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Schuster CJ, Murray KN, Sanders JL, Couch CE, Kent ML. Review of Pseudoloma neurophilia (Microsporidia): A common neural parasite of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13040. [PMID: 38961716 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13040] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is now the second most used animal model in biomedical research. As with other vertebrate models, underlying diseases and infections often impact research. Beyond mortality and morbidity, these conditions can compromise research end points by producing nonprotocol induced variation within experiments. Pseudoloma neurophilia, a microsporidium that targets the central nervous system, is the most frequently diagnosed pathogen in zebrafish facilities. The parasite undergoes direct, horizontal transmission within populations, and is also maternally transmitted with spores in ovarian fluid and occasionally within eggs. This transmission explains the wide distribution among research laboratories as new lines are generally introduced as embryos. The infection is chronic, and fish apparently never recover following the initial infection. However, most fish do not exhibit outward clinical signs. Histologically, the parasite occurs as aggregates of spores throughout the midbrain and spinal cord and extends to nerve roots. It often elicits meninxitis, myositis, and myodegeneration when it infects the muscle. There are currently no described therapies for the parasite, thus the infection is best avoided by screening with PCR-based tests and removal of infected fish from a facility. Examples of research impacts include reduced fecundity, behavioral changes, transcriptome alterations, and autofluorescent lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin J Schuster
- Department of Natural Science, Heritage University, Toppenish, Washington, USA
| | - Katrina N Murray
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Justin L Sanders
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Claire E Couch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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2
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Hankenson FC, Prager EM, Berridge BR. Advocating for Generalizability: Accepting Inherent Variability in Translation of Animal Research Outcomes. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:391-410. [PMID: 38358839 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-043531] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Advancing scientific discovery requires investigators to embrace research practices that increase transparency and disclosure about materials, methods, and outcomes. Several research advocacy and funding organizations have produced guidelines and recommended practices to enhance reproducibility through detailed and rigorous research approaches; however, confusion around vocabulary terms and a lack of adoption of suggested practices have stymied successful implementation. Although reproducibility of research findings cannot be guaranteed due to extensive inherent variables in attempts at experimental repetition, the scientific community can advocate for generalizability in the application of data outcomes to ensure a broad and effective impact on the comparison of animals to translation within human research. This report reviews suggestions, based upon work with National Institutes of Health advisory groups, for improving rigor and transparency in animal research through aspects of experimental design, statistical assessment, and reporting factors to advocate for generalizability in the application of comparative outcomes between animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Hankenson
- Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - E M Prager
- Research Program Management, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York, USA;
| | - B R Berridge
- B2 Pathology Solutions LLC, Cary, North Carolina, USA;
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3
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Myslivecek J, Lung CW, Martins-Marques T, Orange ST, Hiura M, Ding Y. Editorial: Model organisms and experimental models: opportunities and challenges in clinical and translational physiology. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1267842. [PMID: 37772063 PMCID: PMC10523778 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1267842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi-Wen Lung
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Tania Martins-Marques
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Samuel T. Orange
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mikio Hiura
- Center for Brain and Health Sciences, Aomori University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yonghe Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- The Biomedical Sciences Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Schuster CJ, Leong C, Kasschau KD, Sharpton TJ, Kent ML. Early detection of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa by qPCR in four lines of zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton 1882). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2023; 46:619-627. [PMID: 36821594 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa in zebrafish (Danio rerio) causes profound intestinal lesions, emaciation and death and is a promoter of a common intestinal cancer in zebrafish. This nematode has been detected in zebrafish from about 15% of the laboratories. Adult worms are readily detected about 3 weeks after exposure by either histology or wet mount preparations of the intestine, and larval worms are inconsistently observed in fish before this time. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) test was recently developed to detect the worm in fish and water, and here we determined that the test on zebrafish intestines was effective for earlier detection. Four lines of zebrafish (AB, TU, 5D and Casper) were experimentally infected and evaluated by wet mounts and qPCR at 8, 15-, 22-, 31- and 44-day post-exposure (dpe). At the first two time points, only 8% of the wet mounts from exposed fish were identified as infected, while the same intestines screened by qPCR showed 78% positivity, with low and consistent cycle threshold (Ct) values at these times. Wet mounts at later time points showed a high prevalence of infection, but this was still surpassed by qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin J Schuster
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Connor Leong
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Kristin D Kasschau
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Thomas J Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Statistics Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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Liu JY, Sayes CM. Lung surfactant as a biophysical assay for inhalation toxicology. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 4:100101. [PMID: 36687216 PMCID: PMC9849875 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung surfactant (LS) is a mixture of lipids and proteins that forms a thin film at the gas-exchange surfaces of the alveoli. The components and ultrastructure of LS contribute to its biophysical and biochemical functions in the respiratory system, most notably the lowering of surface tension to facilitate breathing mechanics. LS inhibition can be caused by metabolic deficiencies or the intrusion of endogenous or exogenous substances. While LS has been sourced from animals or synthesized for clinical therapeutics, the biofluid mixture has also gained recent interest as a biophysical model for inhalation toxicity. Various methods can be used to evaluate LS function quantitatively or qualitatively after exposure to potential toxicants. A narrative review of the recent literature was conducted. Studies focused whether LS was inhibited by various environmental contaminants, nanoparticles, or manufactured products. A review is also conducted on synthetic lung surfactants (SLS), which have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional animal-sourced LS. The intrinsic advantages and recent advances of SLS make a strong case for more widespread usage in LS-based toxicological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christie M. Sayes
- Corresponding author at: Baylor University, Department of Environmental Science, One Bear Place # 97266, Waco, TX 76798-7266.
