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Pye KR, Lantier L, Ayala JE, Beall C, Ellacott KLJ. Validation of a refined protocol for mouse oral glucose tolerance testing without gavage. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.13.612859. [PMID: 39345490 PMCID: PMC11429937 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.13.612859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is routinely used to assess glucose homeostasis in clinical settings and in preclinical research studies using rodent models. The procedure assesses the ability of the body to clear glucose from the blood in a defined time after a bolus dose. In the human clinical setting, glucose is ingested via voluntary consumption of a glucose-sweetened drink. Typically, in the rodent GTT oral gavage (gavage-oGTT) or (more commonly) intraperitoneal injection (IPGTT) are used to administer the glucose bolus. Although used less frequently, likely due to investigator technical and experience barriers, the former is the more physiologically relevant as it integrates the gastrointestinal tract (GI), including release of key incretin hormones. However, orally gavaging glucose in the GTT is also not without its limitations: gavaging glucose straight into the stomach bypasses potentially critical early glucose-sensing via the mouth (cephalic phase) and associated physiological responses. Furthermore, gavaging is stressful on mice, and this by itself can increase blood glucose levels. We have developed and validated a refined protocol for mouse oral GTT which uses a voluntary oral glucose dosing method, micropipette-guided drug administration (MDA), without the need for water deprivation. This approach is simple and non-invasive. It is less stressful for the mice, as evidenced by lower circulating corticosterone levels 10 minutes after glucose-dosing compared to oral gavage. This is significant for animal and investigator welfare, and importantly minimising the confounding effect of stress on mouse glucose homeostasis. Using a randomised cross-over design, we have validated the MDA approach in the oGTT against oral gavage in male and female C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice. We show the ability of this method to detect changes in glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese animals. Compared to oral gavage there was lower inter-animal variation in the MDA-oGTT. In addition to being more representative of the human procedure, the MDA-oGTT is easy and has lower barriers to adoption than the gavage oGTT as it is non-invasive and requires no specialist equipment or operator training. The MDA-oGTT a more clinically representative, accessible, and refined replacement for the gavage-oGTT for mouse metabolic phenotyping, which is simple yet overcomes significant deficiencies in the current standard experimental approaches.
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Choe JY, Donkor M, Thorpe RJ, Allen MS, Phillips NR, Jones HP. Influence of Diet on Reproducible Corticosterone Levels in a Mouse Model of Maternal Separation with Early Weaning. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:880. [PMID: 39063633 PMCID: PMC11277828 DOI: 10.3390/life14070880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW) is a popular early life stress (ELS) model in rodents, which emulates childhood neglect through scheduled mother-offspring separation. Although variations of ELS models, including maternal separation and MSEW, have been published for the mouse species, the reported results are inconsistent. Corticosterone is considered the main stress hormone involved in regulating stress responses in rodents-yet generating a robust and reproducible corticosterone response in mouse models of ELS has been elusive. Considering the current lack of standardization for MSEW protocols, these inconsistent results may be attributed to variations in model methodologies. Here, we compared the effects of select early wean diet sources-which are the non-milk diets used to complete early weaning in MSEW pups-on the immediate stress phenotype of C57BL/6J mice at postnatal day 21. Non-aversive handling was an integral component of our modified MSEW model. The evaluation of body weight and serum corticosterone revealed the early wean diet to be a key variable in the resulting stress phenotype. Interestingly, select non-milk diets facilitated a stress phenotype in which low body weight was accompanied by significant corticosterone elevation. Our data indicate that dietary considerations are critical in MSEW-based studies and provide insight into improving the reproducibility of key stress-associated outcomes as a function of this widely used ELS paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Y. Choe
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
| | - Michael Donkor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
| | - Roland J. Thorpe
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Michael S. Allen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
| | - Nicole R. Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
- Institute for Translational Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Harlan P. Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Wort, TX 76107, USA; (M.D.); (M.S.A.); (N.R.P.)
- Institute for Health Disparities, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Lindhardt TB, Skoven CS, Bordoni L, Østergaard L, Liang Z, Hansen B. Anesthesia-related brain microstructure modulations detected by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5033. [PMID: 37712335 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5033] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown significant changes to brain microstructure during sleep and anesthesia. In vivo optical microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have attributed these changes to anesthesia and sleep-related modulation of the brain's extracellular space (ECS). Isoflurane anesthesia is widely used in preclinical diffusion MRI (dMRI) and it is therefore important to investigate if the brain's microstructure is affected by anesthesia to an extent detectable with dMRI. Here, we employ diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) to assess brain microstructure in the awake and anesthetized mouse brain (n = 22). We find both mean diffusivity (MD) and mean kurtosis (MK) to be significantly decreased in the anesthetized mouse brain compared with the awake state (p < 0.001 for both). This effect is observed in both gray matter and white matter. To further investigate the time course of these changes we introduce a method for time-resolved fast DKI. With this, we show the time course of the microstructural alterations in mice (n = 5) as they transition between states in an awake-anesthesia-awake paradigm. We find that the decrease in MD and MK occurs rapidly after delivery of gas isoflurane anesthesia and that values normalize only slowly when the animals return to the awake state. Finally, time-resolved fast DKI is employed in an experimental mouse model of brain edema (n = 4), where cell swelling causes the ECS volume to decrease. Our results show that isoflurane affects DKI parameters and metrics of brain microstructure and point to isoflurane causing a reduction in the ECS volume. The demonstrated DKI methods are suitable for in-bore perturbation studies, for example, for investigating microstructural modulations related to sleep/wake-dependent functions of the glymphatic system. Importantly, our study shows an effect of isoflurane anesthesia on rodent brain microstructure that has broad relevance to preclinical dMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Beck Lindhardt
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Christian Stald Skoven
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luca Bordoni
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Letten Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leif Østergaard
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zhifeng Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Brian Hansen
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Foley K, McKee C, Mayer A, Ganguly A, Barnett D, Ward N, Zhang Y, Nairn A, Xia H. PP1β opposes classic PP1 function, inhibiting spine maturation and promoting LTP. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.26.525737. [PMID: 36747779 PMCID: PMC9901188 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulates synaptic plasticity and has been described as a molecular constraint on learning and memory. There are three neuronal isoforms, PP1α, PP1β, and PP1γ, but little is known about their individual functions. PP1α and PP1γ are assumed to mediate the effects of PP1 on learning and memory based on their enrichment at dendritic spines and their preferential binding to neurabin and spinophilin, major PP1 synaptic scaffolding proteins. However, it was recently discovered that human de novo PP1β mutations cause intellectual disability, suggesting an important but ill-defined role for PP1β. In this study, we investigated the functions of each PP1 isoform in hippocampal synaptic physiology using conditional CA1-specific knockout mice. In stark contrast to classic PP1 function, we found that PP1β promotes synaptic plasticity as well as spatial memory. These changes in synaptic plasticity and memory are accompanied by changes in GluA1 phosphorylation, GluN2A levels, and dendritic spine density and morphology, including silent synapse number. These functions of PP1β reveal a previously unidentified signaling pathway regulating spine maturation and plasticity, broadening our understanding of the complex role of PP1 in synaptic physiology.
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Hankenson FC. The Elephant in the Room: Recognition and Documentation of Personnel Practices That Confound Reproducibility. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63:232-237. [PMID: 38503489 PMCID: PMC11193430 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-24-000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The ability to apply findings from animal studies efficiently and effectively is predicated on an understanding of biology and pathobiology, how that biology relates to the human systems being modeled, and how the studies are conducted and reported. This overview discusses various factors in research within the animal environment (referred to as extrinsic factors) that the NIH now expects to be documented to foster replicability in science and expand interpretations of study outcomes. Specifically, an important extrinsic factor in research with animals is that of individual personnel who perform handling practices, participate in research interactions, and share an overall presence in the housing facility with animals, all of which can confound reproducibility efforts in biomedical science. An improved understanding of the influences and behaviors of animal research personnel on animal responses is critical with regard to research results and the interpretation of data collected from animal models of biomedical disease.
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Key Words
- acd wg: nih advisory committee to the director working group
- faseb, federation of american societies for experimental biology
- ilar, institute for laboratory animal research (note ilar is now part of the board on animal health sciences, conservation, and research (bahscr))
- nasem, national academies of science, engineering, and medicine
- nc3rs, national center for the replacement, refinement, and reduction of animals in research
- nih, national institutes of health
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Affiliation(s)
- F Claire Hankenson
- University Laboratory Animal Resources and Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Rinwa P, Eriksson M, Cotgreave I, Bäckberg M. 3R-Refinement principles: elevating rodent well-being and research quality. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:11. [PMID: 38549171 PMCID: PMC10979584 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article delves into the details of the 3R-Refinement principles as a vital framework for ethically sound rodent research laboratory. It highlights the core objective of the refinement protocol, namely, to enhance the well-being of laboratory animals while simultaneously improving the scientific validity of research outcomes. Through an exploration of key components of the refinement principles, the article outlines how these ethics should be implemented at various stages of animal experiments. It emphasizes the significance of enriched housing environments that reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors, non-restraint methods in handling and training, refined dosing and sampling techniques that prioritize animal comfort, the critical role of optimal pain management and the importance of regular animal welfare assessment in maintaining the rodents well-being. Additionally, the advantages of collaboration with animal care and ethics committees are also mentioned. The other half of the article explains the extensive benefits of the 3R-Refinement protocol such as heightened animal welfare, enhanced research quality, reduced variability, and positive feedback from researchers and animal care staff. Furthermore, it addresses avenues for promoting the adoption of the protocol, such as disseminating best practices, conducting training programs, and engaging with regulatory bodies. Overall, this article highlights the significance of 3R-Refinement protocol in aligning scientific advancement with ethical considerations along with shaping a more compassionate and responsible future for animal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Rinwa
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden
| | - Marie Eriksson
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden
| | - Ian Cotgreave
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden
| | - Matilda Bäckberg
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje, 151 36, Sweden.
