tail vein blood sampling. Two training sessions and the procedures (subcutaneous injection and blood sampling) were video recorded. The mouse facial expressions were then scored, focusing on the ear and eye categories of the mouse grimace scale. Using this assessment method, trained mice expressed less distress than the control mice during subcutaneous injection. Mice trained for subcutaneous injection also had reduced facial scores during blood sampling. We found a clear sex difference as female mice responded to training faster than the male mice, they also had lower facial scores than the male mice when trained. The ear score appeared to be a more sensitive measure of distress than the eye score, which may be more indicative of pain. In conclusion, training is an important refinement method to reduce distress in mice during common laboratory procedures and this can best be assessed using the ear score of the mouse grimace scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Swan
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Scott Boyer
- Chemotargets SL, Barcelona, Spain.,Global Safety Assessment, AstraZeneca R&D, Södertälje, Sweden
| | | | - Camilla Bengtsson
- Global Safety Assessment, AstraZeneca R&D, Södertälje, Sweden.,Independant Consultant, Strömsund, Sweden
| | | | - Elin Törnqvist
- Global Safety Assessment, AstraZeneca R&D, Södertälje, Sweden.,Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Customizable, wireless and implantable neural probe design and fabrication via 3D printing. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:3-21. [PMID: 36271159 PMCID: PMC10059091 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This Protocol Extension describes the low-cost production of rapidly customizable optical neural probes for in vivo optogenetics. We detail the use of a 3D printer to fabricate minimally invasive microscale inorganic light-emitting-diode-based neural probes that can control neural circuit activity in freely behaving animals, thus extending the scope of two previously published protocols describing the fabrication and implementation of optoelectronic devices for studying intact neural systems. The 3D-printing fabrication process does not require extensive training and eliminates the need for expensive materials, specialized cleanroom facilities and time-consuming microfabrication techniques typical of conventional manufacturing processes. As a result, the design of the probes can be quickly optimized, on the basis of experimental need, reducing the cost and turnaround for customization. For example, 3D-printed probes can be customized to target multiple brain regions or scaled up for use in large animal models. This protocol comprises three procedures: (1) probe fabrication, (2) wireless module preparation and (3) implantation for in vivo assays. For experienced researchers, neural probe and wireless module fabrication requires ~2 d, while implantation should take 30-60 min per animal. Time required for behavioral assays will vary depending on the experimental design and should include at least 5 d of animal handling before implantation of the probe, to familiarize each animal to their handler, thus reducing handling stress that may influence the result of the behavioral assays. The implementation of customized probes improves the flexibility in optogenetic experimental design and increases access to wireless probes for in vivo optogenetic research.
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O'Malley CI, Hubley R, Moody C, Turner PV. Use of nonaversive handling and training procedures for laboratory mice and rats: Attitudes of American and Canadian laboratory animal professionals. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1040572. [PMID: 36570505 PMCID: PMC9780379 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1040572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonaversive or low stress handling techniques can reduce fear and stress in research rodents, ultimately improving study data quality. Uptake of low stress handling has been slow in the USA and Canada. In this study we explored the understanding, experience, and attitudes toward low stress handling of rats and mice in laboratory animal professionals from the USA (US) and Canada (CA). Participants (n = 40) were recruited for a standardized interview and job categories were divided into veterinary/PhD level roles (doctoral level; DL) and non-veterinary/non-PhD level roles (non-doctoral level, NDL) (US: 23, DL: 9, NDL: 14; CA: 17, DL: 8, and NDL: 9). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO. Two research assistants independently coded themes for each question and consolidated responses based on commonality. Laboratory animal professionals understood the benefits of low stress handling and training techniques with rats and mice, stating reduced stress, better data, and improved welfare, with CA participants more likely to mention animal welfare as a benefit, and DL more likely to mention improved research data and reduced stress. Participants across demographic groups indicated improved job satisfaction and decreased stress as the positive impacts low stress handling would have on their positions. The primary perceived barriers to low stress handling implementation were researcher attitudes, the time needed to implement and use these techniques, and training personnel to use the techniques properly and consistently. To promote refinement of handling of rats and mice, more educational opportunities on the benefits and implementation of low stress handling techniques need to be provided to laboratory animal professionals, as well as to researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly I. O'Malley