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Schuster CJ, Kreul TG, Al-Samarrie CE, Peterson JT, Sanders JL, Kent ML. Progression of infection and detection of Pseudoloma neurophilia in zebrafish Danio rerio Hamilton by PCR and histology. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2022; 45:1463-1475. [PMID: 35749556 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pseudoloma neurophilia is a critical threat to the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model, as it is the most common infectious agent found in research facilities. In this study, our objectives were two-fold: (1) compare the application of diagnostic tools for P. neurophilia and (2) track the progression of infection using PCR and histology. The first experiment showed that whole-body analysis by qPCR (WB-qPCR) can be a standardized process, providing a streamlined diagnostic protocol, without the need for extraction of specific tissues. Evaluating the course of infection in experimentally infected fish, we showed key dynamics in infection. Starting with a low dose exposure of 8000 spores/fish, the prevalence remained low until 92 days post-exposure (dpe), followed by a 30%-40% prevalence by histology or 40%-90% by PCR until the end of the experiment at 334 dpe. WB-qPCR positively detected infection in more fish than histology throughout the study, as WB-qPCR detected the parasite as early as 4 dpe, whereas it was undetected by histology until 92 dpe. We also added a second slide for histologic analyses, showing an increase in detection rate from 24% to 26% when we combined all data from our experiments, but this increase was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin J Schuster
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Taylor G Kreul
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | - James T Peterson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Justin L Sanders
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Berridge BR. Animal Study Translation: The Other Reproducibility Challenge. ILAR J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animal research is currently an irreplaceable contributor to our efforts to protect and improve public health. Its relevance, importance, and contributions are represented in historical precedent, regulatory expectations, evidence of our rapidly developing understanding of human health and disease, as well as success in the development of novel therapeutics that are improving quality of life and extending human and animal life expectancy. The rapid and evolving success in responding to the current COVID pandemic significantly supported by animal studies is a clear example of the importance of animal research. But there is growing interest in reducing our dependence on animals and challenges to the effective translation of current animal studies to human applications. There are several potential contributors to gaps in the translatability of animal research to humans, including our approaches to choosing or rationalizing the relevance of a particular animal model, our understanding of their biological variability and how that applies to outcomes, the data we collect from animal studies, and even how we manage the animals. These important contributors to the success of animal research are explored in this issue of the ILAR Journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Berridge
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research, Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Kinter LB, Johnson DK, Weichbrod RH, Prentice ED, Simmonds RC, Houghton PW, Whitney RA, DeGeorge J, DeHaven WR, Kramer K, DeTolla L. Fit for Purpose Assessment: A New Direction for IACUCs. ILAR J 2021; 62:314-331. [PMID: 35512294 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilac006] [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: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization and function of the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) is the key component of government regulation and oversight of necessary scientific research using live animals and of AAALAC - International accreditation of animal care and use programs in the United States. The regulations, roles, and responsibilities of IACUCs have evolved since their inception 35 years ago from a limited focus on animal welfare and specific animal procedures to embracing scientific quality, data reproducibility and translation, and animal welfare as inextricably interdependent and critical components of generation of new scientific knowledge and medical treatments. A current challenge for IACUCs is in evaluating whether benefits to be derived (eg, new knowledge or treatments) justify any unavoidable pain, stress, or injury associated with proposed research protocols, because the former are long-term and at best speculative outcomes, whereas the latter are immediate and tangible for the study animals. Scientific consensus is that research most likely to generate significant new knowledge and medical treatments is that conducted to high scientific, technical, and quality standards and reported with full transparency to facilitate reproducibility. As an alternative to current benefits evaluations included in risk benefit and harm benefit constructs, the authors propose that IACUCs assess the proposed research for scientific quality and alignment of study elements with the study purpose (e.g., Fit for Purpose [FfP]), including justifications for study design components, selection of primary endpoints and technologies, rationale for data and statistical analyses, and research communication plans. Fit for Purpose endpoints are objective, immediate, and impactful as are the potential risks for study animals, and at the same time they are the best predictors for achievement of longer-term benefits. We propose that IACUCs and any revision of The ILAR Guide consider FfP concepts in place of traditional benefits assessment to accelerate the generation of new knowledge and treatments benefiting medical and veterinary patients and the environment through better science and animal welfare rather than to continue to rely on speculative future outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis B Kinter