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Aljuraysi S, Platt M, Pulix M, Poptani H, Plagge A. Microcephaly with a disproportionate hippocampal reduction, stem cell loss and neuronal lipid droplet symptoms in Trappc9 KO mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106431. [PMID: 38331351 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106431] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the human TRAFFICKING PROTEIN PARTICLE COMPLEX SUBUNIT 9 (TRAPPC9) cause a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by microcephaly and intellectual disability. Trappc9 constitutes a subunit specific to the intracellular membrane-associated TrappII complex. The TrappII complex interacts with Rab11 and Rab18, the latter being specifically associated with lipid droplets (LDs). Here we used non-invasive imaging to characterise Trappc9 knock-out (KO) mice as a model of the human hereditary disorder. KOs developed postnatal microcephaly with many grey and white matter regions being affected. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a disproportionately stronger volume reduction in the hippocampus, which was associated with a significant loss of Sox2-positive neural stem and progenitor cells. Diffusion tensor imaging indicated a reduced organisation or integrity of white matter areas. Trappc9 KOs displayed behavioural abnormalities in several tests related to exploration, learning and memory. Trappc9-deficient primary hippocampal neurons accumulated a larger LD volume per cell following Oleic Acid stimulation, and the coating of LDs by Perilipin-2 was much reduced. Additionally, Trappc9 KOs developed obesity, which was significantly more severe in females than in males. Our findings indicate that, beyond previously reported Rab11-related vesicle transport defects, dysfunctions in LD homeostasis might contribute to the neurobiological symptoms of Trappc9 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Aljuraysi
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark Platt
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michela Pulix
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Antonius Plagge
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Hull MA, Nunamaker EA, Reynolds PS. Effects of Refined Handling on Reproductive Indices of BALB/cJ and CD-1 IGS Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63:3-9. [PMID: 38154807 PMCID: PMC10844741 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Current mouse handling methods during cage change procedures can cause stress and potentially compromise animal welfare. Our previous study of breeding C57BL/6J mice found modest increases in pup production and a significant reduction in preweaning litter losses when mice were handled using a tunnel as compared with a tail-lift with padded forceps. The current study evaluated how these 2 handling methods affected reproduction by 2 additional mouse strains, BALB/cJ (a low- to intermediate-fecundity strain) and CD-1 IGS (a high-fecundity stock). We predicted that refined handling would have minimal effects on the high-fecundity line with a satisfactory production rate and greater effects on the low-fecundity line. Handling method (tunnel compared with tail-lift) was randomly assigned to monogamous breeding pairs of mice. Reproductive metrics (litter size at birth and weaning, numbers of litters, litter attrition, between-litter intervals, pup wean- ing weight, and sex ratio) were prospectively monitored for 80 BALB/cJ and 77 CD-1 pairs that were bred continuously for 6 mo. Both strains of mice were highly productive, exceeding previously published breeding data. However, neither strain demonstrated operational or statistically significant differences between handling methods for any reproduction metric. As we detected no negative effects in these 2 strains and the benefits are clear in other strains, refined handling should be considered for all breeding mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Hull
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Elizabeth A Nunamaker
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, Massachusetts; and
| | - Penny S Reynolds
- Statistics in Anesthesiology Research Core, Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Kylie J, Cooper DM, Kurpinski JK, Chase FT, Muzyka MD, Plachta TC. Evaluation of Potential Low-stress Handling Methods in Crl:CDSD Rats ( Rattus norvegicus). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63:10-19. [PMID: 38097198 PMCID: PMC10844733 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Low-stress handling methods have been studied in detail in mice, but relatively little research exists concerning preferred handling methods in rats. Most recommendations for low-stress handling of rats have been extrapolated from the mouse literature, despite known differences in handler interaction between the 2 species. The goal of the current study was to evaluate common methods of handling in rats, including application of recognized, low-stress handling methods from other species to rats, in order to determine relative stress levels associated with the handling methods. Seventy male and 70 female, 8-wk-old, Crl:CDSD rats, were housed either individually or in pairs, and were handled weekly or daily using one of the following methods: encircling of the torso (standard thoracic hold), handled using a tunnel, handled using a protective bite glove, handled using a soft paper towel, or tickled prior to being handled by the torso ( n = 10 per sex per treatment group). Body weight and clinical observations were scored at each handling session, abbreviated functional observation batteries were performed every other week, and an interaction test and hematology were conducted prior to study and on the day of study termination. Rats that were socially housed and handled weekly using the standard thoracic hold showed the least evidence of stress, while those that were singly housed and handled weekly using a protective bite glove or tunnel showed the highest level of stress. These effects were predominantly seen in males. This study suggests that standard low-stress handling methods used for other species may not be optimal for rats, and that additional research is needed to identify alternative methods to the standard thoracic hold that would further reduce stress during handling in rats.
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Perrodin C, Verzat C, Bendor D. Courtship behaviour reveals temporal regularity is a critical social cue in mouse communication. eLife 2023; 12:RP86464. [PMID: 38149925 PMCID: PMC10752583 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
While animals navigating the real world face a barrage of sensory input, their brains evolved to perceptually compress multidimensional information by selectively extracting the features relevant for survival. Notably, communication signals supporting social interactions in several mammalian species consist of acoustically complex sequences of vocalisations. However, little is known about what information listeners extract from such time-varying sensory streams. Here, we utilise female mice's natural behavioural response to male courtship songs to identify the relevant acoustic dimensions used in their social decisions. We found that females were highly sensitive to disruptions of song temporal regularity and preferentially approached playbacks of intact over rhythmically irregular versions of male songs. In contrast, female behaviour was invariant to manipulations affecting the songs' sequential organisation or the spectro-temporal structure of individual syllables. The results reveal temporal regularity as a key acoustic cue extracted by mammalian listeners from complex vocal sequences during goal-directed social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Perrodin
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Colombine Verzat
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Idiap Research InstituteMartignySwitzerland
| | - Daniel Bendor
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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Dedek C, Azadgoleh MA, Prescott SA. Reproducible and fully automated testing of nocifensive behavior in mice. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100650. [PMID: 37992707 PMCID: PMC10783627 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Pain in rodents is often inferred from their withdrawal from noxious stimulation. Threshold stimulus intensity or response latency is used to quantify pain sensitivity. This usually involves applying stimuli by hand and measuring responses by eye, which limits reproducibility and throughput. We describe a device that standardizes and automates pain testing by providing computer-controlled aiming, stimulation, and response measurement. Optogenetic and thermal stimuli are applied using blue and infrared light, respectively. Precise mechanical stimulation is also demonstrated. Reflectance of red light is used to measure paw withdrawal with millisecond precision. We show that consistent stimulus delivery is crucial for resolving stimulus-dependent variations in withdrawal and for testing with sustained stimuli. Moreover, substage video reveals "spontaneous" behaviors for consideration alongside withdrawal metrics to better assess the pain experience. The entire process was automated using machine learning. RAMalgo (reproducible automated multimodal algometry) improves the standardization, comprehensiveness, and throughput of preclinical pain testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Dedek
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Mehdi A Azadgoleh
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Steven A Prescott
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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12
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Kahnau P, Mieske P, Wilzopolski J, Kalliokoski O, Mandillo S, Hölter SM, Voikar V, Amfim A, Badurek S, Bartelik A, Caruso A, Čater M, Ey E, Golini E, Jaap A, Hrncic D, Kiryk A, Lang B, Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic N, Meziane H, Radzevičienė A, Rivalan M, Scattoni ML, Torquet N, Trifkovic J, Ulfhake B, Thöne-Reineke C, Diederich K, Lewejohann L, Hohlbaum K. A systematic review of the development and application of home cage monitoring in laboratory mice and rats. BMC Biol 2023; 21:256. [PMID: 37953247 PMCID: PMC10642068 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01751-7] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, in biomedical animal research, laboratory rodents are individually examined in test apparatuses outside of their home cages at selected time points. However, the outcome of such tests can be influenced by various factors and valuable information may be missed when the animals are only monitored for short periods. These issues can be overcome by longitudinally monitoring mice and rats in their home cages. To shed light on the development of home cage monitoring (HCM) and the current state-of-the-art, a systematic review was carried out on 521 publications retrieved through PubMed and Web of Science. RESULTS Both the absolute (~ × 26) and relative (~ × 7) number of HCM-related publications increased from 1974 to 2020. There was a clear bias towards males and individually housed animals, but during the past decade (2011-2020), an increasing number of studies used both sexes and group housing. In most studies, animals were kept for short (up to 4 weeks) time periods in the HCM systems; intermediate time periods (4-12 weeks) increased in frequency in the years between 2011 and 2020. Before the 2000s, HCM techniques were predominantly applied for less than 12 h, while 24-h measurements have been more frequent since the 2000s. The systematic review demonstrated that manual monitoring is decreasing in relation to automatic techniques but still relevant. Until (and including) the 1990s, most techniques were applied manually but have been progressively replaced by automation since the 2000s. Independent of the year of publication, the main behavioral parameters measured were locomotor activity, feeding, and social behaviors; the main physiological parameters were heart rate and electrocardiography. External appearance-related parameters were rarely examined in the home cages. Due to technological progress and application of artificial intelligence, more refined and detailed behavioral parameters have been investigated in the home cage more recently. CONCLUSIONS Over the period covered in this study, techniques for HCM of mice and rats have improved considerably. This development is ongoing and further progress as well as validation of HCM systems will extend the applications to allow for continuous, longitudinal, non-invasive monitoring of an increasing range of parameters in group-housed small rodents in their home cages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Kahnau
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Mieske
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Marchstr. 23, 10587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Wilzopolski
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany
| | - Otto Kalliokoski
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Silvia Mandillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabine M Hölter
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Vootele Voikar
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adriana Amfim
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sylvia Badurek
- Preclinical Phenotyping Facility, Vienna Biocenter Core Facilities (VBCF), member of the Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandra Bartelik
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Angela Caruso
- Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Research Coordination and Support Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Maša Čater
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elodie Ey
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, 67400, France
| | - Elisabetta Golini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Jaap
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Marchstr. 23, 10587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dragan Hrncic
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anna Kiryk
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing of Higher Standard, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Benjamin Lang
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Marchstr. 23, 10587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natasa Loncarevic-Vasiljkovic
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hamid Meziane
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Clinique de La Souris (ICS), CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, Illkirch, 67404, France
| | - Aurelija Radzevičienė
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marion Rivalan
- Research Institute for Experimental Medicine (FEM) and NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Animal Behaviour Phenotyping Facility, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Research Coordination and Support Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolas Torquet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, 67400, France
| | - Julijana Trifkovic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of East Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Brun Ulfhake
- Div. Clinical Physiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Marchstr. 23, 10587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Diederich
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Marchstr. 23, 10587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Berlin, Germany.
