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Johnston JN, Allen J, Shkolnikov I, Sanchez-Lafuente CL, Reive BS, Scheil K, Liang S, Christie BR, Kalynchuk LE, Caruncho HJ. Reelin Rescues Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and Molecular Metrics of a Chronic Stress Phenotype in a Similar Manner to Ketamine. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0106-23.2023. [PMID: 37550058 PMCID: PMC10431216 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0106-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has demonstrated fast-acting antidepressant effects previously unseen with monoaminergic-based therapeutics. Concerns regarding psychotomimetic effects limit the use of ketamine for certain patient populations. Reelin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, has shown promise as a putative fast-acting antidepressant in a model of chronic stress. However, research has not yet demonstrated the changes that occur rapidly after peripheral reelin administration. To address this key gap in knowledge, male Long-Evans rats underwent a chronic corticosterone (CORT; or vehicle) paradigm (40 mg/kg, 21 d). On day 21, rats were then administered an acute dose of ketamine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), reelin (3 µg, i.v.), or vehicle. Twenty-four hours after administration, rats underwent behavioral or in vivo electrophysiological testing before killing. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm changes in hippocampal reelin immunoreactivity. Lastly, the hippocampus was microdissected from fresh tissue to ascertain whole cell and synaptic-specific changes in protein expression through Western blotting. Chronic corticosterone induced a chronic stress phenotype in the forced swim test and sucrose preference test (SPT). Both reelin and ketamine rescued immobility and swimming, however reelin alone rescued latency to immobility. In vivo electrophysiology revealed decreases in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) after chronic stress which was increased significantly by both ketamine and reelin. Reelin immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus paralleled the behavioral and electrophysiological findings, but no significant changes were observed in synaptic-level protein expression. This exploratory research supports the putative rapid-acting antidepressant effects of an acute dose of reelin across behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Josh Allen
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Irene Shkolnikov
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Carla L Sanchez-Lafuente
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Brady S Reive
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Kaylene Scheil
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Stanley Liang
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Lisa E Kalynchuk
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Hector J Caruncho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
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Gundersen JK, Menassa DA, Wood TR, Walløe L, Thoresen M. The deleterious effect of crossfostering in rat pups on hypoxic-ischemic injury tolerance and hypothermic neuroprotection. Dev Neurosci 2021; 44:205-213. [PMID: 34915481 DOI: 10.1159/000521438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We study the effect of hypothermia (HT) following hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in postnatal day 7 (P7) rats. In 2015, new European Union animal transport regulations prompted a change in practice at the breeding facility, which henceforth crossfostered P3 litters to P8 older lactating dam prior to transportation. It is generally assumed that crossfostering does not significantly affect the experimental results. The aim of this study was to examine whether crossfostering affects our model consistency by modifying injury susceptibility and hypothermic neuroprotection. We analysed 219 pups (56 litters) from 11 experiments conducted between 2013 and 2015: 73 non-crossfostered and 146 crossfostered pups. At P7, all pups underwent unilateral common carotid artery ligation followed by 50min of hypoxia (8% O2, 36°C). Immediately after this mild insult, the pups were randomised to post-insult normothermia (NT) or HT treatment. Pups were culled at P14. Injury was assessed by area loss of the ipsilateral hemisphere and histopathology scoring of hippocampus, cortex, thalamus, and basal ganglia. Crossfostered pups had double the injury compared to non-crossfostered pups irrespective of treatment group. Hypothermic neuroprotection was statistically significant, but with a smaller and less consistent effect in crossfostered pups (relative neuroprotection 16% vs. 31% in non-crossfostered). These results demonstrate hypothermic neuroprotection following a mild HI insult. A representative subset of 41 animals were also assessed for evidence of microglial reactivity, however no detectable difference in microglial reactivity was observed between any of the groups. In conclusion, crossfostering alters outcomes in our established model through reduced insult tolerance and variable neuroprotection. Crossfostering as a common breeding practice is a largely unexplored variable in animal research that may result in invalid research conclusions if inadequately adjusted for by larger group sizes. As a result, crossfostering is likely to be inconsistent with the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Gundersen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David A Menassa
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- The Queen's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R Wood
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lars Walløe
