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Ross G, Radtke-Schuller S, Frohlich F. Ferret as a model system for studying the anatomy and function of the prefrontal cortex: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105701. [PMID: 38718987 PMCID: PMC11162921 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105701] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
There is a lack of consensus on anatomical nomenclature, standards of documentation, and functional equivalence of the frontal cortex between species. There remains a major gap between human prefrontal function and interpretation of findings in the mouse brain that appears to lack several key prefrontal areas involved in cognition and psychiatric illnesses. The ferret is an emerging model organism that has gained traction as an intermediate model species for the study of top-down cognitive control and other higher-order brain functions. However, this research has yet to benefit from synthesis. Here, we provide a summary of all published research pertaining to the frontal and/or prefrontal cortex of the ferret across research scales. The targeted location within the ferret brain is summarized visually for each experiment, and the anatomical terminology used at time of publishing is compared to what would be the appropriate term to use presently. By doing so, we hope to improve clarity in the interpretation of both previous and future publications on the comparative study of frontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susanne Radtke-Schuller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Flavio Frohlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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2
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Iske C. An Update on Key Nutritional Factors in Ferret Nutrition. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2024; 27:31-45. [PMID: 37625942 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.07.002] [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: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
It is understood that ferrets are obligate carnivores. Constraints of manufacturing and cost make it difficult to align a single commercial diet to meet all physiological needs of ferrets. Thus, a combination of dietary formats should be offered. Ferret diets should be high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Emphasis should be placed on fat concentrations and protein-to-fat ratios, which can be targeted at 2:1. Plant-based ingredients do not have a place in ferret diets and could unbalance diets, particularly in amino acids. Items such as fruits, while highly palatable to ferrets, should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayla Iske
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107, USA.
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3
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Anderson-Mondella CJJ, Maines TR, Tansey CM, Belser JA. Meeting Ferret Enrichment Needs in Infectious Disease Laboratory Settings. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:518-524. [PMID: 37857467 PMCID: PMC10772907 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is a necessary component of all research vivarium settings. However, appropriate enrichment decisions vary greatly depending on the species involved and the research use of the animals. The increasing use of ferrets in research settings-notably for modeling the pathogenicity and transmissibility of viral pathogens that require containment in ABSL-2 to -4 environments-presents a particular challenge for veterinary and research staff to ensure that enrichment needs for these animals are met consistently. Here, we discuss the species-specific enrichment needs of ferrets, enrichment considerations for ferrets housed in research settings, and the challenges and importance of providing appropriate enrichment during experimentation, including when ferrets are housed in high-containment facilities. This article is organized to support the easy availability of information that will facilitate the design and implementation of optimal environmental enrichment for ferrets used in diverse research efforts in vivarium settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Challie JJ Anderson-Mondella
- Comparative Medicine Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, Georgia; and
| | - Taronna R Maines
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cassandra M Tansey
- Comparative Medicine Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica A Belser
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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4
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Jimenez IA, Craney MC, Painter MC, Burch-Strong KE, Plunkard JCM, Villano JS, Hopper LM. Behavioral Evaluation of Laboratory-housed Ferrets ( Mustela Putorius Furo) in Different Enclosure Sizes. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:382-394. [PMID: 37673662 PMCID: PMC10597328 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a common research model for infectious disease and behavioral studies. Ferrets are social animals that are commonly pair-housed. The United States has no species-specific regulatory standards for housing ferrets. Optimal enclosure dimensions have also not been investigated in this species, and cage sizes reported in the literature vary. Adequate space is an important animal welfare consideration, as smaller cages have been linked to increased incidence of stress- or boredom-related behaviors in some species. Here, we evaluated activity budget and space utilization in 2 different enclosure sizes for pair-housed female ferrets (n = 12). Single cages measured 78.7×78.7×45.7cm; double cages were comprised of 2 single cages connected by a short tunnel measuring 17.8 cm. Three pairs of ferrets were housed in each cage size and continuous video recordings were captured for 2 wk prior to crossover to the other cage size. The overall activity budget was similar between groups, with the predominant behavior being inactivity (89%). Stereotypic behaviors, such as cage biting or escape attempts, were infrequent (<0.1%) in both groups. Ferrets in double cages remained in the same cage as their partner 96% of the time, suggesting that social support is very valuable. Our results suggest that ferrets in both cage sizes experienced satisfactory welfare conditions. Our findings also suggest that while cage size is not the only determinant of conspecific aggression, larger cages may be an effective intervention to ameliorate aggression in certain ferrets based on signalment or behavioral history, with particular utility as a potential alternative to re-pairing or single-housing. This study provides valuable information to guide animal care and use programs regarding appropriate ferret housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A Jimenez
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Morgan C Craney
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Melissa C Painter
- Research Animal Resources, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kayla E Burch-Strong
- Research Animal Resources, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessica C M Plunkard
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jason S Villano
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Research Animal Resources, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lydia M Hopper
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Research Animal Resources, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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5
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Smith RE, Choudhary S, Ramirez JA. Ferrets as Models for Viral Respiratory Disease. Comp Med 2023; 73:187-193. [PMID: 37258084 PMCID: PMC10290486 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-22-000064] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) have been used in biomedical research to study influenza viruses since the early 20th century. Ferrets have continued to gain importance for the study of viral respiratory disease due to their disease susceptibility and anatomic similarities to humans. Here we review features of ferret biology and management that should be considered when planning to work with this species, particularly in models of respiratory disease. We specifically discuss biosafety and husbandry, clinical and pathologic assessments, and anesthetic considerations for ferrets with respiratory disease and systemic illness. These considerations are important for animal welfare, fidelity of the model to human disease, and ensuring accuracy and reproducibility of acquired data. Finally, we briefly review the use of ferrets to study respiratory diseases by discussing their respiratory anatomy and 2 frequently studied viral respiratory diseases, influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julita A Ramirez
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, New York 10965, USA;,
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6
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Managing the Health of Captive Herds of Exotic Companion Mammals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2021; 24:547-566. [PMID: 34366010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2021.05.006] [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: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Common medical problems diagnosed and treated in individual companion exotic mammals are relevant in a herd-health setting. Many of these problems are often associated with poor husbandry and/or inappropriate nutrition. Rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, and rodents have been domesticated alongside humans and an understanding of their ethology gives veterinarians a base knowledge in making recommendations for animals in their care. This article briefly reviews the ethology and husbandry in such species, but detailed needs are beyond the scope of this article.