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Marchstr. 23, 10587, Berlin, Germany.
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Klabukov I, Shestakova V, Krasilnikova O, Smirnova A, Abramova O, Baranovskii D, Atiakshin D, Kostin AA, Shegay P, Kaprin AD. Refinement of Animal Experiments: Replacing Traumatic Methods of Laboratory Animal Marking with Non-Invasive Alternatives. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3452. [PMID: 38003070 PMCID: PMC10668729 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable methods for identifying rodents play an important role in ensuring the success of preclinical studies. However, animal identification remains a trivial laboratory routine that is not often discussed, despite the fact that more than 6 million rodents are used in animal studies each year. Currently, there are extensive regulations in place to ensure adequate anesthesia and to reduce animal suffering during experiments. At the same time, not enough attention is paid to the comfort of rodents during routine identification procedures, which can be painful and cause some complications. In order to achieve the highest ethical standards in laboratory research, we must minimize animal discomfort during the identification phase. In this article, we discuss traumatic methods of identification and describe several painless methods for marking in long-term experimental studies. The use of non-traumatic and non-invasive methods requires the renewal of marks as they fade and additional handling of the rodents. Laboratory personnel must be trained in stress-minimizing handling techniques to make mark renewal less stressful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Klabukov
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 249039 Obninsk, Russia
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Russian Laboratory Animal Science Association (Rus-LASA), 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria Shestakova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 249039 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Olga Krasilnikova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Anna Smirnova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 249039 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Olga Abramova
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Denis Baranovskii
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitri Atiakshin
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center for Innovative Technologies of Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Kostin
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Shegay
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
| | - Andrey D. Kaprin
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 249036 Obninsk, Russia
- Department of Urology and Operative Nephrology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
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14
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Young L, Goldsteen D, Nunamaker EA, Prescott MJ, Reynolds P, Thompson-Iritani S, Thurston SE, Martin TL, LaFollette MR. Using refined methods to pick up mice: A survey benchmarking prevalence & beliefs about tunnel and cup handling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288010. [PMID: 37676886 PMCID: PMC10484434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Refined handling improves laboratory mouse welfare and research outcomes when compared to traditional tail handling, yet implementation does not seem to be widespread. Refined handling includes picking up a mouse using a tunnel or cupped hands. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of and beliefs towards refined handling using the theory of planned behavior. It was predicted that refined handling prevalence is low compared to traditional handling methods, and its implementation is determined by individual and institutional beliefs. Research personnel were recruited via online convenience sampling through email listservs and social media. A total of 261 participants in diverse roles (e.g. veterinarians, managers, caretakers, researchers, etc.) responded primarily from the USA (79%) and academic institutions (61%) Participants were surveyed about their current use, knowledge, and beliefs about refined handling. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and generalised regression. Qualitative data were analyzed by theme. Research personnel reported low levels of refined handling implementation, with only 10% of participants using it exclusively and a median estimate of only 10% of institutional mice being handled with refined methods. Individually, participants had positive attitudes, neutral norms, and positive control beliefs about refined handling. Participants' intention to provide refined handling in the future was strongly associated with their attitudes, norms, and control beliefs (p<0.01). Participants believed barriers included jumpy mice, perceived incompatibility with restraint, lack of time, and other personnel. However, participants also believed refined handling was advantageous to mouse welfare, handling ease, personnel, and research. Although results from this survey indicate that current refined handling prevalence is low in this sample, personnel believe it has important benefits, and future use is associated with their beliefs about the practice. People who believed refined handling was good, felt pressure to use it, and were confident in their use reported higher implementation. Increased refined handling could be encouraged through education on misconceptions, highlighting advantages, and addressing important barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Young
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donna Goldsteen
- Independent Consultant (Formerly AstraZeneca), Damascus, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Charles River Laboratories, Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Prescott
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Penny Reynolds
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Sarah E. Thurston
- Charles River Laboratories, Global Animal Welfare and Training, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tara L. Martin
- Refinement and Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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15
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Marin N, Moragon A, Gil D, Garcia-Garcia F, Bisbal V. Acclimation and Blood Sampling: Effects on Stress Markers in C57Bl/6J Mice. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2816. [PMID: 37760216 PMCID: PMC10525122 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood sampling in rodents is common practice in scientific studies. Some of the refined methods widely used are the puncture of the saphenous vein or tail vein, or even tail docking. The handling needs of these different blood sampling methods are different and can directly affect stress, increasing the variability of the study. Moreover, there is less aversion and stress if the animal is accustomed to the environment, handling and technique. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the influence of these three blood sampling techniques (saphenous puncture, tail vein puncture and tail vein docking) and the use of previous acclimation on different indicators of animal stress, assessing blood glucose concentrations and faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs). Twenty-four young adult male and female C57Bl6/J mice were divided in three groups by sampling method: tail docking (TD), saphenous vein puncture (SV) and caudal vein puncture (CV) groups. All mice were studied with and without acclimation, which was performed during 9 consecutive days. The results showed that both males and females present very similar responses to the different handling and sampling methods without significant differences. Nevertheless, acclimation in all sampling methods decreased glucose and FCM levels significantly. The method that obtained the lowest glucose and FCM levels with significance was saphenous vein puncture. Therefore, we can say that it causes less stress when performing prior acclimation, even when this involves greater handling of the animal. Our results contribute to refinement within the 3R concept and could serve researchers to programme and select a good handling technique and a welfare-friendly blood sampling method for their experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Marin
- Animal Facility IISLAFE, Hospital La Fe Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Amparo Moragon
- Animal Facility CIPF, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.); (D.G.)
| | - Domingo Gil
- Animal Facility CIPF, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.); (D.G.)
| | - Francisco Garcia-Garcia
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Unit CIPF, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Viviana Bisbal
- Animal Facility IISLAFE, Hospital La Fe Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
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16
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Yang P, Hish G, Lester PA. Comparison of Systemic Extended-release Buprenorphine and Local Extended-release Bupivacaine-Meloxicam as Analgesics for Laparotomy in Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:416-422. [PMID: 37612078 PMCID: PMC10597327 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-22-000107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Extended-release (ER) local anesthetics can be used in multi-modal analgesia or in situations in which systemic analgesics may alter animal physiology and thus introduce interpretational confounds. In this study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of an ER buprenorphine formulation with that of a synergistic combination of ER bupivacaine and meloxicam. Female and male CD1 mice were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous buprenorphine (3.25mg/kg) preemptively, subcutaneous infiltration of bupivacaine???meloxicam (0.03mL at incision closure (bupivacaine, 35mg/kg; meloxicam, 1mg/kg), or saline (10mL/kg SC) after induction of anesthesia. After laparotomy, mice were assessed for changes in daily body weight, rearing frequency, nest consolidation scores, time-to-integrate-nest test (TINT), and response to von Frey testing at 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72h after surgery. Daily weight, nest consolidation scores and rearing frequency were not significantly different among the 3 groups. TINT had fallen significantly response at 24 and 48h after injection in the ER buprenorphine group as compared with the saline and ER bupivacaine-meloxicam groups. Nociceptive thresholds, as assessed with von Frey testing, differed between saline controls and both analgesic groups at 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. None of the mice in the bupivacaine???meloxicam group developed signs of neurotoxicity, a potential side effect of high-dose local anesthetics. This study demonstrates that local ER bupivacaine???meloxicam may be a useful alternative to systemic, ER buprenorphine for the relief of pain after laparotomy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Yang
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gerry Hish
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Patrick A Lester
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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17
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Kahnau P, Jaap A, Urmersbach B, Diederich K, Lewejohann L. Development of an IntelliCage-based cognitive bias test for mice. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 2:128. [PMID: 37799631 PMCID: PMC10548109 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15294.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The cognitive bias test is used to measure the emotional state of animals with regard to future expectations. Thus, the test offers a unique possibility to assess animal welfare with regard to housing and testing conditions of laboratory animals. So far, however, performing such a test is time-consuming and requires the presence of an experimenter. Therefore, we developed an automated and home-cage based cognitive bias test based on the IntelliCage system. We present several developmental steps to improve the experimental design leading to a successful measurement of cognitive bias in group-housed female C57BL/6J mice. The automated and home-cage based test design allows to obtain individual data from group-housed mice, to test the mice in their familiar environment, and during their active phase. By connecting the test-cage to the home-cage via a gating system, the mice participated in the test on a self-chosen schedule, indicating high motivation to actively participate in the experiment. We propose that this should have a positive effect on the animals themselves as well as on the data. Unexpectedly, the mice showed an optimistic cognitive bias after enrichment was removed and additional restraining. An optimistic expectation of the future as a consequence of worsening environmental conditions, however, can also be interpreted as an active coping strategy in which a potential profit is sought to be maximized through a higher willingness to take risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Kahnau
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Anne Jaap
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Birk Urmersbach
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Kai Diederich
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
- Insitute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
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18