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Thoresen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Translational Health Sciences, St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Johnston JN, Ridgway L, Cary-Barnard S, Allen J, Sanchez-Lafuente CL, Reive B, Kalynchuk LE, Caruncho HJ. Patient oriented research in mental health: matching laboratory to life and beyond in Canada. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2021; 7:21. [PMID: 33902751 PMCID: PMC8074277 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-021-00266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
As patient-oriented research gains popularity in clinical research, the lack of patient input in foundational science grows more evident. Research has shown great utility in active partnerships between patient partners and scientists, yet many researchers are still hesitant about listening to the voices of those with lived experience guide and shape their experiments. Mental health has been a leading area for patient movements such as survivor-led research, however the stigma experienced by these patients creates difficulties not present in other health disciplines. The emergence of COVID-19 has also created unique circumstances that need to be addressed. Through this lens, we have taken experiences from our patient partners, students, and primary investigator to create recommendations for the better facilitation of patient-oriented research in foundational science in Canada. With these guidelines, from initial recruitment and leading to sustaining meaningful partnerships, we hope to encourage other researchers that patient-oriented research is necessary for the future of mental health research and foundational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa Ridgway
- Patient Partner, BC SUPPORT Unit, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Josh Allen
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Brady Reive
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa E Kalynchuk
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Hector J Caruncho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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d'Arbeloff T. Cardiovascular fitness and structural brain integrity: an update on current evidence. GeroScience 2020; 42:1285-1306. [PMID: 32767221 PMCID: PMC7525918 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An aging global population and accompanying increases in the prevalence of age-related disorders are leading to greater financial, social, and health burdens. Aging-related dementias are one such category of age-related disorders that are associated with progressive loss of physical and cognitive integrity. One proposed preventative measure against risk of aging-related dementia is improving cardiovascular fitness, which may help reverse or buffer age-related brain atrophy associated with worse aging-related outcomes and cognitive decline. However, research into the beneficial potential of cardiovascular fitness has suffered from extreme heterogeneity in study design methodology leading to a lack of cohesion in the field and undermining any potential causal evidence that may exist. In addition, cardiovascular fitness and exercise are often conflated, leading to a lack of clarity in results. Here, I review recent literature on cardiovascular fitness, brain structure, and aging with the following goals: (a) to disentangle and lay out recent findings specific to aging, cardiovascular fitness, and brain structure, and (b) to ascertain the extent to which causal evidence actually exists. I suggest that, while there is some preliminary evidence for a link between cardiovascular fitness and brain structure in older adults, more research is still needed before definitive causal conclusions can be drawn. I conclude with a discussion of existing gaps in the field and suggestions for how they may be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy d'Arbeloff
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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Roldán M, Echeverry-Alzate V, Bühler KM, Sánchez-Diez IJ, Calleja-Conde J, Olmos P, Boehm SL, Maldonado R, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Santiago C, Gómez-Gallego F, Giné E, López-Moreno JA. Red Bull® energy drink increases consumption of higher concentrations of alcohol. Addict Biol 2018; 23:1094-1105. [PMID: 28940880 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mixing alcohol with caffeinated energy drinks is a common practice, especially among young people. In humans, the research on this issue has mainly focused on the use of the mass-marketed energy drinks themselves, whereas in animal models, it has focused on the individual effects of their active ingredients (i.e. caffeine). Here, we have characterized how Red Bull®, one of the most consumed caffeinated energy drink worldwide, modulates operant alcohol self-administration in Wistar rats. We found that animals readily and steadily responded for Red Bull (mean: 90 responses, 30 minutes and fixed-ratio 1), which was accompanied by locomotor stimulating effects (26 percent increase). The higher the concentration of alcohol (3-20 percent), the higher the consumption of alcohol (g/kg) and associated blood alcohol levels (91.76 percent) in the mixed Red Bull-alcohol group (60 percent increase). Blood caffeine levels in the Red Bull group were 4.69 μg/ml and 1.31 μg/ml in the Red Bull-alcohol group after the 30-minute session. Because Red Bull also contains 11 percent sucrose, we examined the time course of blood glucose as well as insulin and corticosterone. The correlation between intake of Red Bull and blood glucose levels was higher at 90 minutes than 5 minutes after its consumption, and there was no relationship with blood insulin or blood corticosterone levels. Red Bull did not alter extinction and reacquisition of responding for alcohol nor did it affect relapse-like drinking. Overall, our results suggest that Red Bull might be a vulnerability factor to develop alcoholism given that it intensifies the consumption of higher concentrations of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Roldán