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7
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Yi Y, Sun X, Liang B, He N, Gibson-Corley KN, Norris AW, Engelhardt JF, Uc A. Acute pancreatitis-induced islet dysfunction in ferrets. Pancreatology 2021; 21:839-847. [PMID: 33994067 PMCID: PMC8355067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2021.04.008] [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: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /Objectives: The pathogenesis of hyperglycemia during acute pancreatitis (AP) remains unknown due to inaccessibility of human tissues and lack of animal models. We aimed to develop an animal model to study the mechanisms of hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance in AP. METHODS We injected ferrets with intraperitoneal cerulein (50 μg/kg, 9 hourly injections) or saline. Blood samples were collected for glucose (0, 4, 8, 12, 24h); TNF-α, IL-6 (6h); amylase, lipase, insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) (24h). Animals underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) at 24h or 3 months, followed by harvesting pancreas for histopathology and immunostaining. RESULTS Cerulein-injected ferrets exhibited mild pancreatic edema, neutrophil infiltration, and elevations in serum amylase, lipase, TNF-α, IL-6, consistent with AP. Plasma glucose was significantly higher in ferrets with AP at all time points. Plasma glucagon, GLP-1 and PP were significantly higher in cerulein-injected animals, while plasma insulin was significantly lower compared to controls. OGTT and MMTT showed abnormal glycemic responses with higher area under the curve. The hypoglycemic response to insulin injection was completely lost, suggestive of insulin resistance. OGTT showed low plasma insulin; MMTT confirmed low insulin and GIP; abnormal OGTT and MMTT responses returned to normal 3 months after cerulein injection. CONCLUSIONS Acute cerulein injection causes mild acute pancreatitis in ferrets and hyperglycemia related to transient islet cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. The ferret cerulein model may contribute to the understanding of hyperglycemia in acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Yi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Xingshen Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nan He
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Katherine N Gibson-Corley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew W Norris
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, lowa City, IA, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - John F Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Iowa City, IA, USA; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Aliye Uc
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, lowa City, IA, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology; University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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8
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Atala A, Henn A, Lundberg M, Ahsan T, Greenberg J, Krukin J, Lynum S, Lutz C, Cetrulo K, Albanna M, Pereira T, Eaker S, Hunsberger J. Regen med therapeutic opportunities for fighting COVID-19. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:5-13. [PMID: 32856432 PMCID: PMC7461298 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This perspective from a Regenerative Medicine Manufacturing Society working group highlights regenerative medicine therapeutic opportunities for fighting COVID-19. This article addresses why SARS-CoV-2 is so different from other viruses and how regenerative medicine is poised to deliver new therapeutic opportunities to battle COVID-19. We describe animal models that depict the mechanism of action for COVID-19 and that may help identify new treatments. Additionally, organoid platforms that can recapitulate some of the physiological properties of human organ systems, such as the lungs and the heart, are discussed as potential platforms that may prove useful in rapidly screening new drugs and identifying at-risk patients. This article critically evaluates some of the promising regenerative medicine-based therapies for treating COVID-19 and presents some of the collective technologies and resources that the scientific community currently has available to confront this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Martha Lundberg
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)BethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cat Lutz
- Jackson LabsMount Desert Island, MaineUSA
| | - Kyle Cetrulo
- International Perinatal Stem Cell Society, Inc.WestportConnecticutUSA
| | | | | | | | - Joshua Hunsberger
- Regenerative Medicine Manufacturing SocietyWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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9
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McCranor BJ, Jennings L, Tressler J, Tuet WY, DeLey Cox VE, Racine M, Stone S, Pierce S, Pueblo E, Dukes A, Litvin SR, Leyden MR, Vignola JN, Pennington MR, Wong B. Assessment of naloxone as a therapeutic for inhaled carfentanil in the ferret. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:1112-1120. [PMID: 32864344 PMCID: PMC7443168 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Carfentanil is a powerful synthetic opioid that is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Carfentanil was originally intended to be used as a sedative for big game animals in a veterinary setting, but it is becoming increasingly recognized as a public health concern. We set out to investigate the effectiveness of naloxone against a potentially lethal dose of inhaled carfentanil in male ferrets. Ferrets were implanted with telemetry devices to study cardiac parameters and exposed to aerosolized carfentanil in a whole-body plethysmography chamber to record respiratory parameters. We observed profound respiratory depression in exposed animals, which led to apneic periods constituting 24-31 % of the exposure period. Concomitant with these apneic periods, we also observed cardiac abnormalities in the form of premature junctional contractions (PJCs). At our acute exposure dose, lethal in 3 % of our animals, naïve ferrets were unresponsive and incapacitated for a total of 126.1 ± 24.6 min. When administered intramuscularly at human equivalent doses (HEDs) of either 5 mg or 10 mg, naloxone significantly reduced the time that ferrets were incapacitated following exposure, although we observed no significant difference in the reduction of time that the animals were incapacitated between the treatment groups. Naloxone was able to quickly resolve the respiratory depression, significantly reducing the frequency of apneic periods in carfentanil-exposed ferrets. Our results suggest that naloxone, when administered via intramuscular injection following incapacitation, is a viable treatment against the effects of a potentially lethal dose of inhaled carfentanil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J McCranor
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Laura Jennings
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Justin Tressler