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Kahnau P, Jaap A, Urmersbach B, Diederich K, Lewejohann L. Development of an IntelliCage-based cognitive bias test for mice. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 2:128. [PMID: 37799631 PMCID: PMC10548109 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15294.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive bias test is used to measure the emotional state of animals with regard to future expectations. Thus, the test offers a unique possibility to assess animal welfare with regard to housing and testing conditions of laboratory animals. So far, however, performing such a test is time-consuming and requires the presence of an experimenter. Therefore, we developed an automated and home-cage based cognitive bias test based on the IntelliCage system. We present several developmental steps to improve the experimental design leading to a successful measurement of cognitive bias in group-housed female C57BL/6J mice. The automated and home-cage based test design allows to obtain individual data from group-housed mice, to test the mice in their familiar environment, and during their active phase. By connecting the test-cage to the home-cage via a gating system, the mice participated in the test on a self-chosen schedule, indicating high motivation to actively participate in the experiment. We propose that this should have a positive effect on the animals themselves as well as on the data. Unexpectedly, the mice showed an optimistic cognitive bias after enrichment was removed and additional restraining. An optimistic expectation of the future as a consequence of worsening environmental conditions, however, can also be interpreted as an active coping strategy in which a potential profit is sought to be maximized through a higher willingness to take risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Kahnau
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Anne Jaap
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Birk Urmersbach
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Kai Diederich
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, 10589, Germany
- Insitute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
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19
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Onorini D, Leonard CA, Phillips Campbell R, Prähauser B, Pesch T, Schoborg RV, Jerse AE, Tarigan B, Borel N. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Coinfection during Chlamydia muridarum Genital Latency Does Not Modulate Murine Vaginal Bacterial Shedding. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0450022. [PMID: 37039695 PMCID: PMC10269798 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04500-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most frequently reported agents of bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Nonetheless, C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfection remains understudied. C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae coinfections are more common than expected by chance, suggesting C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae interaction, and N. gonorrhoeae infection may reactivate genital chlamydial shedding in women with latent (quiescent) chlamydial infection. We hypothesized that N. gonorrhoeae would reactivate latent genital Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice. Two groups of C. muridarum-infected mice were allowed to transition into genital latency. One group was then vaginally inoculated with N. gonorrhoeae; a third group received N. gonorrhoeae alone. C. muridarum and N. gonorrhoeae vaginal shedding was measured over time in the coinfected and singly infected groups. Viable C. muridarum was absent from vaginal swabs but detected in rectal swabs, confirming C. muridarum genital latency and consistent with the intestinal tract as a C. muridarum reservoir. C. muridarum inclusions were observed in large intestinal, but not genital, tissues during latency. Oviduct dilation was associated with C. muridarum infection, as expected. Contradicting our hypothesis, N. gonorrhoeae coinfection did not reactivate latent C. muridarum vaginal shedding. In addition, latent C. muridarum infection did not modulate recovery of vaginal viable N. gonorrhoeae. Evidence for N. gonorrhoeae-dependent increased C. muridarum infectivity has thus not been demonstrated in murine coinfection, and the ability of C. muridarum coinfection to potentiate N. gonorrhoeae infectivity may depend on actively replicating vaginal C. muridarum. The proportion of mice with increased vaginal neutrophils (PMNs) was higher in N. gonorrhoeae-infected than in C. muridarum-infected mice, as expected, while that of C. muridarum/N. gonorrhoeae-coinfected mice was intermediate to the singly infected groups, suggesting latent C. muridarum murine infection may limit PMN response to subsequent N. gonorrhoeae infection. IMPORTANCE Our work builds upon the limited understanding of C. muridarum/N. gonorrhoeae coinfection. Previously, N. gonorrhoeae infection of mice with acute (actively replicating) vaginal C. muridarum infection was shown to increase recovery of viable vaginal N. gonorrhoeae and vaginal PMNs, with no effect on C. muridarum vaginal shedding (R. A. Vonck et al., Infect Immun 79:1566-1577, 2011). It has also been shown that chlamydial infection of human and murine PMNs prevents normal PMN responses, including the response to N. gonorrhoeae (K. Rajeeve et al., Nat Microbiol 3:824-835, 2018). Our findings show no effect of latent genital C. muridarum infection on the recovery of viable N. gonorrhoeae, in contrast to the previously reported effect of acute C. muridarum infection, and suggesting that acute versus latent C. muridarum infection may have distinct effects on PMN function in mice. Together, these studies to date provide evidence that Chlamydia/N. gonorrhoeae synergistic interactions may depend on the presence of replicating Chlamydia in the genital tract, while chlamydial effects on vaginal PMNs may extend beyond acute infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Onorini
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cory Ann Leonard
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regenia Phillips Campbell
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert V. Schoborg
- Department of Medical Education, Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ann E. Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernadetta Tarigan
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Palumbo G, Kunze LH, Oos R, Wind-Mark K, Lindner S, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Bartenstein P, Ziegler S, Brendel M. Longitudinal Studies on Alzheimer Disease Mouse Models with Multiple Tracer PET/CT: Application of Reduction and Refinement Principles in Daily Practice to Safeguard Animal Welfare during Progressive Aging. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1812. [PMID: 37531139 PMCID: PMC10251952 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal studies on mouse models related to Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology play an important role in the investigation of therapeutic targets to help pharmaceutical research in the development of new drugs and in the attempt of an early diagnosis that can contribute to improving people's quality of life. There are several advantages to enriching longitudinal studies in AD models with Positron Emission Tomography (PET); among these advantages, the possibility of following the principle of the 3Rs of animal welfare is fundamental. In this manuscript, good daily experimental practice focusing on animal welfare is described and commented upon, based on the experience attained from studies conducted in our Nuclear Medicine department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Palumbo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Lea Helena Kunze
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Rosel Oos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wind-Mark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchionini Strasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
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21
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Wongsaengchan C, McCafferty DJ, Evans NP, McKeegan DEF, Nager RG. Body surface temperature of rats reveals both magnitude and sex differences in the acute stress response. Physiol Behav 2023; 264:114138. [PMID: 36871696 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how biological markers of stress relate to stressor magnitude is much needed and can be used in welfare assessment. Changes in body surface temperature can be measured using infrared thermography (IRT) as a marker of a physiological response to acute stress. While an avian study has shown that changes in body surface temperature can reflect the intensity of acute stress, little is known about surface temperature responses to stressors of different magnitudes and its sex-specificity in mammals, and how they correlate with hormonal and behavioural responses. We used IRT to collect continuous surface temperature measurements of tail and eye of adult male and female rats (Rattus norvegicus), for 30 minutes after exposure to one of three stressors (small cage, encircling handling or rodent restraint cone) for one minute, and cross-validated the thermal response with plasma corticosterone (CORT) and behavioural assessment. To obtain individual baseline temperatures and thermal responses to stress, rats were imaged in a test arena (to which they were habituated) for 30 seconds before and 30 minutes after being exposed to the stressor. In response to the three stressors, tail temperature initially decreased and then recovered to, or overshot the baseline temperature. Tail temperature dynamics differed between stressors; being restrained in the small cage was associated with the smallest drop in temperature, in male rats, and the fastest thermal recovery, in both sexes. Increases in eye temperature only distinguished between stressors early in the response and only in females. The post stressor increase in eye temperature was greater in the right eye of males and the left eye of females. In both sexes encircling may have been associated with the fastest increase in CORT. These results were in line with observed behavioural changes, with greater movement in rats exposed to the small cage and higher immobility after encircling. The female tail and eye temperature, as well as the CORT concentrations did not return to pre-stressor levels in the observation period, in conjunction with the greater occurrence of escape-related behaviours in female rats. These results suggest that female rats are more vulnerable to acute restraint stress compared to male rats and emphasise the importance of using both sexes in future investigations of stressor magnitude. This study demonstrates that acute stress induced changes in mammalian surface temperature measured with IRT relate to the magnitude of restraint stress, indicate sex differences and correlate with hormonal and behavioural responses. Thus, IRT has the potential to become a non-invasive method of continuous welfare assessment in unrestrained mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakarn Wongsaengchan
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic J McCafferty
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, Rowardennan, G63 0AW, United Kingdom
| | - Neil P Evans
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, Glasgow, G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Dorothy E F McKeegan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, Glasgow, G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Ruedi G Nager
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
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22
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Zhong J, Liu Q, Yang X, Su J, Li X, Luo M, Wang L. Mice learn from the predator-attack experience to accelerate flight behavior via optimizing the strategy of environment exploration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 665:26-34. [PMID: 37148743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Efficiently avoiding predators is critical for animal survival. However, little is known about how the experience of predator attack affects behaviors in predator defense. Here, we caught mice by tail to simulate a predator attack. We found that the experienced mice accelerated the flight in response to the visual threaten cue. Single predator attack didn't induce anxiety but increased the activity of innate fear or learning related nucleus. The predator attack induced acceleration of flight was partly rescued when we used drug to block protein synthesis which is critical in the learning process. The experienced mice significantly reduced the focused exploration on the floor during the environment exploration, which might facilitate the discovery of predator. These results suggest that mice could learn from the experience of predator attack to optimize their behavioral pattern to detect the predator cue immediately and response intensely, and therefore increase the probability of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xing Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Junying Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaofen Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Moxuan Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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23
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A mapping review of refinements to laboratory rat housing and husbandry. Lab Anim (NY) 2023; 52:63-74. [PMID: 36759746 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-023-01124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Refining the housing and husbandry of laboratory rats is an important goal, both for ethical reasons and to allow better quality research. We conducted a mapping review of 1,017 studies investigating potential refinements of housing and husbandry of the laboratory rat to assess what refinements have, and have not, been studied, and to briefly assess whether there is evidence to support any impact on rat welfare. Among the many refinements studied, the majority involve changes to the cage, but some also involve alterations to the wider environment. The effects of these refinements were assessed using a range of readouts, many of which are difficult to interpret from a welfare perspective. Preference studies, which are easier to interpret, provide evidence that rats prefer complex environments, including shelters and multiple objects, which offer different areas/resources allowing the rat to engage in diverse behaviors. The reporting of methodology in papers was often poor, indicating that studies were potentially subject to biases. Given that many refinements co-occurred, it was often difficult to tease apart which ones were most beneficial for rat welfare. Effects of refinements were also moderated by a number of factors including age, sex, strain and photoperiod. Altogether our findings show that a one-size-fits-all approach to refinements is not appropriate, because different refinements will impact different rats in different ways. Our review has also produced a database of >1,000 articles that can be used for further and more detailed analyses. Our findings have also highlighted areas where future research is likely to be valuable, including refinements to rat transport, handling and the use of training.