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de Somosaguas; Complutense University of Madrid; Spain
| | - Victor Echeverry-Alzate
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de Somosaguas; Complutense University of Madrid; Spain
| | - Kora-Mareen Bühler
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de Somosaguas; Complutense University of Madrid; Spain
| | | | - Javier Calleja-Conde
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de Somosaguas; Complutense University of Madrid; Spain
| | | | - Stephen L. Boehm
- Department of Psychology, Indiana Alcohol Research Center; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences; Universitat Pompeu Fabra; Spain
| | | | | | | | - Elena Giné
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Medicine; Complutense University of Madrid; Spain
| | - Jose Antonio López-Moreno
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de Somosaguas; Complutense University of Madrid; Spain
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Osier ND, Pham L, Savarese A, Sayles K, Alexander SA. Animal models in genomic research: Techniques, applications, and roles for nurses. Appl Nurs Res 2016; 32:247-256. [PMID: 27969037 PMCID: PMC5161027 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Animal research has been conducted by scientists for over two millennia resulting in a better understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as testing of novel therapies. In the molecular genomic era, pre-clinical models represent a key tool for understanding the genomic underpinnings of health and disease and are relevant to precision medicine initiatives. Nurses contribute to improved health by collecting and translating evidence from clinically relevant pre-clinical models. Using animal models, nurses can ask questions that would not be feasible or ethical to address in humans, and establish the safety and efficacy of interventions before translating them to clinical trials. Two advantages of using pre-clinical models are reduced variability between test subjects and the opportunity for precisely controlled experimental exposures. Standardized care controls the effects of diet and environment, while the availability of inbred strains significantly reduces the confounding effects of genetic differences. Outside the laboratory, nurses can contribute to the approval and oversight of animal studies, as well as translation to clinical trials and, ultimately, patient care. This review is intended as a primer on the use of animal models to advance nursing science; specifically, the paper discusses the utility of preclinical models for studying the pathophysiologic and genomic contributors to health and disease, testing interventions, and evaluating effects of environmental exposures. Considerations specifically geared to nurse researchers are also introduced, including discussion of how to choose an appropriate model and controls, potential confounders, as well as legal and ethical concerns. Finally, roles for nurse clinicians in pre-clinical research are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D Osier
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Lan Pham
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Amanda Savarese
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Kendra Sayles
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
| | - Sheila A Alexander
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
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Abstract
Viral haemorrhagic fever can be caused by one of a diverse group of viruses that come from four different families of RNA viruses. Disease severity can vary from mild self-limiting febrile illness to severe disease characterized by high fever, high-level viraemia, increased vascular permeability that can progress to shock, multi-organ failure and death. Despite the urgent need, effective treatments and preventative vaccines are currently lacking for the majority of these viruses. A number of factors preclude the effective study of these diseases in humans including the high virulence of the agents involved, the sporadic nature of outbreaks of these viruses, which are typically in geographically isolated areas with underserviced diagnostic capabilities, and the requirements for high level bio-containment. As a result, animal models that accurately mimic human disease are essential for advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of viral haemorrhagic fevers. Moreover, animal models for viral haemorrhagic fevers are necessary to test vaccines and therapeutic intervention strategies. Here, we present an overview of the animal models that have been established for each of the haemorrhagic fever viruses and identify which aspects of human disease are modelled. Furthermore, we discuss how experimental design considerations, such as choice of species and virus strain as well as route and dose of inoculation, have an influence on animal model development. We also bring attention to some of the pitfalls that need to be avoided when extrapolating results from animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Falzaran
- Special Pathogens Programme, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - D A Bente