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Wing Y Tuet
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Vanessa E DeLey Cox
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Michelle Racine
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Samuel Stone
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Samuel Pierce
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Erin Pueblo
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Aliyah Dukes
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Samantha R Litvin
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Melissa R Leyden
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Justin N Vignola
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - M Ross Pennington
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
| | - Benjamin Wong
- Medical Toxicology Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), 8350 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, United States
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10
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Jones EJ, Poole KC, Sollini J, Town SM, Bizley JK. Seasonal weight changes in laboratory ferrets. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232733. [PMID: 32764762 PMCID: PMC7413526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are a valuable animal model used in biomedical research. Like many animals, ferrets undergo significant variation in body weight seasonally, affected by photoperiod, and these variations complicate the use weight as an indicator of health status. To overcome this requires a better understanding of these seasonal weight changes. We provide a normative weight data set for the female ferret accounting for seasonal changes, and also investigate the effect of fluid regulation on weight change. Female ferrets (n = 39) underwent behavioural testing from May 2017 to August 2019 and were weighed daily, while housed in an animal care facility with controlled light exposure. In the winter (October to March), animals experienced 10 hours of light and 14 hours of dark, while in summer (March to October), this contingency was reversed. Individual animals varied in their body weight from approximately 700 to 1200 g. However, weights fluctuated with light cycle, with animals losing weight in summer, and gaining weight in winter such that they fluctuated between approximately 80% and 120% of their long-term average. Ferrets were weighed as part of their health assessment while experiencing water regulation for behavioural training. Water regulation superimposed additional weight changes on these seasonal fluctuations, with weight loss during the 5-day water regulation period being greater in summer than winter. Analysing the data with a Generalised Linear Model confirmed that the percentage decrease in weight per week was relatively constant throughout the summer months, while the percentage increase in body weight per week in winter decreased through the season. Finally, we noted that the timing of oestrus was reliably triggered by the increase in day length in spring. These data establish a normative benchmark for seasonal weight variation in female ferrets that can be incorporated into the health assessment of an animal's condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J. Jones
- The Ear Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Katarina C. Poole
- The Ear Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Sollini
- The Ear Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Town
- The Ear Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer K. Bizley
- The Ear Institute, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom
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11
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Nakamura SI, Tsukahara T. Spontaneous abdominal hemangiosarcoma in a ferret. J Toxicol Pathol 2019; 32:283-287. [PMID: 31719755 PMCID: PMC6831491 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2018-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe the case of a 6-year-old female ferret that died within a few days of the onset of anorexia and reduced spontaneous locomotor activity. Necropsy revealed a dark red abdominal mass of unknown origin between the right lobes of the pancreas and the proximal jejunum, with massive blood retention in the peritoneal cavity. Histopathologically, spindle-shaped or sometimes polygonal tumor cells were proliferating with irregularly shaped vascular spaces containing blood components and surrounding-tissue infiltration. In some areas, tumor cells formed distinctly dilated blood vessel-like structures. Immunohistochemically, most of the tumor cells were strongly positive for CD31, but factor VIII-related antigen immunoreactivity was confined to the area with dilated blood vessel-like structures. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an abdominal hemangiosarcoma. Abdominal hemangiosarcoma excluding cases of the liver and spleen are rare in ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Nakamura
- Kyoto Institute of Nutrition & Pathology Inc., 7-2 Furuiketani, Tachikawa, Ujitawara, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto 610-0231, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Tsukahara
- Kyoto Institute of Nutrition & Pathology Inc., 7-2 Furuiketani, Tachikawa, Ujitawara, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto 610-0231, Japan
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12
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Boeri CR, Horsmon MS. Implantation of Vascular Access Buttons™ for Prolonged Blood Collection in Venously-Catheterized Ferrets. J INVEST SURG 2019; 34:129-133. [PMID: 31394947 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2019.1606371] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In vivo research studies requiring repeated blood sampling ideally involve a simple collection technique while also minimizing stress and discomfort to the animal. Implantation of an indwelling vascular catheter provides a simple, pain-free route for repeated blood collection over an extended period of time. Ferrets were implanted with indwelling jugular vein catheters (JVCs) for daily collection of blood samples over the course of a three week study period. To prevent damage to the catheters by other ferrets, JVCs were attached to Vascular Access Buttons™ (VABs) due to their secure and self-contained design. Following surgery, no animals exhibited signs of disruption to their catheter as a result of group housing conditions. In combination with an indwelling catheter, the JVC/VAB system improved the ease of blood collection, requiring only a PinPort™ injector attached to a syringe. The VAB allowed blood collection from group-housed ferrets to be performed by a single technician, without the use of anesthesia, for up to 21 consecutive days.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S Horsmon
- Operational Toxicology Branch, US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen, MD, USA
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13
