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Chiavaccini L, Gupta A, Chiavaccini G. From facial expressions to algorithms: a narrative review of animal pain recognition technologies. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1436795. [PMID: 39086767 PMCID: PMC11288915 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1436795] [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: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Facial expressions are essential for communication and emotional expression across species. Despite the improvements brought by tools like the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) in pain recognition in horses, their reliance on human identification of characteristic traits presents drawbacks such as subjectivity, training requirements, costs, and potential bias. Despite these challenges, the development of facial expression pain scales for animals has been making strides. To address these limitations, Automated Pain Recognition (APR) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a promising advancement. Notably, computer vision and machine learning have revolutionized our approach to identifying and addressing pain in non-verbal patients, including animals, with profound implications for both veterinary medicine and animal welfare. By leveraging the capabilities of AI algorithms, we can construct sophisticated models capable of analyzing diverse data inputs, encompassing not only facial expressions but also body language, vocalizations, and physiological signals, to provide precise and objective evaluations of an animal's pain levels. While the advancement of APR holds great promise for improving animal welfare by enabling better pain management, it also brings forth the need to overcome data limitations, ensure ethical practices, and develop robust ground truth measures. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview, tracing the journey from the initial application of facial expression recognition for the development of pain scales in animals to the recent application, evolution, and limitations of APR, thereby contributing to understanding this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Chiavaccini
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Anjali Gupta
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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2
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Puthillathu N, Moffett JR, Korotcov A, Bosomtwi A, Vengilote R, Krishnan JKS, Johnson EA, Arun P, Namboodiri AM. Brief isoflurane administration as an adjunct treatment to control organophosphate-induced convulsions and neuropathology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1293280. [PMID: 38230376 PMCID: PMC10790757 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1293280] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Organophosphate-based chemical agents (OP), including nerve agents and certain pesticides such as paraoxon, are potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that cause severe convulsions and seizures, leading to permanent central nervous system (CNS) damage if not treated promptly. The current treatment regimen for OP poisoning is intramuscular injection of atropine sulfate with an oxime such as pralidoxime (2-PAM) to mitigate cholinergic over-activation of the somatic musculature and autonomic nervous system. This treatment does not provide protection against CNS cholinergic overactivation and therefore convulsions require additional medication. Benzodiazepines are the currently accepted treatment for OP-induced convulsions, but the convulsions become refractory to these GABAA agonists and repeated dosing has diminishing effectiveness. As such, adjunct anticonvulsant treatments are needed to provide improved protection against recurrent and prolonged convulsions and the associated excitotoxic CNS damage that results from them. Previously we have shown that brief, 4-min administration of 3%-5% isoflurane in 100% oxygen has profound anticonvulsant and CNS protective effects when administered 30 min after a lethal dose of paraoxon. In this report we provide an extended time course of the effectiveness of 5% isoflurane delivered for 5 min, ranging from 60 to 180 min after a lethal dose of paraoxon in rats. We observed substantial effectiveness in preventing neuronal loss as shown by Fluoro-Jade B staining when isoflurane was administered 1 h after paraoxon, with diminishing effectiveness at 90, 120 and 180 min. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived T2 and mean diffusivity (MD) values showed that 5-min isoflurane administration at a concentration of 5% prevents brain edema and tissue damage when administered 1 h after a lethal dose of paraoxon. We also observed reduced astrogliosis as shown by GFAP immunohistochemistry. Studies with continuous EEG monitoring are ongoing to demonstrate effectiveness in animal models of soman poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alexandru Korotcov
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Asamoah Bosomtwi
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ranjini Vengilote
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jishnu K. S. Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Erik A. Johnson
- Department of Neuroscience, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aryan M. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Neuroscience Program and Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Domínguez-Oliva A, Olmos-Hernández A, Hernández-Ávalos I, Lecona-Butrón H, Mora-Medina P, Mota-Rojas D. Rat Grimace Scale as a Method to Evaluate Animal Welfare, Nociception, and Quality of the Euthanasia Method of Wistar Rats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3161. [PMID: 37893885 PMCID: PMC10603718 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Refinement of experimental procedures in animal research has the objective of preventing and minimizing pain/distress in animals, including the euthanasia period. This study aimed to evaluate pain associated with six methods of euthanasia in Wistar rats (injectable, inhalational, and physical), by applying the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS), comparing the scores, and determining the method with the highest score that might indicate pain for laboratory rodents. Sixty adult male and female Wistar rats were used and assigned to six treatments: pentobarbital, CO2, decapitation, isoflurane, ketamine + xylazine, and ketamine + CO2. Video recording to assess the RGS