- Special Pathogens Programme, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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Banerjee S, Debnath P, Rao PN, Tripathy TB, Adhikari A, Debnath PK. Ayurveda in changing scenario of diabetes management for developing safe and effective treatment choices for the future. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 12:101-10. [PMID: 25719345 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2014-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ayurveda described diabetes mellitus (DM) as Madhumeha. This ancient evidence-based system of medicine enumerated various herbs and formulations for its management, which needs scientific validation. Whereas translational "bedside to bench" approach in biomedical research is an upcoming concept, its application in traditional and complementary medicine can be interesting. The intersecting concepts in the field Ayurveda and translational research needs "omics" approach. The Ayurvedic biology concepts about DM have its close relations with present systems biology approach. Metabolic changes causing tissue damage connected with genetic and immunological irregularities leading to insulin resistance coincide with ancient knowledge. Combinatorial therapy according to Prakriti type as elucidated by Ayurgenomics should be carried on for further research. "Bedside to bench" approaches in research utilizing metabolomics and pharmacogenomics approach can be a major step towards changing the therapeutic strategy towards diabetes. Prameha which is described as the pre-diabetic state is a novel concept in Ayurvedic etiopathogenesis, while metabolomic parameters like lipid level in urine can be a thrust area of research to have a pre-diabetic screening method in high-risk populations. This tradition-guided research paradigm can open up novel opportunities in traditional knowledge-inspired systems biology and drug discovery against diabetes.
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9
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Kluge W, Alsaif M, Guest PC, Schwarz E, Bahn S. Translating potential biomarker candidates for schizophrenia and depression to animal models of psychiatric disorders. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 11:721-33. [DOI: 10.1586/erm.11.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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10
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Fathabadie FF, Bayat M, Amini A, Bayat M, Rezaie F. Effects of pulsed infra-red low level-laser irradiation on mast cells number and degranulation in open skin wound healing of healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J COSMET LASER THER 2013; 15:294-304. [DOI: 10.3109/14764172.2013.764435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of conserved processes presents unique opportunities for using nonhuman animal models in biomedical research. However, the concept must be examined in the context that humans and nonhuman animals are evolved, complex, adaptive systems. Given that nonhuman animals are examples of living systems that are differently complex from humans, what does the existence of a conserved gene or process imply for inter-species extrapolation? METHODS We surveyed the literature including philosophy of science, biological complexity, conserved processes, evolutionary biology, comparative medicine, anti-neoplastic agents, inhalational anesthetics, and drug development journals in order to determine the value of nonhuman animal models when studying conserved processes. RESULTS Evolution through natural selection has employed components and processes both to produce the same outcomes among species but also to generate different functions and traits. Many genes and processes are conserved, but new combinations of these processes or different regulation of the genes involved in these processes have resulted in unique organisms. Further, there is a hierarchy of organization in complex living systems. At some levels, the components are simple systems that can be analyzed by mathematics or the physical sciences, while at other levels the system cannot be fully analyzed by reducing it to a physical system. The study of complex living systems must alternate between focusing on the parts and examining the intact whole organism while taking into account the connections between the two. Systems biology aims for this holism. We examined the actions of inhalational anesthetic agents and anti-neoplastic agents in order to address what the characteristics of complex living systems imply for inter-species extrapolation of traits and responses related to conserved processes. CONCLUSION We conclude that even the presence of conserved processes is insufficient for inter-species extrapolation when the trait or response being studied is located at higher levels of organization, is in a different module, or is influenced by other modules. However, when the examination of the conserved process occurs at the same level of organization or in the same module, and hence is subject to study solely by reductionism, then extrapolation is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Greek
- Americans For Medical Advancement (www.AFMA-curedisease.org), 2251 Refugio Rd, Goleta, CA, 93117, USA
| | - Mark J Rice
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100254, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0254, USA
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12
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Animal models of the cancer anorexia–cachexia syndrome. Support Care Cancer 2010; 19:1451-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-010-0972-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Schumacher AM. Integrating animal model research into perianesthesia nursing practice. J Perianesth Nurs 2010; 25:212-3. [PMID: 20656256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Autumn M Schumacher
- Medical College of Georgia, School of Nursing, 987 St. Sebastian Way EC-5354, Augusta, GA 30912-2613, USA.