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Raina Hubley
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Carly Moody
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Patricia V. Turner
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Novak J, Jaric I, Rosso M, Rufener R, Touma C, Würbel H. Handling method affects measures of anxiety, but not chronic stress in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20938. [PMID: 36463282 PMCID: PMC9719500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in mice have shown that less aversive handling methods (e.g. tunnel or cup handling) can reduce behavioural measures of anxiety in comparison to picking mice up by their tail. Despite such evidence, tail handling continues to be used routinely. Besides resistance to change accustomed procedures, this may also be due to the fact that current evidence in support of less aversive handling is mostly restricted to effects of extensive daily handling, which may not apply to routine husbandry practices. The aim of our study was to assess whether, and to what extent, different handling methods during routine husbandry induce differences in behavioural and physiological measures of stress in laboratory mice. To put the effects of handling method in perspective with chronic stress, we compared handling methods to a validated paradigm of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). We housed mice of two strains (Balb/c and C57BL/6) and both sexes either under standard laboratory conditions (CTRL) or under UCMS. Half of the animals from each housing condition were tail handled and half were tunnel handled twice per week, once during a cage change and once for a routine health check. We found strain dependent effects of handling method on behavioural measures of anxiety: tunnel handled Balb/c mice interacted with the handler more than tail handled conspecifics, and tunnel handled CTRL mice showed increased open arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze. Mice undergoing UCMS showed increased plasma corticosterone levels and reduced sucrose preference. However, we found no effect of handling method on these stress-associated measures. Our results therefore indicate that routine tail handling can affect behavioural measures of anxiety, but may not be a significant source of chronic husbandry stress. Our results also highlight strain dependent responses to handling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Novak
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ivana Jaric
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marianna Rosso
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chadi Touma
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Behavioural Biology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Hanno Würbel
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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How Well Do Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease Recapitulate Early Non-Motor Phenotypes? A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123026. [PMID: 36551782 PMCID: PMC9775565 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by many non-motor symptoms, and these have recently been posited to be predictive of later diagnosis. Genetic rodent models can develop non-motor phenotypes, providing tools to identify mechanisms underlying the early development of PD. However, it is not yet clear how reproducible non-motor phenotypes are amongst genetic PD rodent models, whether phenotypes are age-dependent, and the translatability of these phenotypes has yet to be explored. A systematic literature search was conducted on studies using genetic PD rodent models to investigate non-motor phenotypes; cognition, anxiety/depressive-like behaviour, gastrointestinal (GI) function, olfaction, circadian rhythm, cardiovascular and urinary function. In total, 51 genetic models of PD across 150 studies were identified. We found outcomes of most phenotypes were inconclusive due to inadequate studies, assessment at different ages, or variation in experimental and environmental factors. GI dysfunction was the most reproducible phenotype across all genetic rodent models. The mouse model harbouring mutant A53T, and the wild-type hα-syn overexpression (OE) model recapitulated the majority of phenotypes, albeit did not reliably produce concurrent motor deficits and nigral cell loss. Furthermore, animal models displayed different phenotypic profiles, reflecting the distinct genetic risk factors and heterogeneity of disease mechanisms. Currently, the inconsistent phenotypes within rodent models pose a challenge in the translatability and usefulness for further biomechanistic investigations. This review highlights opportunities to improve phenotype reproducibility with an emphasis on phenotypic assay choice and robust experimental design.