scores was performed in four events: basal: 24 h before the procedure; Ti1: three minutes before the procedure; Ti2: during the application of the euthanasia method; and Ti3: immediately after the application until LORR. The main findings of this study showed that, during Ti2, decapitation and ketamine + xylazine had the highest scores (0.6 ± 0.26 and 0.6 ± 0.16, respectively) (p < 0.0001), while at Ti3, CO2 (0.9 ± 0.18) and isoflurane (1.2 ± 0.20) recorded the highest scores (p < 0.0001). According to the present results, decapitation and ketamine + xylazine elicited short-term acute pain, possibly due to tissue damage caused by both methods (injection and guillotine). In contrast, isoflurane's RGS scores recorded during Ti3 might be associated with nociception/pain due to the pungency of the drug or to the pharmacological muscle relaxant effect of isoflurane. Further research is needed to establish a comprehensive study of pain during euthanasia, where RGS could be used minding the limitations that anesthetics might have on facial expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Master in Science Program “Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias”, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Biological Sciences Department, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico
| | - Hugo Lecona-Butrón
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
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Cohen S, Ho C. Review of Rat ( Rattus norvegicus), Mouse ( Mus musculus), Guinea pig ( Cavia porcellus), and Rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) Indicators for Welfare Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2167. [PMID: 37443965 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132167] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The monitoring and assessment of animals is important for their health and welfare. The appropriate selection of multiple, validated, and feasible welfare assessment indicators is required to effectively identify compromises or improvements to animal welfare. Animal welfare indicators can be animal or resource based. Indicators can be collated to form assessment tools (e.g., grimace scales) or animal welfare assessment models (e.g., 5 Domains) and frameworks (e.g., 5 Freedoms). The literature contains a wide variety of indicators, with both types needed for effective animal welfare assessment; however, there is yet to be an ideal constellation of indicators for animal-based welfare assessment in small mammals such as guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus), mice (Mus musculus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and rats (Rattus norvegicus). A systematic review of grey and peer-reviewed literature was performed to determine the types of animal-based welfare indicators available to identify and assess animal health and welfare in these small mammals maintained across a wide variety of conditions. The available indicators were categorised and scored against a selection of criteria, including potential ease of use and costs. This review and analysis aim to provide the basis for further research into animal welfare indicators for these species. Future applications of this work may include improvements to animal welfare assessments or schemes, guiding better management, and implementing future strategies to enable better animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shari Cohen
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camden 2570, Australia
| | - Cindy Ho
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
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Paterson EA, O’Malley CI, Moody C, Vogel S, Authier S, Turner PV. Development and validation of a cynomolgus macaque grimace scale for acute pain assessment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3209. [PMID: 36828891 PMCID: PMC9958007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30380-x] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cynomolgus macaques may undergo surgical procedures for scientific and veterinary purposes. Recognition and assessment of pain using validated tools is a necessary first step for adequately managing pain in these primates. Grimace scales are one means of assessing the occurance of acute pain using action units such as facial expressions and posture. The aim of this study was to create and validate a Cynomolgus Macaque Grimace Scale (CMGS). Cynomolgus macaques (n = 43) were video recorded before and after a surgical procedure. Images were extracted from videos at timepoints at which breakthrough pain might be expected based on analgesic pharmacokinetics. Using the CMGS images were scored by 12 observers blinded to animal identification, times, and conditions. To validate the tool, detailed behavioral analyses emphasizing changes to baseline activity ethograms were compared to grimace scores. Four action units were identified related to potential pain including orbital tightening, brow lowering, cheek tightening, and hunched posture. The CMGS tool was found to have moderate inter- (ICCaverage action unit mean ± SD: 0.67 ± 0.28) and good intra- (ICCsingle mean ± SD: 0.79 ± 0.14) observer reliability. Grimace scores increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in the first four post-operative timepoints compared to baseline, correlating with behavioral findings (rho range = 0.22-0.35, p < 0.001). An analgesic intervention threshold was determined and should be considered when providing additional pain relief. The CMGS was shown to be a reliable and valid tool; however, more research is needed to confirm external validity. This tool will be highly valuable for refining analgesic protocols and acute peri-procedural care for cynomolgus macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie A. Paterson
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Carly I. O’Malley
- grid.280920.10000 0001 1530 1808Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River, Wilmington, MA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Present Address: Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Carly Moody
- grid.280920.10000 0001 1530 1808Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River, Wilmington, MA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Present Address: Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Susan Vogel
- Veterinary Services, Charles River Montreal, Senneville, QC Canada
| | - Simon Authier
- Veterinary-Safety Pharmacology Services, Charles River Laval, Laval, QC Canada