- President and Principal Scientist, GLP Scientific Consulting LLC, Unionville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Robert H Weichbrod
- Animal Program Administrator (retired), National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ernest D Prentice
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Paul W Houghton
- Primatologist and Principal, Primate Products, Inc, Immokalee, Florida, USA
| | - Robert A Whitney
- Former Director of The National Center of Research Resources (NCRR), NIH, Bethesda, MD and former Chair of the US Government Interagency Research Animal Committee (IRAC), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph DeGeorge
- Principal and Managing Partner, Bianca Holdings, LLC, Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - W Ron DeHaven
- President, DeHaven Veterinary Solutions, LLC, El Dorado Hills, California, USA
| | - Klaas Kramer
- Laboratory Animal Welfare Officer (retired), VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louis DeTolla
- Founding Director of the Comparative Medicine Program (retired), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Kinter LB, Dysko RC, Natterson-Horowitz B, Brayton CF. History of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. ILAR J 2021; 62:278-294. [PMID: 36515581 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilac017] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) was created within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) in 1953 when biomedical research using animals was in its infancy in terms of quantity, quality, complexity, sophistication, and care. Over the intervening 69 years, ILAR has witnessed unprecedented growth, followed by unprecedented decline, and then regrowth in usage of specific species and models and an overall shift in experimental burden away from larger to smaller species (ie, mice, fish, and rats). ILAR has contributed much to the evolution of necessary research using animals and animal models for the benefit of humans, animals, and the environment and to the development and implementation of humane principles and standards for care and use of research animals. ILAR has served as a "neutral broker" seeking consensus, solutions, common ground, and pathways forward for all professional constituencies engaged in conduct of animal research. In 2022, ILAR will become the Board on Animal Health Sciences, Conservation, and Research (BAHSCR) within the Division on Earth and Life Studies of the National Academies and the ILAR Journal will pause publication with volume 62. This manuscript recounts the history and accomplishments of ILAR 1953-2022, emphasizing the past 2 decades. The manuscript draws upon ILAR's communications and previously published histories to document ILAR's leaders, reports, publications, conferences, workshops, and roundtables using text, tables, references, and extensive supplemental tables. The authors' intention is to provide the scientific community with a single source document for ILAR, and they apologize for any omissions and errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis B Kinter
- GLP Scientific Consulting, Unionville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert C Dysko
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Cory F Brayton
- Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Murray KN, Clark TS, Kebus MJ, Kent ML. Specific Pathogen Free - A review of strategies in agriculture, aquaculture, and laboratory mammals and how they inform new recommendations for laboratory zebrafish. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:78-93. [PMID: 34864461 PMCID: PMC9120263 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals are bred and managed to exclude pathogens associated with significant morbidity or mortality that may secondarily pose a risk to public health, food safety and food security, and research replicability. Generating and maintaining SPF animals requires detailed biosecurity planning for control of housing, environmental, and husbandry factors and a history of regimented pathogen testing. Successful programs involve comprehensive risk analysis and exclusion protocols that are rooted in a thorough understanding of pathogen lifecycle and modes of transmission. In this manuscript we review the current state of SPF in domestic agriculture (pigs and poultry), aquaculture (salmonids and shrimp), and small laboratory mammals. As the use of laboratory fish, especially zebrafish (Danio rerio), as models of human disease is expanding exponentially, it is prudent to define standards for SPF in this field. We use the guiding principles from other SPF industries and evaluate zebrafish pathogens against criteria to be on an SPF list, to propose recommendations for establishing and maintaining SPF laboratory zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina N Murray
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - Tannia S Clark
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Myron J Kebus
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Madison, WI 53708, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Zebrafish International Resource Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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