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Post Mortem Study on the Effects of Routine Handling and Manipulation of Laboratory Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233234. [PMID: 36496755 PMCID: PMC9737896 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine handling and manipulation of laboratory mice are integral components of most preclinical studies. Any type of handling and manipulation may cause stress and result in physical harm to mice, potentially leading to unintended consequences of experimental outcomes. Nevertheless, the pathological effects of these interventions are poorly documented and assumed to have a negligible effect on experimental variables. In that context, we provide a comprehensive post mortem overview of the main pathological changes associated with routine interventions (i.e., restraint, blood drawing, and intraperitoneal injections) of laboratory mice with an emphasis on presumed traumatic osteoarticular lesions. A total of 1000 mice from various studies were included, with 864 animals being heavily manipulated and 136 being handled for routine husbandry procedures only. The most common lesions observed were associated with blood collection or intraperitoneal injections, as well as a series of traumatic osteoarticular lesions likely resulting from restraint. Osteoarticular lesions were found in 62 animals (61 heavily manipulated; 1 unmanipulated) with rib fractures and avulsion of the dens of the axis being over-represented. Histopathology and micro-CT confirmed the traumatic nature of the rib fractures. While these lesions might be unavoidable if mice are manipulated according to the current standards, intentional training of research personnel on appropriate mouse handling and restraint techniques could help reduce their frequency and the impact on animal wellbeing as well as study reproducibility.
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Markov DD, Novosadova EV. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression: Possible Sources of Poor Reproducibility and Latent Variables. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1621. [PMID: 36358321 PMCID: PMC9687170 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mood disorders worldwide. A lack of understanding of the exact neurobiological mechanisms of depression complicates the search for new effective drugs. Animal models are an important tool in the search for new approaches to the treatment of this disorder. All animal models of depression have certain advantages and disadvantages. We often hear that the main drawback of the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression is its poor reproducibility, but rarely does anyone try to find the real causes and sources of such poor reproducibility. Analyzing the articles available in the PubMed database, we tried to identify the factors that may be the sources of the poor reproducibility of CUMS. Among such factors, there may be chronic sleep deprivation, painful stressors, social stress, the difference in sex and age of animals, different stress susceptibility of different animal strains, handling quality, habituation to stressful factors, various combinations of physical and psychological stressors in the CUMS protocol, the influence of olfactory and auditory stimuli on animals, as well as the possible influence of various other factors that are rarely taken into account by researchers. We assume that careful inspection of these factors will increase the reproducibility of the CUMS model between laboratories and allow to make the interpretation of the obtained results and their comparison between laboratories to be more adequate.
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Allard C, Zizzari P, Quarta C, Cota D. Food intake and body weight in rodent studies: the devil is in the details. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1424-1426. [PMID: 36253619 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00658-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Allard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Zizzari
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carmelo Quarta
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
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Davies JR, Purawijaya DA, Bartlett JM, Robinson ESJ. Impact of Refinements to Handling and Restraint Methods in Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172173. [PMID: 36077894 PMCID: PMC9454836 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that, compared to non-aversive handling methods (i.e., tunnel and cupping), tail handling has a negative impact on mouse welfare. Despite this evidence, there are still research organisations that continue to use tail handling. Here, we investigated handling for routine husbandry by three different methods: tail, cupping and tube in a relevant real-world scenario involving mice bred off-site. After transfer to the destination unit, mice were assessed for overt behaviours associated with anxiety and fear. Mice that experienced tail handling were less easy to handle, were more responsive to the box opening, and scored lower in a hand approach test. One barrier to non-tail handling methods is the current practice of restraining mice by the tail for procedures. We therefore next assessed whether a modified method for restraint that takes the animal from cupping to restraint without the use of the tail was associated with better welfare. This refined restraint method reduced overt signs of distress although we did not find any differences in corticosterone levels or anxiety-related behaviours. These findings suggest that avoiding tail handling throughout the animal’s laboratory experience, including during restraint, benefits their welfare.