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Maternal Immune Activation Alters Adult Behavior, Gut Microbiome and Juvenile Brain Oscillations in Ferrets. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0313-18. [PMID: 30406186 PMCID: PMC6220580 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0313-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) has been identified as a causal factor in psychiatric disorders by epidemiological studies in humans and mechanistic studies in rodent models. Addressing this gap in species between mice and human will accelerate the understanding of the role of MIA in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Here, we provide the first study of MIA in the ferret (Mustela putorius furo), an animal model with a rich history of developmental investigations due to the similarities in developmental programs and cortical organization with primates. We found that after MIA by injection of PolyIC in the pregnant mother animal, the adult offspring exhibited reduced social behavior, less eye contact with humans, decreased recognition memory, a sex-specific increase in amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, and altered gut microbiome. We also studied the neurophysiological properties of the MIA ferrets in development by in-vivo recordings of the local field potential (LFP) from visual cortex in five- to six-week-old animals, and found that the spontaneous and sensory-evoked LFP had decreased power, especially in the gamma frequency band. Overall, our results provide the first evidence for the detrimental effect of MIA in ferrets and support the use of the ferret as an intermediate model species for the study of disorders with neurodevelopmental origin.
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Gustafson KD, Hawkins MG, Drazenovich TL, Church R, Brown SA, Ernest HB. Founder events, isolation, and inbreeding: Intercontinental genetic structure of the domestic ferret. Evol Appl 2018; 11:694-704. [PMID: 29875811 PMCID: PMC5979634 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestication and breeding for human-desired morphological traits can reduce population genetic diversity via founder events and artificial selection, resulting in inbreeding depression and genetic disorders. The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was domesticated from European polecats (M. putorius), transported to multiple continents, and has been artificially selected for several traits. The ferret is now a common pet, a laboratory model organism, and feral ferrets can impact native biodiversity. We hypothesized global ferret trade resulted in distinct international genetic clusters and that ferrets transported to other continents would have lower genetic diversity than ferrets from Europe because of extreme founder events and no hybridization with wild polecats or genetically diverse ferrets. To assess these hypotheses, we genotyped 765 ferrets at 31 microsatellites from 11 countries among the continents of North America, Europe, and Australia and estimated population structure and genetic diversity. Fifteen M. putorius were genotyped for comparison. Our study indicated ferrets exhibit geographically distinct clusters and highlights the low genetic variation in certain countries. Australian and North American clusters have the lowest genetic diversities and highest inbreeding metrics whereas the United Kingdom (UK) cluster exhibited intermediate genetic diversity. Non-UK European ferrets had high genetic diversity, possibly a result of introgression with wild polecats. Notably, Hungarian ferrets had the highest genetic diversity and Hungary is the only country sampled with two wild polecat species. Our research has broad social, economic, and biomedical importance. Ferret owners and veterinarians should be made aware of potential inbreeding depression. Breeders in North America and Australia would benefit by incorporating genetically diverse ferrets from mainland Europe. Laboratories using ferrets as biomedical organisms should consider diversifying their genetic stock and incorporating genetic information into bioassays. These results also have forensic applications for conserving the genetics of wild polecat species and for identifying and managing sources of feral ferrets causing ecosystem damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D. Gustafson
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology LaboratoryVeterinary SciencesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWYUSA
| | - Michelle G. Hawkins
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Tracy L. Drazenovich
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–DavisDavisCAUSA
| | | | | | - Holly B. Ernest
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology LaboratoryVeterinary SciencesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWYUSA
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Non-invasive blood pressure measurement in ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo ) using high definition oscillometry. Vet J 2017; 228:53-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Establishing the ferret as a gyrencephalic animal model of traumatic brain injury: Optimization of controlled cortical impact procedures. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 285:82-96. [PMID: 28499842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although rodent TBI studies provide valuable information regarding the effects of injury and recovery, an animal model with neuroanatomical characteristics closer to humans may provide a more meaningful basis for clinical translation. The ferret has a high white/gray matter ratio, gyrencephalic neocortex, and ventral hippocampal location. Furthermore, ferrets are amenable to behavioral training, have a body size compatible with pre-clinical MRI, and are cost-effective. NEW METHODS We optimized the surgical procedure for controlled cortical impact (CCI) using 9 adult male ferrets. We used subject-specific brain/skull morphometric data from anatomical MRIs to overcome across-subject variability for lesion placement. We also reflected the temporalis muscle, closed the craniotomy, and used antibiotics. We then gathered MRI, behavioral, and immunohistochemical data from 6 additional animals using the optimized surgical protocol: 1 control, 3 mild, and 1 severely injured animals (surviving one week) and 1 moderately injured animal surviving sixteen weeks. RESULTS The optimized surgical protocol resulted in consistent injury placement. Astrocytic reactivity increased with injury severity showing progressively greater numbers of astrocytes within the white matter. The density and morphological changes of microglia amplified with injury severity or time after injury. Motor and cognitive impairments scaled with injury severity. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The optimized surgical methods differ from those used in the rodent, and are integral to success using a ferret model. CONCLUSIONS We optimized ferret CCI surgery for consistent injury placement. The ferret is an excellent animal model to investigate pathophysiological and behavioral changes associated with TBI.