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24
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Miller CH, Haxhillari K, Hillock MF, Reichard TM, Sheehan MJ. Scent mark signal investment predicts fight dynamics in house mice. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222489. [PMID: 36787797 PMCID: PMC9928526 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2489] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Signals mediate competitive interactions by allowing rival assessment, yet are often energetically expensive to produce. One of the key mechanisms maintaining signal reliability is social costs. While the social costs of over-signalling are well known, the social costs of under-signalling are underexplored, particularly for dynamic signals. In this study, we investigate a dynamic and olfactory-mediated signalling system that is ubiquitous among mammals: scent marking. Male house mice territorially scent mark their environment with metabolically costly urine marks. Competitive male mice are thought to deposit abundant scent marks in the environment. However, we recently identified a cohort of low-marking males that win fights. We hypothesized that there may be social costs imposed on individuals who under-invest in signalling. Here we find that scent mark investment predicts fight dynamics. Winning males that produce fewer scent marks prior to a fight engage in more intense fights that take longer to resolve. This effect appears to be driven by an unwillingness among losers to acquiesce to weakly signalling winners. We, therefore, find evidence for rival assessment of scent marks as well as social costs to under-signalling. This supports existing hypotheses for the importance of social punishment in maintaining optimal signalling equilibria. Our results further highlight the possibility of diverse signalling strategies in house mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin H. Miller
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Klaudio Haxhillari
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Matthew F. Hillock
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tess M. Reichard
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Michael J. Sheehan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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25
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Experimenter familiarization is a crucial prerequisite for assessing behavioral outcomes and reduces stress in mice not only under chronic pain conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2289. [PMID: 36759654 PMCID: PMC9911644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent behavior is affected by different environmental conditions. These do not only comprise experimental and housing conditions but also familiarization with the experimenter. However, specific effects on pain-related behavior and chronic pain conditions have not been examined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of different housing conditions, using individually ventilated and standard open top cages, inverted day-night cycles, and experimenter familiarization on male mice following peripheral neuropathy using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Using a multimodal approach, we evaluated evoked pain-related- using von Frey hair filaments, measured gait pattern with the CatWalk system, assessed anxiety- and depression-like behavior with the Elevated plus maze and tail suspension test, measured corticosterone metabolite levels in feces and utilized an integrative approach for relative-severity-assessment. Mechanical sensitivity differed between the cage systems and experimenter familiarization and was affected in both sham and SNI mice. Experimenter familiarization and an inverted day-night cycle reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in SNI and sham mice. SNI mice of the inverted day-night group displayed the slightest pronounced alterations in gait pattern in the Catwalk test. Anxiety-related behavior was only found in SNI mice of experimenter-familiarized mice compared to the sham controls. In addition, familiarization reduced the stress level measured by fecal corticosteroid metabolites caused by the pain and the behavioral tests. Although no environmental condition significantly modulated the severity in SNI mice, it influenced pain-affected phenotypes and is, therefore, crucial for designing and interpreting preclinical pain studies. Moreover, environmental conditions should be considered more in the reporting guidelines, described in more detail, and discussed as a potential influence on pain phenotypes.
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26
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d'Isa R, Gerlai R. Designing animal-friendly behavioral tests for neuroscience research: The importance of an ethological approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1090248. [PMID: 36703720 PMCID: PMC9871504 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1090248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience (DNS), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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27
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Plett PA, Pelus LM, Orschell CM. Establishing a Murine Model of the Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2567:251-262. [PMID: 36255706 PMCID: PMC11192174 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2679-5_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The hematopoietic system is one of the most sensitive tissues to ionizing radiation, and radiation doses from 2 to 10 gray can result in death from bleeding and infection if left untreated. Reviewing the range of radiation doses reported in the literature that result in similar lethality highlights the need for a more consistent model that would allow a better comparison of the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) studies carried out in different laboratories. Developing a murine model of H-ARS to provide a platform suited for efficacy testing of medical countermeasures (MCM) against radiation should include a review of the Food and Drug Administration requirements outlined in the Animal Rule. The various aspects of a murine H-ARS model found to affect consistent performance will be described in this chapter including strain, sex, radiation type and dose, mouse restraint, and husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Artur Plett
- Department of Medicine/Hematology Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Louis M Pelus
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Department of Medicine/Hematology Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Christie M Orschell
- Department of Medicine/Hematology Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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28
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Clicker Training Mice for Improved Compliance in the Catwalk Test. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243545. [PMID: 36552465 PMCID: PMC9774362 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The CatWalk test relies on the run of mice across the platform to measure a constant speed with low variation. Mice usually require a stimulus to walk to the end of the catwalk. However, such stimuli are usually aversive and can impair welfare. Positive reinforcement training of laboratory animals is a thriving tool for refinement and contributes to meeting the demands instituted by Directive 2010/63/EU. We have already demonstrated the positive effects of clicker training. In this study, we trained male and female mice to complete the CatWalk protocol while assessing the effects of training on their well-being (Open Filed and Elevated Plus Maze). In the CatWalk test, we observed that clicker training improved the running speed of the mice. In addition, clicker training reduced the number of runs required by mice, which was more pronounced in males. Clicker training lowered anxiety-like behaviors in our mice, especially in females, where a significant difference was observed between trained and untrained ones. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that clicker training is an effective tool to motivate mice and increase performance on the CatWalk test without potentially impairing their welfare (e.g., by puffing them).
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29
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O'Malley CI, Hubley R, Moody C, Turner PV. Use of nonaversive handling and training procedures for laboratory mice and rats: Attitudes of American and Canadian laboratory animal professionals. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1040572. [PMID: 36570505 PMCID: PMC9780379 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1040572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonaversive or low stress handling techniques can reduce fear and stress in research rodents, ultimately improving study data quality. Uptake of low stress handling has been slow in the USA and Canada. In this study we explored the understanding, experience, and attitudes toward low stress handling of rats and mice in laboratory animal professionals from the USA (US) and Canada (CA). Participants (n = 40) were recruited for a standardized interview and job categories were divided into veterinary/PhD level roles (doctoral level; DL) and non-veterinary/non-PhD level roles (non-doctoral level, NDL) (US: 23, DL: 9, NDL: 14; CA: 17, DL: 8, and NDL: 9). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO. Two research assistants independently coded themes for each question and consolidated responses based on commonality. Laboratory animal professionals understood the benefits of low stress handling and training techniques with rats and mice, stating reduced stress, better data, and improved welfare, with CA participants more likely to mention animal welfare as a benefit, and DL more likely to mention improved research data and reduced stress. Participants across demographic groups indicated improved job satisfaction and decreased stress as the positive impacts low stress handling would have on their positions. The primary perceived barriers to low stress handling implementation were researcher attitudes, the time needed to implement and use these techniques, and training personnel to use the techniques properly and consistently. To promote refinement of handling of rats and mice, more educational opportunities on the benefits and implementation of low stress handling techniques need to be provided to laboratory animal professionals, as well as to researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly I. O'Malley
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Raina Hubley
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Carly Moody
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, United States,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Patricia V. Turner
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30
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Novak J, Jaric I, Rosso M, Rufener R, Touma C, Würbel H. Handling method affects measures of anxiety, but not chronic stress in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20938. [PMID: 36463282 PMCID: PMC9719500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in mice have shown that less aversive handling methods (e.g. tunnel or cup handling) can reduce behavioural measures of anxiety in comparison to picking mice up by their tail. Despite such evidence, tail handling continues to be used routinely. Besides resistance to change accustomed procedures, this may also be due to the fact that current evidence in support of less aversive handling is mostly restricted to effects of extensive daily handling, which may not apply to routine husbandry practices. The aim of our study was to assess whether, and to what extent, different handling methods during routine husbandry induce differences in behavioural and physiological measures of stress in laboratory mice. To put the effects of handling method in perspective with chronic stress, we compared handling methods to a validated paradigm of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). We housed mice of two strains (Balb/c and C57BL/6) and both sexes either under standard laboratory conditions (CTRL) or under UCMS. Half of the animals from each housing condition were tail handled and half were tunnel handled twice per week, once during a cage change and once for a routine health check. We found strain dependent effects of handling method on behavioural measures of anxiety: tunnel handled Balb/c mice interacted with the handler more than tail handled conspecifics, and tunnel handled CTRL mice showed increased open arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze. Mice undergoing UCMS showed increased plasma corticosterone levels and reduced sucrose preference. However, we found no effect of handling method on these stress-associated measures. Our results therefore indicate that routine tail handling can affect behavioural measures of anxiety, but may not be a significant source of chronic husbandry stress. Our results also highlight strain dependent responses to handling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Novak
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ivana Jaric
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marianna Rosso
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chadi Touma
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Behavioural Biology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Hanno Würbel
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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31
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Abstract
The experimental method has promoted the popularity of neuroscientific research on the human mind. In this interdisciplinary enterprise, the experimental method, with its roots in natural science and experimental psychology, is often uncritically accepted as the royal road to investigate the human mind not only by neuroscientists, but by many philosophers as well, especially those inclined to some form of naturalism. It is rarely disputed that experiments reveal actual states of nature (here: of mind and/or brain). Experimental results are used to picture the human person or subject as an illusionary construct resulting from neuronal interactions. The present paper sketches some of the limitations of neuroscientific experiments in order to demonstrate that cognitive neuroscience is far from relying on firm methodological grounds. Numerous issues still have to be solved, some of which date back to the early days of modern science. At least, to make experiments work, many theoretical presuppositions have to be accepted and decisions of relevance have to be made in the scientific process. This implies that all scientific endeavor is constituted by persons making free decisions for good reasons, despite all reductionist claims to the contrary. The fact that we as scientists have to distinguish relevant from irrelevant aspects of experimental procedures is also crucial for dealing with the current replicability crisis in the life sciences including neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Frisch
- Department of Gerontopsychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Pfalzklinikum, Weinstr. 100, 76889, Klingenmünster, Germany.
- Institute of Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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32
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Chidomere CI, Wahid M, Kemble S, Chadwick C, Thomas R, Hardy RS, McGettrick HM, Naylor AJ. Bench to Bedside: Modelling Inflammatory Arthritis. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 2:kyac010. [PMID: 38567064 PMCID: PMC10917191 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis are a major cause of disability. Pre-clinical murine models of inflammatory arthritis continue to be invaluable tools with which to identify and validate therapeutic targets and compounds. The models used are well-characterised and, whilst none truly recapitulates the human disease, they are crucial to researchers seeking to identify novel therapeutic targets and to test efficacy during preclinical trials of novel drug candidates. The arthritis parameters recorded during clinical trials and routine clinical patient care have been carefully standardised, allowing comparison between centres, trials, and treatments. Similar standardisation of scoring across in vivo models has not occurred, which makes interpretation of published results, and comparison between arthritis models, challenging. Here, we include a detailed and readily implementable arthritis scoring system, that increases the breadth of arthritis characteristics captured during experimental arthritis and supports responsive and adaptive monitoring of disease progression in murine models of inflammatory arthritis. In addition, we reference the wider ethical and experimental factors researchers should consider during the experimental design phase, with emphasis on the continued importance of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal usage in arthritis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiamaka I Chidomere
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mussarat Wahid
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Samuel Kemble
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Caroline Chadwick
- Biomedical Services Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Richard Thomas
- Biomedical Services Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rowan S Hardy
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Helen M McGettrick
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Amy J Naylor
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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33
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Post Mortem Study on the Effects of Routine Handling and Manipulation of Laboratory Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233234. [PMID: 36496755 PMCID: PMC9737896 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine handling and manipulation of laboratory mice are integral components of most preclinical studies. Any type of handling and manipulation may cause stress and result in physical harm to mice, potentially leading to unintended consequences of experimental outcomes. Nevertheless, the pathological effects of these interventions are poorly documented and assumed to have a negligible effect on experimental variables. In that context, we provide a comprehensive post mortem overview of the main pathological changes associated with routine interventions (i.e., restraint, blood drawing, and intraperitoneal injections) of laboratory mice with an emphasis on presumed traumatic osteoarticular lesions. A total of 1000 mice from various studies were included, with 864 animals being heavily manipulated and 136 being handled for routine husbandry procedures only. The most common lesions observed were associated with blood collection or intraperitoneal injections, as well as a series of traumatic osteoarticular lesions likely resulting from restraint. Osteoarticular lesions were found in 62 animals (61 heavily manipulated; 1 unmanipulated) with rib fractures and avulsion of the dens of the axis being over-represented. Histopathology and micro-CT confirmed the traumatic nature of the rib fractures. While these lesions might be unavoidable if mice are manipulated according to the current standards, intentional training of research personnel on appropriate mouse handling and restraint techniques could help reduce their frequency and the impact on animal wellbeing as well as study reproducibility.