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14
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Peng TC, Hsu BG, Yang FL, Chao YFC, Harn HJ, Lee RP. Stability of Blood Biochemistry Levels in Animal Model Research: Effects of Storage Condition and Time. Biol Res Nurs 2009; 11:395-400. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800409350771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare whole blood and plasma in terms of the subsequent accuracy of blood lactate, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement. Blood samples were drawn from 8 male Wistar-Kyoto rats. The rats were homologous, weighed 300— 380 g, were housed in the same environment, and were provided with food and water under the same conditions. Blood draws occurred in all rats at same time. The blood specimens were divided into two samples, one to be stored as whole blood (WBS) and one to be stored as plasma (PS). All the blood sample analyses were performed by trained and experienced personnel to ensure that differences in results were due to variation in form in which specimens were stored rather than to technique. The lactate concentration in the WBS group gradually increased over time, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.541, 95% confidence interval (CI; —0.197, 0.893), and was higher than that of the PS group, ICC = 0.897, 95% CI (0.733, 0.976). By contrast, glucose level gradually declined for the WBS group, ICC= —0.367, 95% CI (—2.563, 0.682). Whole blood storage increased measurement variation for lactate, glucose, LDH, and CPK. Plasma storage prolonged the stability of the biochemical components. This study demonstrates the importance of evaluating validity at each stage of developing and testing animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Chu Peng
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi College of Technology,
Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Bang-Gee Hsu
- Department of Nephrology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital,
Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Fwu-Lin Yang
- Division of Surgery, Critical Care Unit, Buddhist Tzu
Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | | | - Horng-Jyh Harn
- Pathology Department, China Medical University Hospital,
Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Ping Lee
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University, Hualien,
Taiwan,
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15
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Abstract
Although restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder that has been studied thoroughly in the past decades, the underlying pathophysiology is still not fully understood. However, some attractive hypotheses on the pathogenesis of the disorder have been forwarded. Animal models are an important tool to verify hypotheses and to dissect out the details of pathophysiological mechanisms. Ideally they might serve the development of future treatment strategies. This review discusses the general and specific prerequisites necessary for the establishment of animal models for RLS and summarizes the approaches that have been made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Christian Baier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Niemannsweg 147, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
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16
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Abstract
The concept of animal models is well honored, and amphibians have played a prominent part in the success of using key species to discover new information about all animals. As animal models, amphibians offer several advantages that include a well-understood basic physiology, a taxonomic diversity well suited to comparative studies, tolerance to temperature and oxygen variation, and a greater similarity to humans than many other currently popular animal models. Amphibians now account for approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of lower vertebrate and invertebrate research, and this proportion is especially true in physiological research, as evident from the high profile of amphibians as animal models in Nobel Prize research. Currently, amphibians play prominent roles in research in the physiology of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and sensory systems. Amphibians are also used extensively in physiological studies aimed at generating new insights in evolutionary biology, especially in the investigation of the evolution of air breathing and terrestriality. Environmental physiology also utilizes amphibians, ranging from studies of cryoprotectants for tissue preservation to physiological reactions to hypergravity and space exploration. Amphibians are also playing a key role in studies of environmental endocrine disruptors that are having disproportionately large effects on amphibian populations and where specific species can serve as sentinel species for environmental pollution. Finally, amphibian genera such as Xenopus, a genus relatively well understood metabolically and physiologically, will continue to contribute increasingly in this new era of systems biology and "X-omics."
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren W Burggren
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203-5220, USA.
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