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Mieske P, Hobbiesiefken U, Fischer-Tenhagen C, Heinl C, Hohlbaum K, Kahnau P, Meier J, Wilzopolski J, Butzke D, Rudeck J, Lewejohann L, Diederich K. Bored at home?—A systematic review on the effect of environmental enrichment on the welfare of laboratory rats and mice. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:899219. [PMID: 36061113 PMCID: PMC9435384 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.899219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Boredom is an emotional state that occurs when an individual has nothing to do, is not interested in the surrounding, and feels dreary and in a monotony. While this condition is usually defined for humans, it may very well describe the lives of many laboratory animals housed in small, barren cages. To make the cages less monotonous, environmental enrichment is often proposed. Although housing in a stimulating environment is still used predominantly as a luxury good and for treatment in preclinical research, enrichment is increasingly recognized to improve animal welfare. To gain insight into how stimulating environments influence the welfare of laboratory rodents, we conducted a systematic review of studies that analyzed the effect of enriched environment on behavioral parameters of animal well–being. Remarkably, a considerable number of these parameters can be associated with symptoms of boredom. Our findings show that a stimulating living environment is essential for the development of natural behavior and animal welfare of laboratory rats and mice alike, regardless of age and sex. Conversely, confinement and under-stimulation has potentially detrimental effects on the mental and physical health of laboratory rodents. We show that boredom in experimental animals is measurable and does not have to be accepted as inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mieske
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Hobbiesiefken
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Carola Fischer-Tenhagen
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Céline Heinl
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pia Kahnau
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer Meier
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Wilzopolski
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Butzke
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Rudeck
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Diederich
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kai Diederich
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47
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Ribeiro FM, Correia PMM, Santos AC, Veloso JFCA. A guideline proposal for mice preparation and care in 18F-FDG PET imaging. EJNMMI Res 2022; 12:49. [PMID: 35962869 PMCID: PMC9375789 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-022-00921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The experimental outcomes of small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18F-labelled fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) can be particularly compromised by animal preparation and care. Several works intend to improve research reporting and amplify the quality and reliability of published research. Though these works provide valuable information to plan and conduct animal studies, manuscripts describe different methodologies—standardization does not exist. Consequently, the variation in details reported can explain the difference in the experimental results found in the literature. Additionally, the resources and guidelines defining protocols for small-animal imaging are scarce, making it difficult for researchers to obtain and compare accurate and reproducible data. Considering the selection of suitable procedures key to ensure animal welfare and research improvement, this paper aims to prepare the way for a future guideline on mice preparation and care for PET imaging with 18F-FDG. For this purpose, a global standard protocol was created based on recommendations and good practices described in relevant literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Ribeiro
- Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (i3N), Department of Physics, University of Aveiro (DFis-UA), 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - P M M Correia
- Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (i3N), Department of Physics, University of Aveiro (DFis-UA), 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A C Santos
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra (FMUC), Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J F C A Veloso
- Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (i3N), Department of Physics, University of Aveiro (DFis-UA), 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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48
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Collins HM, Pinacho R, Ozdemir D, Bannerman DM, Sharp T. Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation on anxiety-like behaviours in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:794-805. [PMID: 35607713 PMCID: PMC9247435 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221093032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abrupt cessation of therapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is associated with a discontinuation syndrome, typified by numerous disabling symptoms, including anxiety. Surprisingly, little is known of the behavioural effect of SSRI discontinuation in animals. AIM Here, the effect of SSRI discontinuation on anxiety-like behaviour was systematically investigated in mice. METHODS Experiments were based on a three-arm experimental design comprising saline, continued SSRI and discontinued SSRI. Mice were assessed 2 days after SSRI discontinuation over a 5-day period using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and other anxiety tests. RESULTS An exploratory experiment found cessation of paroxetine (12 days) was associated with decreased open-arm exploration and reduced total distance travelled, in male but not female mice. Follow-up studies confirmed a discontinuation effect on the EPM in male mice after paroxetine (12 days) and also citalopram (12 days). Mice receiving continued paroxetine (but not citalopram) also showed decreased open-arm exploration but this was dissociable from the effects of discontinuation. The discontinuation response to paroxetine did not strengthen after 28 days of treatment but was absent after 7 days of treatment. A discontinuation response was not discernible in other anxiety and fear-learning tests applied 3-5 days after treatment cessation. Finally, discontinuation effects on the EPM were typically associated with decreased locomotion on the test. However, separate locomotor testing implicated anxiety-provoked behavioural inhibition rather than a general reduction in motor activity. CONCLUSION Overall, this study provides evidence for a short-lasting behavioural discontinuation response to cessation of SSRI treatment in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Collins
- Department of Pharmacology,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Department of Experimental
Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raquel Pinacho
- Department of Pharmacology,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Department of Experimental
Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dersu Ozdemir
- Department of Pharmacology,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David M Bannerman
- Department of Experimental
Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Trevor Sharp, Department of
Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT,
UK.