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34
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Effects of a Multimodal Approach Using Buprenorphine with/without Meloxicam on Food Intake, Body Weight, Nest Consolidating Behavior, Burrowing Behavior, and Gastrointestinal Tissues in Postoperative Male Mice. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9110589. [DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Distress affects animal welfare and scientific data validity. There is a lack of reports on the effects of multimodal analgesic approaches in mice. In this study, under the hypothesis that a multimodal analgesic protocol using buprenorphine with meloxicam has analgesic effects, we evaluated the effects of a multimodal analgesic protocol using buprenorphine with meloxicam on the well-being of mice during analgesic administration by changing the dosage of meloxicam. A total of 42 Slc:ICR male mice were categorized into nonsurgical and surgical groups (7 mice per group) and treated with an anesthetic (isoflurane) and analgesics (buprenorphine ± meloxicam). Analgesics were administered for 48 h after treatment. Buprenorphine (subcutaneous; 0.1 mg/kg/8 h) and meloxicam (subcutaneous; 0, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg/24 h) were administered twice. Body weight, food intake, nest consolidation score, and latency to burrow were evaluated. A significant decrease in food intake was observed 24 h after treatment, while a significant increase was observed 48 h post-treatment in all groups. Body weight showed a decreasing trend but was not significantly reduced. Furthermore, stomach, duodenum, and jejunum tissues showed no morphological abnormalities. Significant differences in burrow diving scores and the latency to burrow were observed between some groups, but these were not regarded as a consequence of the surgery and/or the meloxicam dose. When buprenorphine and meloxicam were combined, administering up to 5 mg/kg/day of meloxicam for 48 h to male mice after abdominal surgery had no significant negative effects on any tested parameters. In conclusion, a multimodal analgesic protocol of buprenorphine with meloxicam is among the options for increasing well-being in mice following abdominal surgery.
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Davies JR, Purawijaya DA, Bartlett JM, Robinson ESJ. Impact of Refinements to Handling and Restraint Methods in Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172173. [PMID: 36077894 PMCID: PMC9454836 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that, compared to non-aversive handling methods (i.e., tunnel and cupping), tail handling has a negative impact on mouse welfare. Despite this evidence, there are still research organisations that continue to use tail handling. Here, we investigated handling for routine husbandry by three different methods: tail, cupping and tube in a relevant real-world scenario involving mice bred off-site. After transfer to the destination unit, mice were assessed for overt behaviours associated with anxiety and fear. Mice that experienced tail handling were less easy to handle, were more responsive to the box opening, and scored lower in a hand approach test. One barrier to non-tail handling methods is the current practice of restraining mice by the tail for procedures. We therefore next assessed whether a modified method for restraint that takes the animal from cupping to restraint without the use of the tail was associated with better welfare. This refined restraint method reduced overt signs of distress although we did not find any differences in corticosterone levels or anxiety-related behaviours. These findings suggest that avoiding tail handling throughout the animal’s laboratory experience, including during restraint, benefits their welfare.
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Mallien AS, Pfeiffer N, Brandwein C, Inta D, Sprengel R, Palme R, Talbot SR, Gass P. Comparative Severity Assessment of Genetic, Stress-Based, and Pharmacological Mouse Models of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:908366. [PMID: 35783227 PMCID: PMC9245036 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.908366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animals in neurosciences is pivotal to gaining insights into complex functions and dysfunctions of behavior. For example, various forms of physical and/or psychological stress are inherent to various animal models for psychiatric disorders, e.g., depression. Regarding animal welfare, it would be mandatory to use models that inflict the least amount of stress necessary to address the underlying scientific question. This study compared the severity of different approaches to induce depression in mice: mutagenesis in GluA1 knockout, immobilization stress, and stress-induction via stress hormone treatment. While genetic alterations potentially represent a lifelong burden, the temporary intervention only affects the animals for a limited time. Therefore, we used home cage-based behavioral and physiological parameters, including nest building, burrowing, body weight, and fecal corticosterone metabolites, to determine the well-being of male and female mice. In addition, we performed an evidence-based estimate of severity using a composite score for relative severity assessment (RELSA) with this data. We found that even though restraint stress and supplementation of corticosterone in the diet both aimed at depression-related precipitating stress effects, the latter affected the well-being much stronger, especially in females. Restraint leads to less noticeable well-being impairments but causes depression-associated anhedonic behavior. Mice of both sexes recovered well from the stress treatment. GluA1 KO and their littermates showed diminished well-being, comparable to the immobilization experiments. However, since this is a lifelong condition, this burden is not reversible and potentially accumulative. In line with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), the process of choosing the most suitable model should ideally include an evidence-based severity assessment to be able to opt for the least severe alternative, which still induces the desired effect. Promoting refinement, in our study, this would be the restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Stephanie Mallien,
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Brandwein
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dragos Inta
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Community Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPIMF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven R. Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Research Group (RG) Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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3R measures in facilities for the production of genetically modified rodents. Lab Anim (NY) 2022; 51:162-177. [PMID: 35641635 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-022-00978-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sociocultural changes in the human-animal relationship have led to increasing demands for animal welfare in biomedical research. The 3R concept is the basis for bringing this demand into practice: Replace animal experiments with alternatives where possible, Reduce the number of animals used to a scientifically justified minimum and Refine the procedure to minimize animal harm. The generation of gene-modified sentient animals such as mice and rats involves many steps that include various forms of manipulation. So far, no coherent analysis of the application of the 3Rs to gene manipulation has been performed. Here we provide guidelines from the Committee on Genetics and Breeding of Laboratory Animals of the German Society for Laboratory Animal Science to implement the 3Rs in every step during the generation of genetically modified animals. We provide recommendations for applying the 3Rs as well as success/intervention parameters for each step of the process, from experiment planning to choice of technology, harm-benefit analysis, husbandry conditions, management of genetically modified lines and actual procedures. We also discuss future challenges for animal welfare in the context of developing technologies. Taken together, we expect that our comprehensive analysis and our recommendations for the appropriate implementation of the 3Rs to technologies for genetic modifications of rodents will benefit scientists from a wide range of disciplines and will help to improve the welfare of a large number of laboratory animals worldwide.
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Do multiple experimenters improve the reproducibility of animal studies? PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001564. [PMID: 35511779 PMCID: PMC9070896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The credibility of scientific research has been seriously questioned by the widely claimed “reproducibility crisis”. In light of this crisis, there is a growing awareness that the rigorous standardisation of experimental conditions may contribute to poor reproducibility of animal studies. Instead, systematic heterogenisation has been proposed as a tool to enhance reproducibility, but a real-life test across multiple independent laboratories is still pending. The aim of this study was therefore to test whether heterogenisation of experimental conditions by using multiple experimenters improves the reproducibility of research findings compared to standardised conditions with only one experimenter. To this end, we replicated the same animal experiment in 3 independent laboratories, each employing both a heterogenised and a standardised design. Whereas in the standardised design, all animals were tested by a single experimenter; in the heterogenised design, 3 different experimenters were involved in testing the animals. In contrast to our expectation, the inclusion of multiple experimenters in the heterogenised design did not improve the reproducibility of the results across the 3 laboratories. Interestingly, however, a variance component analysis indicated that the variation introduced by the different experimenters was not as high as the variation introduced by the laboratories, probably explaining why this heterogenisation strategy did not bring the anticipated success. Even more interestingly, for the majority of outcome measures, the remaining residual variation was identified as an important source of variance accounting for 41% (CI95 [34%, 49%]) to 72% (CI95 [58%, 88%]) of the observed total variance. Despite some uncertainty surrounding the estimated numbers, these findings argue for systematically including biological variation rather than eliminating it in animal studies and call for future research on effective improvement strategies. An experimenter heterogenisation was not sufficient to prevent idiosyncratic results in a multi-laboratory setting. Astonishingly, neither the experimenter nor the laboratory accounted for the main portion of the observed variation, but a high amount of residual variation in fact remained unexplained despite strict standardisation regimes.