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Abstract
Ferrets have become more popular as household pets and as animal models in biomedical research in the past 2 decades. The average life span of ferrets is about 5-11 years with onset of geriatric diseases between 3-4 years including endocrinopathies, neoplasia, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiomyopathy, splenomegaly, renal diseases, dental diseases, and cataract. Endocrinopathies are the most common noninfectious disease affecting middle-aged and older ferrets. Spontaneous neoplasms affecting the endocrine system of ferrets appear to be increasing in prevalence with a preponderance toward proliferative lesions in the adrenal cortex and pancreatic islet cells. Diet, gonadectomy, and genetics may predispose ferrets to an increased incidence of these endocrinopathies. These functional proliferative lesions cause hypersecretion of hormones that alter the physiology and metabolism of the affected ferrets resulting in a wide range of clinical manifestations. However, there is an apparent dearth of information available in the literature about the causal relationship between aging and neoplasia in ferrets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of endocrine organs, disease incidence, age at diagnosis, clinical signs, pathology, and molecular markers available for diagnosis of various endocrine disorders in ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bakthavatchalu
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - S Muthupalani
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - R P Marini
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - J G Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Empie K, Rangarajan V, Juul SE. Is the ferret a suitable species for studying perinatal brain injury? Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 45:2-10. [PMID: 26102988 PMCID: PMC4793918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferret brain architecture, composition, and development are similar to humans. Postnatal ferret brain development is comparable to that of premature infants. Ferrets have potential to model preterm and term neonatal brain injury. Ferrets may fulfill the need for an intermediate model species of neurodevelopment. Many opportunities exist to expand the use of ferrets as research subjects.
Complications of prematurity often disrupt normal brain development and/or cause direct damage to the developing brain, resulting in poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Physiologically relevant animal models of perinatal brain injury can advance our understanding of these influences and thereby provide opportunities to develop therapies and improve long-term outcomes. While there are advantages to currently available small animal models, there are also significant drawbacks that have limited translation of research findings to humans. Large animal models such as newborn pig, sheep and nonhuman primates have complex brain development more similar to humans, but these animals are expensive, and developmental testing of sheep and piglets is limited. Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are born lissencephalic and undergo postnatal cortical folding to form complex gyrencephalic brains. This review examines whether ferrets might provide a novel intermediate animal model of neonatal brain disease that has the benefit of a gyrified, altricial brain in a small animal. It summarizes attributes of ferret brain growth and development that make it an appealing animal in which to model perinatal brain injury. We postulate that because of their innate characteristics, ferrets have great potential in neonatal neurodevelopmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Empie
- Department of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Sandra E Juul
- Department of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Abstract
The domestic ferret (Mustela putorious furo) is a strict carnivore, also referred to as an obligate carnivore. Its dentition and gastrointestinal tract are adapted to a carnivorous diet. Its ancestor, the European polecat (Mustela putorius), feeds on birds and other small vertebrates. Domesticated ferrets have been fed mink feeds, cat foods, and now mostly subsist on commercial ferret diets formulated specifically to meet their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy A Johnson-Delaney
- Washington Ferret Rescue and Shelter, Box 1034, 11700 Mukilteo Speedway, Suite 201, Mukilteo, WA 98275, USA.