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada ,grid.280920.10000 0001 1530 1808Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River, Wilmington, MA USA
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6
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Oliver VL, Pang DSJ. Pain Recognition in Rodents. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:121-149. [PMID: 36402478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Available methods for recognizing and assessing pain in rodents have increased over the last 10 years, including the development of validated pain assessment scales. Much of this work has been driven by the needs of biomedical research, and there are specific challenges to applying these scales in the clinical environment. This article provides an introduction to pain assessment scale validation, reviews current methods of pain assessment, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and makes recommendations for assessing pain in a clinical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L Oliver
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Animal Health Unit, VP Research, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Daniel S J Pang
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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7
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Yang CL, Jing JJ, Fu SY, Zhong YL, Su XZ, Shi ZM, Wu XZ, Yang F, Chen GZ. Ropivacaine-induced seizures evoked pain sensitization in rats: Participation of 5-HT/5-HT3R. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:173-185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Watanabe R, Monteiro BP, Ruel HLM, Cheng A, Marangoni S, Steagall PV. The Effects of Sedation with Dexmedetomidine-Butorphanol and Anesthesia with Propofol-Isoflurane on Feline Grimace Scale © Scores. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212914. [PMID: 36359038 PMCID: PMC9656706 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sedation and anesthesia on Feline Grimace Scale© (FGS) scores. Twelve healthy cats were included in a prospective, blinded and randomized, cross-over study with a 14 day wash-out. Saline or dexmedetomidine-butorphanol (Dex-But) was administered intramuscularly before an anesthetic induction with propofol and maintenance with isoflurane. Saline or atipamezole (Dex-But) was administered at the end of the general anesthesia. Video-filming/image capturing was performed before and up to 24 h post-anesthesia. A total of 125 images were evaluated by four raters blinded to the treatment groups using the FGS (ear position/orbital tightening/muzzle tension/whiskers change/head position; action units (AU); scores 0−2 for each AU). The effects of the sedation/anesthesia were analyzed (p < 0.05). The total FGS and each AU scores were significantly higher with Dex-But than with saline 20 min post-sedation. In the saline group, the total FGS, orbital tightening, and whiskers and head position scores were significantly higher than baseline at 0.5 h post-anesthesia. In the Dex-But group, the total FGS and each AU scores were significantly higher after sedation, whereas the orbital tightening scores were significantly higher at 0.5 h post-anesthesia when compared with the baseline. None of the other comparisons between or within the groups was significantly different. The sedation with dexmedetomidine-butorphanol and anesthesia with propofol-isoflurane changed the FGS scores on a short-term basis; consequently, they may bias acute pain assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Beatriz P. Monteiro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Hélène L. M. Ruel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Alice Cheng
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Sabrine Marangoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Paulo V. Steagall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
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Alejo AL, McDermott S, Khalil Y, Ball HC, Robinson GT, Solorzano E, Alejo AM, Douglas J, Samson TK, Young JW, Safadi FF. A Pre-clinical Standard Operating Procedure for Evaluating Orthobiologics in an In Vivo Rat Spinal Fusion Model. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE 2022; 4:224-240. [PMID: 36203492 PMCID: PMC9534599 DOI: 10.26502/josm.511500060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rat animal model is a cost effective and reliable model used in spinal pre-clinical research. Complications from various surgical procedures in humans often arise that were based on these pre-clinical animal models. Therefore safe and efficacious pre-clinical animal models are needed to establish continuity into clinical trials. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a validated method that allows researchers to safely and carefully replicate previously successful surgical techniques. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe in detail the procedures involved in a common rat bilateral posterolateral intertransverse spinal fusion SOP used to test the efficacy and safety different orthobiologics using a collagen-soaked sponge as an orthobiologic carrier. Only two orthobiologics are currently FDA approved for spinal fusion surgery which include recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2), and I-FACTOR. While there are many additional orthobiologics currently being tested, one way to show their safety profile and gain FDA approval, is to use well established pre-clinical animal models. A preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical setup including specific anesthesia and euthanasia protocols are outlined. Furthermore, we describe different postoperative methods used to validate the spinal fusion SOP, which include μCT analysis, histopathology, biomechanical testing, and blood analysis. This SOP can help increase validity, transparency, efficacy, and reproducibly in future rat spinal fusion surgery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Alejo
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Scott McDermott
- Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Orthopaedics, Summerville, SC, USA
| | - Yusuf Khalil
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Hope C Ball
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Gabrielle T Robinson
- College of Graduate Studies, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Ernesto Solorzano
- College of Graduate Studies, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Amanda M Alejo
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Jacob Douglas