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Habedank A, Urmersbach B, Kahnau P, Lewejohann L. O mouse, where art thou? The Mouse Position Surveillance System (MoPSS)-an RFID-based tracking system. Behav Res Methods 2022; 54:676-689. [PMID: 34346041 PMCID: PMC9046340 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01593-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Existing methods for analysis of home cage-based preference tests are either time-consuming, not suitable for group management, expensive, and/or based on proprietary equipment that is not freely available. To correct this, we developed an automated system for group-housed mice based on radio frequency identification: the Mouse Position Surveillance System (MoPSS). The system uses an Arduino microcontroller with compatible components; it is affordable and easy to rebuild for every laboratory because it uses free and open-source software and open-source hardware with the RFID readers as the only proprietary component. The MoPSS was validated using female C57BL/6J mice and manual video comparison. It proved to be accurate even for fast-moving mice (up to 100% accuracy after logical reconstruction), and is already implemented in several studies in our laboratory. Here, we provide the complete construction description as well as the validation data and the results of an example experiment. This tracking system will allow group-based preference testing with individually identified mice to be carried out in a convenient manner. This facilitation of preference tests creates the foundation for better housing conditions from the animals' perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Habedank
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Birk Urmersbach
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pia Kahnau
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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Rosa RB, da Costa MS, Teixeira SC, de Castro EF, Dantas WM, Ferro EAV, da Silva MV. Calomys callosus: An Experimental Animal Model Applied to Parasitic Diseases Investigations of Public Health Concern. Pathogens 2022; 11:369. [PMID: 35335694 PMCID: PMC8948650 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The appearance and spread of parasitic diseases around the world aroused the interest of the scientific community to discover new animal models for improving the quality and specificity of surveys. Calomys callosus is a rodent native to South America, an easy handling model, with satisfactory longevity and reproducibility. C. callosus is susceptible to toxoplasmosis and can be used as experimental model for the study the pathogenesis, treatment, vertical transmission, and ocular toxoplasmosis. C. callosus can also be used to study cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, as the animals present cutaneous lesions, as well as parasites in the organs. C. callosus has epidemiological importance in Chagas disease, and since it is a Trypanosoma cruzi natural host in which rodents show high parasitemia and lethality, they are also effective as a model of congenital transmission. In the study of schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni was proven to be a C. callosus natural host; thus, this rodent is a great model for fibrosis, hepatic granulomatous reaction, and celloma associated with lymphomyeloid tissue (CALT) during S. mansoni infection. In this review, we summarize the leading studies of parasitic diseases that used C. callosus as a rodent experimental model, describing the main uses and characteristics that led them to be considered an effective model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Borges Rosa
- Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil; (R.B.R.); (M.S.d.C.); (E.F.d.C.)
| | - Mylla Spirandelli da Costa
- Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil; (R.B.R.); (M.S.d.C.); (E.F.d.C.)
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38405-318, Brazil; (S.C.T.); (E.A.V.F.)
| | - Emilene Ferreira de Castro
- Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil; (R.B.R.); (M.S.d.C.); (E.F.d.C.)
| | | | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38405-318, Brazil; (S.C.T.); (E.A.V.F.)
| | - Murilo Vieira da Silva
- Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, Brazil; (R.B.R.); (M.S.d.C.); (E.F.d.C.)
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Hull MA, Reynolds PS, Nunamaker EA. Effects of non-aversive versus tail-lift handling on breeding productivity in a C57BL/6J mouse colony. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263192. [PMID: 35089969 PMCID: PMC8797240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-aversive handling is a well-documented refinement measure for improving rodent welfare. Because maternal stress is related to reduced productivity, we hypothesized that welfare benefits associated with non-aversive handling would translate to higher production and fewer litters lost in a laboratory mouse breeding colony. We performed a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a standard method of handling (tail-lift with forceps) versus non-aversive handling with transfer tunnels ('tunnel-handled') on breeding performance in 59 C57BL/6J mouse pairs. Intervention assignments could not be concealed from technicians, but were concealed from assessors and data analyst. An operationally significant effect of tunnel-handling (large enough differences to warrant programmatic change) was defined before study initiation as a 5% increase in productivity, or one extra pup over the reproductive lifetime of each pair. Pairs were randomly allocated to handling intervention and cage rack location, and monitored over an entire 6-month breeding cycle. For each group, we measured number of pups born and weaned, and number of entire litters lost prior to weaning. Differences between transfer methods were estimated by two-level hierarchical mixed models adjusted for parental effects and parity. Compared to tail-lift mice, tunnel-handled mice averaged one extra pup per pair born (+1.0; 95% CI 0.9, 1.1; P = 0.41) and weaned (+1.1, 95% CI 0.9, 1.2; P = 0.33). More tunnel-handled pairs successfully weaned all litters produced (13/29 pairs, 45% vs 4/30 pairs, 13%; P = 0.015), averaged fewer litter losses prior to weaning (11/29 pairs [38%] vs 26/30 pairs [87%]; P <0.001), and had a 20% lower risk of recurrent litter loss. The increase in numbers of pups produced and weaned with tunnel handling met threshold requirement for operational significance. These data and projected cost savings persuaded management to incorporate tunnel handling as standard of care across the institution. These data also suggest that overlooked husbandry practices such as cage transfer may be major confounders in studies of mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Hull
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Penny S. Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology; Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Barabas AJ, Robbins LA, Gaskill BN. Home cage measures of Alzheimer's disease in the rTg4510 mouse model. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12795. [PMID: 35044727 PMCID: PMC9744509 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease affects an array of activities in patients' daily lives but measures other than memory are rarely evaluated in animal models. Home cage behavior, however, may provide an opportunity to back translate a variety of measures seen in human disease progression to animal models, providing external and face validity. The aim of this study was to evaluate if home cage measures could indicate disease in the rTg4510 mouse model. We hypothesized that sleep, nesting, and smell discrimination would be altered in mutant mice. Thirty-two transgenic mice were used in a Latin square design of four genotypes x both sexes x two diets. Half the mice received a doxycycline diet to suppress tauopathy and evaluate tau severity on various measures. At 8-, 12-, and 16-weeks old, 24 h activity/sleep patterns, nest complexity, and odor discrimination were measured. After 16-weeks, tau concentration in the brain was quantified. Mutant mice had increased tau concentration in brain tissue, but it was reduced by the doxycycline diet. However, only nest complexity was different between mutant mice and controls. Overall, tauopathy in rTg4510 mice does seem to affect these commonly observed symptoms in human patients. However, while running this study, a report showed that the rTg4510 mutant phenotype is not caused by the mutation itself, but confounding factors from transgene insertion. Combined with report findings and our data, the rTg4510 model may not be an ideal model for all aspects of human Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Barabas
- Department of Animal SciencePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
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Bantle CM, Rocha SM, French CT, Phillips AT, Tran K, Olson KE, Bass TA, Aboellail T, Smeyne RJ, Tjalkens RB. Astrocyte inflammatory signaling mediates α-synuclein aggregation and dopaminergic neuronal loss following viral encephalitis. Exp Neurol 2021; 346:113845. [PMID: 34454938 PMCID: PMC9535678 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) can cause lasting neurological decline in surviving patients and can present with symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease (PD). The mechanisms underlying postencephalitic parkinsonism remain unclear but are thought to involve increased innate inflammatory signaling in glial cells, resulting in persistent neuroinflammation. We therefore studied the role of glial cells in regulating neuropathology in postencephalitic parkinsonism by studying the involvement of astrocytes in loss of dopaminergic neurons and aggregation of α-synuclein protein following infection with western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV). Infections were conducted in both wildtype mice and in transgenic mice lacking NFκB inflammatory signaling in astrocytes. For 2 months following WEEV infection, we analyzed glial activation, neuronal loss and protein aggregation across multiple brain regions, including the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). These data revealed that WEEV induces loss of SNpc dopaminergic neurons, persistent activation of microglia and astrocytes that precipitates widespread aggregation of α-synuclein in the brain of C57BL/6 mice. Microgliosis and macrophage infiltration occurred prior to activation of astrocytes and was followed by opsonization of ⍺-synuclein protein aggregates in the cortex, hippocampus and midbrain by the complement protein, C3. Astrocyte-specific NFκB knockout mice had reduced gliosis, α-synuclein aggregate formation and neuronal loss. These data suggest that astrocytes play a critical role in initiating PD-like pathology following encephalitic infection with WEEV through innate immune inflammatory pathways that damage dopaminergic neurons, possibly by hindering clearance of ⍺-synuclein aggregates. Inhibiting glial inflammatory responses could therefore represent a potential therapy strategy for viral parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin M Bantle
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Savannah M Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - C Tenley French
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Aaron T Phillips
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Kevin Tran
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Kenneth E Olson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Todd A Bass
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Tawfik Aboellail
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Richard J Smeyne
- Jefferson Comprehensive Parkinson's Center, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America
| | - Ronald B Tjalkens
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America.