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20
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Sui H, Yi Y, Yao J, Liang B, Sun X, Hu S, Uc A, Nelson DJ, Ode KL, Philipson LH, Engelhardt JF, Norris AW. Quantifying insulin sensitivity and entero-insular responsiveness to hyper- and hypoglycemia in ferrets. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90519. [PMID: 24594704 PMCID: PMC3940889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferrets are an important emerging model of cystic fibrosis related diabetes. However, there is little documented experience in the use of advanced techniques to quantify aspects of diabetes pathophysiology in the ferret. Glycemic clamps are the gold standard technique to assess both insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in humans and animal models of diabetes. We therefore sought to develop techniques for glycemic clamps in ferrets. To assess insulin sensitivity, we performed euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps in 5–6 week old ferrets in the anesthetized and conscious states. To assess insulin secretion, we performed hyperglycemic clamps in conscious ferrets. To evaluate responsiveness of ferret islet and entero-insular hormones to low glucose, a portion of the hyperglycemic clamps were followed by a hypoglycemic clamp. The euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps demonstrated insulin responsiveness in ferrets similar to that previously observed in humans and rats. The anesthetic isoflurane induced marked insulin resistance, whereas lipid emulsion induced mild insulin resistance. In conscious ferrets, glucose appearance was largely suppressed at 4 mU/kg/min insulin infusion, whereas glucose disposal was progressively increased at 4 and 20 mU/kg/min insulin. Hyperglycemic clamp induced first phase insulin secretion. Hypoglycemia induced a rapid diminishment of insulin, as well as a rise in glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide levels. The incretins GLP-1 and GIP were affected minimally by hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic clamp. These techniques will prove useful in better defining the pathophysiology in ferrets with cystic fibrosis related diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshu Sui
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America; Department of Histology and Embryology, Taishan Medical University, Taian Shandong, China
| | - Yaling Yi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jianrong Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Xingshen Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Shanming Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Aliye Uc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Deborah J Nelson
- Department of Neurobiology, Pharmacology & Physiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katie Larson Ode
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Louis H Philipson
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John F Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Andrew W Norris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
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21
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Talbot S, Freire R, Wassens S. Effect of captivity and management on behaviour of the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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22
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Ferrets further disease research. Lab Anim (NY) 2012; 41:217. [PMID: 22821038 PMCID: PMC7091997 DOI: 10.1038/laban0812-217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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23
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Han GZ, Worobey M. Endogenous lentiviral elements in the weasel family (Mustelidae). Mol Biol Evol 2012; 29:2905-8. [PMID: 22522310 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mss126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses provide molecular fossils for studying the ancient evolutionary history of retroviruses. Here, we report our independent discovery and analysis of endogenous lentiviral insertions (Mustelidae endogenous lentivirus [MELV]) within the genomes of weasel family (Mustelidae). Genome-scale screening identified MELV elements in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) genome (MELVmpf). MELVmpf exhibits a typical lentiviral genomic organization. Phylogenetic analyses position MELVmpf basal to either primate lentiviruses or feline immunodeficiency virus. Moreover, we verified the presence of MELV insertions in the genomes of several species of the Lutrinae and Mustelinae subfamilies but not the Martinae subfamily, suggesting that the invasion of MELV into the Mustelidae genomes likely took place between 8.8 and 11.8 Ma. The discovery of MELV in weasel genomes extends the host range of lentiviruses to the Caniformia (order Carnivora) and provides important insights into the prehistoric diversity of lentiviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Zhu Han
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona.
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24
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Abstract
Male ferrets are used in various biomedical research studies and generally thrive in laboratory conditions. Urethral obstruction can occur in male ferrets of all ages, and urethral catheterization may be needed to relieve the obstruction. This column describes urinary catheter selection, placement and monitoring in the male ferret.
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25
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Grunberg SM, Warr D, Gralla RJ, Rapoport BL, Hesketh PJ, Jordan K, Espersen BT. Evaluation of new antiemetic agents and definition of antineoplastic agent emetogenicity--state of the art. Support Care Cancer 2010; 19 Suppl 1:S43-7. [PMID: 20972805 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-010-1003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antiemetic drug development can follow the same logical path as antineoplastic drug development from appropriate preclinical models through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III testing. However, due to the marked success of antiemetic therapy over the last 25 years, placebo antiemetic treatment against highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy is not acceptable. Promising antiemetic agents therefore rapidly reach Phase III testing, where they are substituted into or added to effective and accepted regimens. One challenge of antiemetic drug development is determining whether substitution is indeed acceptable or whether prior regimens must be maintained intact as a basis for further antiemetic drug development. An additional challenge is the classification of emetogenic level of new antineoplastic agents. Accurate reporting of emetogenicity of such antineoplastic agents in the absence of preventive antiemetic treatment