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49
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Mallien AS, Pfeiffer N, Brandwein C, Inta D, Sprengel R, Palme R, Talbot SR, Gass P. Comparative Severity Assessment of Genetic, Stress-Based, and Pharmacological Mouse Models of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:908366. [PMID: 35783227 PMCID: PMC9245036 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.908366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animals in neurosciences is pivotal to gaining insights into complex functions and dysfunctions of behavior. For example, various forms of physical and/or psychological stress are inherent to various animal models for psychiatric disorders, e.g., depression. Regarding animal welfare, it would be mandatory to use models that inflict the least amount of stress necessary to address the underlying scientific question. This study compared the severity of different approaches to induce depression in mice: mutagenesis in GluA1 knockout, immobilization stress, and stress-induction via stress hormone treatment. While genetic alterations potentially represent a lifelong burden, the temporary intervention only affects the animals for a limited time. Therefore, we used home cage-based behavioral and physiological parameters, including nest building, burrowing, body weight, and fecal corticosterone metabolites, to determine the well-being of male and female mice. In addition, we performed an evidence-based estimate of severity using a composite score for relative severity assessment (RELSA) with this data. We found that even though restraint stress and supplementation of corticosterone in the diet both aimed at depression-related precipitating stress effects, the latter affected the well-being much stronger, especially in females. Restraint leads to less noticeable well-being impairments but causes depression-associated anhedonic behavior. Mice of both sexes recovered well from the stress treatment. GluA1 KO and their littermates showed diminished well-being, comparable to the immobilization experiments. However, since this is a lifelong condition, this burden is not reversible and potentially accumulative. In line with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), the process of choosing the most suitable model should ideally include an evidence-based severity assessment to be able to opt for the least severe alternative, which still induces the desired effect. Promoting refinement, in our study, this would be the restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Stephanie Mallien,
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Brandwein
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dragos Inta
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Community Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPIMF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven R. Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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50
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Mohapatra AN, Netser S, Wagner S. Modular Electrode Array for Multi-site Extracellular Recordings from Brains of Freely Moving Rodents. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e399. [PMID: 35536117 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Multi-site extracellular recordings from awake, freely moving rodents are an insightful technique that allows deduction of the dynamics of neural activity within a network of brain regions. Multiple advances in the design and materials of recording setups are available in the literature. However, most of these designs require several skill sets to assemble the electrodes and are expensive. Here, we explain in detail a custom design to build a multi-site (16 sites) electrode array (EA) and record extracellular electrical signals (local field potential and multi-unit spiking activity) at variable depths in freely behaving rodents. This EA weighs ∼3.0 g and costs less than $30. It provides mesoscopic neural activity maps (at millimeter scale) at low spatial resolution, thus enabling the experimenting group to further target specific regions with more expensive high-density probes at the resolution of an individual neuron. The article outlines the processes of building and implanting the array and recording neural activity during a behavior task. We also highlight the limitations of our design and the necessary steps to troubleshoot common issues faced during the initial implementation of the protocols. Finally, we explain the specific data one would obtain while using the probes during social interactions between rodents. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of the electrode array Basic Protocol 2: Surgical implantation of the electrode array Basic Protocol 3: Recording of neural activity from the electrode array while a mouse performs social investigation of a novel conspecific Basic Protocol 4: Histology and electrode registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Nath Mohapatra
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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