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Redaelli V, Bosi A, Luzi F, Cappella P, Zerbi P, Ludwig N, Di Lernia D, Roughan JV, Porcu L, Soranna D, Parati G, Calvillo L. Neuroinflammation, body temperature and behavioural changes in CD1 male mice undergoing acute restraint stress: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259938. [PMID: 34780550 PMCID: PMC8592432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models used to study pathologies requiring rehabilitation therapy, such as cardiovascular and neurologic disorders or oncologic disease, must be as refined and translationally relevant as possible. Sometimes, however, experimental procedures such as those involving restraint may generate undesired effects which may act as a source of bias. However, the extent to which potentially confounding effects derive from such routine procedures is currently unknown. Our study was therefore aimed at exploring possible undesirable effects of acute restraint stress, whereby animals were exposed to a brightly lit enclosed chamber (R&L) similar to those that are commonly used for substance injection. We hypothesised that this would induce a range of unwanted physiological alterations [such as neuroinflammatory response and changes in body weight and in brown adipose tissue (BAT)] and behavioural modification, and that these might be mitigated via the use of non-aversive handling methods: Tunnel Handling (NAH-T) and Mechanoceptive Handling (NAH-M)) as compared to standard Tail Handling (TH). METHODS Two indicators of physiological alterations and three potentially stress sensitive behavioural parameters were assessed. Physiological alterations were recorded via body weight changes and assessing the temperature of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) using infra-red thermography (IRT), and at the end of the experiment we determined the concentration of cytokines CXCL12 and CCL2 in bone marrow (BM) and activated microglia in the brain. Nest complexity scoring, automated home-cage behaviour analysis (HCS) and Elevated Plus Maze testing (EPM) were used to detect any behavioural alterations. Recordings were made before and after a 15-minute period of R&L in groups of mice handled via TH, NAH-T or NAH-M. RESULTS BAT temperature significantly decreased in all handling groups following R&L regardless of handling method. There was a difference, at the limit of significance (p = 0.06), in CXCL12 BM content among groups. CXCL12 content in BM of NAH-T animals was similar to that found in Sentinels, the less stressed group of animals. After R&L, mice undergoing NAH-T and NAH-M showed improved body-weight maintenance compared to those exposed to TH. Mice handled via NAH-M spent a significantly longer time on the open arms of the EPM. The HCS results showed that in all mice, regardless of handling method, R&L resulted in a significant reduction in walking and rearing, but not in total distance travelled. All mice also groomed more. No difference among the groups was found in Nest Score, in CCL2 BM content or in brain activated microglia. CONCLUSIONS Stress induced by a common restraint procedure caused metabolic and behavioural changes that might increase the risk of unexpected bias. In particular, the significant decrease in BAT temperature could affect the important metabolic pathways controlled by this tissue. R&L lowered the normal frequency of walking and rearing, increased grooming and probably carried a risk of low-grade neuro-inflammation. Some of the observed alterations can be mitigated by Non-aversive handlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Bosi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences–One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Zerbi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ludwig
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Lernia
- Humane Technology Lab, Dipartimento di psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - John Vincent Roughan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Comparative Biology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Porcu
- Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Calvillo
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
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45
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Zentrich E, Talbot SR, Bleich A, Häger C. Automated Home-Cage Monitoring During Acute Experimental Colitis in Mice. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:760606. [PMID: 34744621 PMCID: PMC8570043 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.760606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For ethical and legal reasons it is necessary to assess the severity of procedures in animal experimentation. To estimate the degree of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm, objective methods that provide gradebale parameters need to be tested and validated for various models. In this context, automated home-cage monitoring becomes more important as a contactless, objective, continuous and non-invasive method. The aim of this study was to examine a recently developed large scale automated home-cage monitoring system (Digital Ventilated Cage, DVC®) with regard to the applicability and added value for severity assessment in a frequently used acute colitis mouse model. Acute colitis was induced in female C57BL/6J mice by varying doses of DSS (1.5 and 2.5%), matched controls received water only (0%). Besides DVC® activity monitoring and nest scoring, model specific parameters like body weight, clinical colitis score, and intestinal histo-pathology were used. In a second approach, we questioned whether DVC® can be used to detect an influence of different handling methods on the behavior of mice. Therefore, we compared activity patterns of mice that underwent tunnel vs. tail handling for routine animal care procedures. In DSS treated mice, disease specific parameters confirmed induction of a graded colitis. In line with this, DVC® revealed reduced activity in these animals. Furthermore, the system displayed stress-related activity changes due to the restraining procedures necessary in DSS-treatment groups. However, no significant differences between tunnel vs. tail handling procedures were detected. For further analysis of the data, a binary classifier was applied to categorize two severity levels (burdened vs. not burdened) based on activity and body weight. In all DSS-treatment groups data points were allocated to the burdened level, in contrast to a handling group. The fraction of "burdened" animals reflected well the course of colitis development. In conclusion, automated home-cage monitoring by DVC® enabled severity assessment in a DSS-induced colitis model equally well as gold standard clinical parameters. In addition, it revealed changes in activity patterns due to routine handling procedures applied in experimental model work. This indicates that large scale home-cage monitoring can be integrated into routine severity assessment in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zentrich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven R Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - André Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine Häger
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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46
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Apparatus design and behavioural testing protocol for the evaluation of spatial working memory in mice through the spontaneous alternation T-maze. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21177. [PMID: 34707108 PMCID: PMC8551159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial working memory can be assessed in mice through the spontaneous alternation T-maze test. The T-maze is a T-shaped apparatus featuring a stem (start arm) and two lateral goal arms (left and right arms). The procedure is based on the natural tendency of rodents to prefer exploring a novel arm over a familiar one, which induces them to alternate the choice of the goal arm across repeated trials. During the task, in order to successfully alternate choices across trials, an animal has to remember which arm had been visited in the previous trial, which makes spontaneous alternation T-maze an optimal test for spatial working memory. As this test relies on a spontaneous behaviour and does not require rewards, punishments or pre-training, it represents a particularly useful tool for cognitive evaluation, both time-saving and animal-friendly. We describe here in detail the apparatus and the protocol, providing representative results on wild-type healthy mice.
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47
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Makowska IJ, Weary DM. A Good Life for Laboratory Rodents? ILAR J 2021; 60:373-388. [PMID: 32311030 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most would agree that animals in research should be spared "unnecessary" harm, pain, or distress, and there is also growing interest in providing animals with some form of environmental enrichment. But is this the standard of care that we should aspire to? We argue that we need to work towards a higher standard-specifically, that providing research animals with a "good life" should be a prerequisite for their use. The aims of this paper are to illustrate our vision of a "good life" for laboratory rats and mice and to provide a roadmap for achieving this vision. We recognize that several research procedures are clearly incompatible with a good life but describe here what we consider to be the minimum day-to-day living conditions to be met when using rodents in research. A good life requires that animals can express a rich behavioral repertoire, use their abilities, and fulfill their potential through active engagement with their environment. In the first section, we describe how animals could be housed for these requirements to be fulfilled, from simple modifications to standard housing through to better cage designs and free-ranging options. In the second section, we review the types of interactions with laboratory rodents that are compatible with a good life. In the third section, we address the potential for the animals to have a life outside of research, including the use of pets in clinical trials (the animal-as-patient model) and the adoption of research animals to new homes when they are no longer needed in research. We conclude with a few suggestions for achieving our vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Joanna Makowska
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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48
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Kahnau P, Guenther A, Boon MN, Terzenbach JD, Hanitzsch E, Lewejohann L, Brust V. Lifetime Observation of Cognition and Physiological Parameters in Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:709775. [PMID: 34539359 PMCID: PMC8442583 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.709775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory mice are predominantly used for one experiment only, i.e., new mice are ordered or bred for every new experiment. Moreover, most experiments use relatively young mice in the range of late adolescence to early adulthood. As a consequence, little is known about the day-to-day life of adult and aged laboratory mice. Here we present a long-term data set with three consecutive phases conducted with the same male mice over their lifetime in order to shed light on possible long-term effects of repeated cognitive stimulation. One third of the animals was trained by a variety of learning tasks conducted up to an age of 606 days. The mice were housed in four cages with 12 animals per cage; only four mice per cage had to repeatedly solve cognitive tasks for getting access to water using the IntelliCage system. In addition, these learner mice were tested in standard cognitive tests outside their home-cage. The other eight mice served as two control groups living in the same environment but without having to solve tasks for getting access to water. One control group was additionally placed on the test set-ups without having to learn the tasks. Next to the cognitive tasks, we took physiological measures (body mass, resting metabolic rate) and tested for dominance behavior, and attractivity in a female choice experiment. Overall, the mice were under surveillance until they died a natural death, providing a unique data set over the course of virtually their entire lives. Our data showed treatment differences during the first phase of our lifetime data set. Young learner mice showed a higher activity, less growth and resting metabolic rate, and were less attractive for female mice. These effects, however, were not preserved over the long-term. We also did not find differences in dominance or effects on longevity. However, we generated a unique and valuable set of long-term behavioral and physiological data from a single group of male mice and note that our long-term data contribute to a better understanding of the behavioral and physiological processes in male C57Bl/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Kahnau
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Guenther
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marcus Nicolaas Boon
- Department for Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Modeling of Cognitive Processes, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Exzellenzcluster Science of Intelligence, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Eric Hanitzsch
- Behavioral Phenotyping Unit, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- Laboratory Animal Science, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Institute of Animal Welfare, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vera Brust
- Behavioral Phenotyping Unit, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
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49
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Wachsmuth L, Mensen A, Barca C, Wiart M, Tristão-Pereira C, Busato A, Waiczies S, Himmelreich U, Millward JM, Reimann HM, Jelescu I, Marzola P, Pradier B, Viola A, Faber C. Contribution of preclinical MRI to responsible animal research: living up to the 3R principle. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 34:469-474. [PMID: 34009521 PMCID: PMC8338837 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-021-00929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Wachsmuth
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48163, Muenster, Germany
| | - Armand Mensen
- Swiss 3R Competence Centre, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 6, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Barca
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI), University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Marlene Wiart
- Univ-Lyon, CarMeN laboratory, Inserm U1060, INRA U1397, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, Charles Mérieux Medical School, 69600, Oullins, France
| | - Catarina Tristão-Pereira
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Station 6, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Station 6, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Calle de Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, 280291, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alice Busato
- Department of Computer Science, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Sonia Waiczies
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Roessle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Biomedical MRI, Department Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 505, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jason M Millward
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Roessle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henning M Reimann
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Roessle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ileana Jelescu
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Station 6, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pasquina Marzola
- Department of Computer Science, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Bruno Pradier
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48163, Muenster, Germany
| | - Angèle Viola
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales la Timone, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48163, Muenster, Germany.
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50
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Hammond SL, Bantle CM, Popichak KA, Wright KA, Thompson D, Forero C, Kirkley KS, Damale PU, Chong EKP, Tjalkens RB. NF-κB Signaling in Astrocytes Modulates Brain Inflammation and Neuronal Injury Following Sequential Exposure to Manganese and MPTP During Development and Aging. Toxicol Sci 2021; 177:506-520. [PMID: 32692843 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to manganese (Mn) is associated with neuroinflammation and extrapyramidal motor deficits resembling features of Parkinson's disease. Activation of astrocytes and microglia is implicated in neuronal injury from Mn but it is not known whether early life exposure to Mn may predispose glia to more severe inflammatory responses during aging. We therefore examined astrocyte nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in mediating innate immune inflammatory responses during multiple neurotoxic exposures spanning juvenile development into adulthood. MnCl2 was given in drinking water for 30-day postweaning to both wildtype mice and astrocyte-specific knockout (KO) mice lacking I kappa B kinase 2, the central upstream activator of NF-κB. Following juvenile exposure to Mn, mice were subsequently administered 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at 4 months of age. Animals were evaluated for behavioral alterations and brain tissue was analyzed for catecholamine neurotransmitters. Stereological analysis of neuronal and glial cell counts from multiple brain regions indicated that juvenile exposure to Mn amplified glial activation and neuronal loss from MPTP exposure in the caudate-putamen and globus pallidus, as well as increased the severity of neurobehavioral deficits in open field activity assays. These alterations were prevented in astrocyte-specific I kappa B kinase 2 KO mice. Juvenile exposure to Mn increased the number of neurotoxic A1 astrocytes expressing C3 as well as the number of activated microglia in adult mice following MPTP challenge, both of which were inhibited in KO mice. These results demonstrate that exposure to Mn during juvenile development heightens the innate immune inflammatory response in glia during a subsequent neurotoxic challenge through NF-κB signaling in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Hammond
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Collin M Bantle
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Katriana A Popichak
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Katie A Wright
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Delaney Thompson
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Catalina Forero
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Kelly S Kirkley
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Pranav U Damale
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1680
| | - Edwin K P Chong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1680
| | - Ronald B Tjalkens
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
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