may not be available. However, at the 2009 Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)/European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Consensus Conference, an expert panel used best available data to establish rankings of emetogenicity. Oral chemotherapeutic agents are ranked separately from intravenous agents, recognizing intrinsic differences in emetogenicity as well as differing schedules of administration. Since oral chemotherapeutic agents are often administered in extended regimens, the distinction between acute and delayed emesis is less clear, and cumulative emesis must be considered. As control of vomiting has improved, attention has shifted to control of nausea, a related but distinct and equally important problem. Additional efforts will be necessary to understand mechanisms of nausea and to identify optimal remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Grunberg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Given Building E214, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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26
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Kuiken T, van den Brand J, van Riel D, Pantin-Jackwood M, Swayne DE. Comparative pathology of select agent influenza a virus infections. Vet Pathol 2010; 47:893-914. [PMID: 20682805 DOI: 10.1177/0300985810378651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A virus infections may spread rapidly in human populations and cause variable mortality. Two of these influenza viruses have been designated as select agents: 1918 H1N1 virus and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. Knowledge of the pathology of these virus infections in humans, other naturally infected species, and experimental animals is important to understand the pathogenesis of influenza, to design appropriate models for evaluation of medical countermeasures, and to make correct diagnoses. The most important complication of influenza in humans is viral pneumonia, which often occurs with or is followed by bacterial pneumonia. Viremia and extrarespiratory disease are uncommon. HPAI viruses, including HPAI H5N1 virus, cause severe systemic disease in galliform species as well as in anseriform species and bird species of other orders. HPAI H5N1 virus infection also causes severe disease in humans and several species of carnivores. Experimental animals are used to model different aspects of influenza in humans, including uncomplicated influenza, pneumonia, and virus transmission. The most commonly used experimental animal species are laboratory mouse, domestic ferret, and cynomolgus macaque. Experimental influenza virus infections are performed in various other species, including domestic pig, guinea pig, and domestic cat. Each of these species has advantages and disadvantages that need to be assessed before choosing the most appropriate model to reach a particular goal. Such animal models may be applied for the development of more effective antiviral drugs and vaccines to protect humans from the threat of these virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kuiken
- Erasmus MC, Department of Virology, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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27
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Response to Fasting in an Unnaturally Obese Carnivore, the Captive European Polecat Mustela putorius. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2009; 234:1287-95. [DOI: 10.3181/0904-rm-140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The European polecat ( Mustela putorius) is a naturally lean carnivore prone to excessive weight gain in captivity. This study assessed its suitability to investigate the natural history of the obese phenotype displayed in overweight humans, domestic animals, and seasonally obese wild mammals. Ten farm-bred polecats were subjected to a 5-day fast with 10 controls. Obesity (40% body fat) was associated with an unfavorable plasma lipid profile and high glucose and insulin concentrations. The polecats were in phase II of fasting with normoglycemia, low liver carbohydrate stores, and decreased plasma concentrations of urea and most amino acids. Although the plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels were elevated, the adipose tissue lipase activities suggested a blunted lipolytic response. Lipid mobilization was more efficient from intraabdominal fat. The animals developed hepatic lipidosis with elevated NEFA influx into the liver and losses of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and arginine as hypothetical etiological factors. The plasma leptin, insulin, and triiodothyronine levels decreased but were not accompanied by reduced sex steroid or increased stress hormone concentrations. The blunted lipolytic response often encountered in obesity suggests that the organism is trying to defend the obese phenotype. Liver lipidosis and decreased insulin and triiodothyronine levels seem to be among the most consistent responses to fasting manifested in diverse mammalian orders and different levels of body fatness. The polecat could be recommended as an easily accessible carnivorean model to study the natural history of the obese phenotype and its comorbidities.
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Fatty Acid Composition and Development of Hepatic Lipidosis During Food Deprivation—Mustelids as a Potential Animal Model for Liver Steatosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2009; 234:278-86. [DOI: 10.3181/0806-rm-210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome characterized by asymptomatic hepatic steatosis. It is present in most cases of human obesity but also caused e.g., by rapid weight loss. The patients have decreased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportions with decreased percentages of 18:3(n-3), 20:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3) and an increased n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in liver and/or white adipose tissue (WAT). The present study examined a new experimental model to study liver steatosis with possible future applications to NAFLD. Ten European polecats ( Mustela putorius), the wild form of the domestic ferret, were food-deprived for 5 days with 10 fed animals as controls. The food-deprived animals showed micro- and macrovesicular hepatic steatosis, decreased proportions of 20:5(n-3), 22:6(n-3) and total n-3 PUFA and increased n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios in liver and WAT. At the same time, the product/precursor ratios decreased in liver. The observed effects can be due to selective fatty acid mobilization preferring n-3 PUFA over n-6 PUFA, decreased Δ5 and Δ6 desaturase activities, oxidative stress, decreased arginine availability and activation of the endocannabinoid system. Hepatic lipidosis induced by food deprivation was manifested in the fatty acid composition of the polecat with similarities to human NAFLD despite the different principal etiologies.
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Chu YK, Ali GD, Jia F, Li Q, Kelvin D, Couch RC, Harrod KS, Hutt JA, Cameron C, Weiss SR, Jonsson CB. The SARS-CoV ferret model in an infection-challenge study. Virology 2008; 374:151-63. [PMID: 18234270 PMCID: PMC2831213 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2007.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2007] [Revised: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 12/16/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Phase I human clinical studies involving therapeutics for emerging and biodefense pathogens with low incidence, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), requires at a minimum preclinical evaluation of efficacy in two well-characterized and robust animal models. Thus, a ferret SARS-CoV model was evaluated over a period of 58 days following extensive optimization and characterization of the model in order to validate clinical, histopathological, virological and immunological endpoints. Ferrets that were infected intranasally with 103 TCID50 SARS-CoV showed higher body temperature (2–6 d.p.i.), sneezing (5–10 d.p.i.), lesions (5–7 d.p.i.) and decreased WBC/lymphocytes (2–5 d.p.i.). SARS-CoV was detected up to 7 d.p.i. in various tissues and excreta, while neutralizing antibody titers rose at 7 d.p.i. and peaked at 14 d.p.i. At 29 d.p.i., one group was challenged with 103 TCID50 SARS-CoV, and an anamnestic response in neutralizing antibodies was evident with no detectable virus. This study supports the validity of the ferret model for use in evaluating efficacy of potential therapeutics to treat SARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Kyu Chu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL, USA
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30
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A comparative analysis of carbon dioxide displacement rates for euthanasia of the ferret. Lab Anim (NY) 2008; 37:81-6. [PMID: 18216799 PMCID: PMC7091634 DOI: 10.1038/laban0208-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Though carbon dioxide asphyxiation is a common method of euthanasia for laboratory animals, species-specific guidelines have not been established for this procedure in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). The authors investigated the efficacy and stress effects of carbon dioxide euthanasia in 24 ferrets that had participated in previous experimental protocols. They euthanized ferrets by placing them in cages that were either prefilled with carbon dioxide or gradually filled at a displacement rate of 10%, 20% or 50% of the cage volume per min. Blinded observers subjectively evaluated ferret distress. Prefilling the cage or filling it at a rate of 50% volume per min resulted in less time to recumbency and to last breath than did filling the cage at a slower displacement rate. Slower carbon dioxide displacement rates also caused an increase in ferret blood glucose concentrations, which may indicate distress. Overall, observers found that prefilling the euthanasia cage caused the least stress to ferrets.
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31
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Bossart KN, Bingham J, Middleton D. Targeted strategies for henipavirus therapeutics. Open Virol J 2007; 1:14-25. [PMID: 19440455 PMCID: PMC2675550 DOI: 10.2174/1874357900701010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2007] [Revised: 09/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hendra and Nipah viruses are related emergent paramyxoviruses that infect and cause disease in animals and humans. Disease manifests as a generalized vasculitis affecting multiple organs, but is the most severe in the respiratory and central nervous systems. The high case fatality and person-to-person transmission associated with the most recent NiV outbreaks, and the recent re-emergence of HeV, emphasize the importance and necessity of effective therapeutics for these novel agents. In recent years henipavirus research has revealed a more complete understanding of pathogenesis and, as a consequence, viable approaches towards vaccines and therapeutics have emerged. All strategies target early steps in viral replication including receptor binding and membrane fusion. Animal models have been developed, some of which may prove more valuable than others for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic agents and regimes. Assessments of protective host immunity and drug pharmacokinetics will be crucial to the further advancement of therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine N Bossart
- CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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Svitek N, von Messling V. Early cytokine mRNA expression profiles predict Morbillivirus disease outcome in ferrets. Virology 2007; 362:404-10. [PMID: 17289104 PMCID: PMC2697062 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 01/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Severe immunosuppression is a hallmark of Morbillivirus infections. To study the underlying mechanisms, we have developed a ferret model of canine distemper virus infection. The model reproduces all clinical signs of measles, but the lack of ferret-specific reagents has limited the characterization of the cellular immune response. Towards this, we cloned ferret cytokines and established semi-quantitative real-time PCR assays. To demonstrate the utility of these assays we compared the cytokine profiles elicited by lethal and non-lethal strains during the prodromal phase. We observed a general lack of cytokine induction in animals that later succumbed to the disease, whereas survivors mounted a robust and sustained response. The newly developed cytokine assays strengthen and expand the ferret model not only for Morbillivirus pathogenesis studies but also for several other human respiratory viruses including influenza and SARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Svitek
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Quebec, 531, boul. des Prairies, Laval, Quebec, Canada H7V 1B7
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Schapiro SA, Everitt JI. Preparation of animals for use in the laboratory: issues and challenges for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). ILAR J 2006; 47:370-5. [PMID: 16963817 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.47.4.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preparation of animals is important for optimization of animal welfare as well as to minimize interanimal variation, thereby strengthening the quality of data for in vivo studies. These issues are important in the work of institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs), but they pose many challenges as well. This article provides IACUC members with a resource for use in determining whether and how preparation of animals for research affects the IACUC's responsibilities. The topics addressed are intended to serve as a starting point for consideration and discussion. Questions related to subject selection and acclimation of subjects to experimental housing and procedures are emphasized and should provide IACUC members with a framework for discussion of relevant questions. Guidelines are provided for promoting the acclimation of a number of species to experimental settings. Additional, potentially controversial points are also raised, including the effects on longitudinal data sets of changing subject preparation procedures. The roles of the IACUC in the research endeavor are multifaceted and continuously evolving. As empirical data are produced that affect additional aspects of animal care and use, it is important for these committees to be able to evaluate and, when appropriate, stimulate the implementation of improved procedures and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Schapiro
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA.
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