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Trinity K Samson
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- College of Graduate Studies, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Jesse W Young
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- College of Graduate Studies, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Fayez F Safadi
- College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
- College of Graduate Studies, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
- GPN Therapeutics Inc., Redi Zone NEOMED, Rootstown, OH, USA
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10
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Mota-Rojas D, Olmos-Hernández A, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Hernández E, Martínez-Burnes J, Whittaker AL. The Utility of Grimace Scales for Practical Pain Assessment in Laboratory Animals. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101838. [PMID: 33050267 PMCID: PMC7600890 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Grimace scales for laboratory animals were first reported ten years ago. Yet, despite their promise as pain assessment tools it appears that they have not been implemented widely in animal research establishments for clinical pain assessment. We discuss potential reasons for this based on the knowledge gained to date on their use and suggest avenues for further research, which might improve uptake of their use in laboratory animal medicine. Abstract Animals’ facial expressions are widely used as a readout for emotion. Scientific interest in the facial expressions of laboratory animals has centered primarily on negative experiences, such as pain, experienced as a result of scientific research procedures. Recent attempts to standardize evaluation of facial expressions associated with pain in laboratory animals has culminated in the development of “grimace scales”. The prevention or relief of pain in laboratory animals is a fundamental requirement for in vivo research to satisfy community expectations. However, to date it appears that the grimace scales have not seen widespread implementation as clinical pain assessment techniques in biomedical research. In this review, we discuss some of the barriers to implementation of the scales in clinical laboratory animal medicine, progress made in automation of collection, and suggest avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Ciudad de México 04960, CDMX, Mexico;
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Tlalpan 14389, CDMX, Mexico; (A.O.-H.); (A.V.-M.)
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Tlalpan 14389, CDMX, Mexico; (A.O.-H.); (A.V.-M.)
| | - Elein Hernández
- Department of Clinical Studies and Surgery, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautiltán UNAM, Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Estado de México, Mexico;
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Graduate and Research Department, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Cd Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico;
| | - Alexandra L. Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, SA 5116, Australia
- Correspondence:
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11
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Grimace Scores: Tools to Support the Identification of Pain in Mammals Used in Research. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101726. [PMID: 32977561 PMCID: PMC7598254 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3Rs, Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, is a framework to ensure the ethical and justified use of animals in research. The implementation of refinements is required to alleviate and minimise the pain and suffering of animals in research. Public acceptability of animal use in research is contingent on satisfying ethical and legal obligations to provide pain relief along with humane endpoints. To fulfil this obligation, staff, researchers, veterinarians, and technicians must rapidly, accurately, efficiently and consistently identify, assess and act on signs of pain. This ability is paramount to uphold animal welfare, prevent undue suffering and mitigate possible negative impacts on research. Identification of pain may be based on indicators such as physiological, behavioural, or physical ones. Each has been used to develop different pain scoring systems with potential benefits and limitations in identifying and assessing pain. Grimace scores are a promising adjunctive behavioural technique in some mammalian species to identify and assess pain in research animals. The use of this method can be beneficial to animal welfare and research outcomes by identifying animals that may require alleviation of pain or humane intervention. This paper highlights the benefits, caveats, and potential applications of grimace scales.
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12
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Klune CB, Robbins HN, Leung VS, Pang DS. Hypothermia During General Anesthesia Interferes with Pain Assessment in Laboratory Rats ( Rattus norvegicus). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020; 59:719-725. [PMID: 32907696 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-20-000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Accurate pain assessment methods are necessary to ensure animal welfare and reliable data collection in animal research. The Rat Grimace Scale (RGS), a facial expression pain scale, allows effective identification of pain. However, the potential confounds of this method remain mostly unexplored. General anesthesia, which is used in many laboratory procedures, suppresses thermoregulation and results in hypothermia. We investigated the effects of isoflurane-induced hypothermia on RGS scores. Twenty (10 male and 10 female) Sprague-Dawley rats each received 30 min of anesthesia, followed by 30 min of observation after the return of sternal recumbency. Rats were randomized to receive warming with an electric heating pad or no warming during both periods. Unwarmed rats became hypothermic within 15 min after isoflurane exposure began and returned to normothermia within 15 min after returning to sternal recumbency. Warmed rats did not deviate from the normothermic range. The RGS scores of unwarmed rats were significantly higher than baseline levels for 3 h after anesthesia and were higher than those of warmed rats at 5 and 180 min after anesthesia. Hypothermia resulted in a larger proportion of rats crossing a predetermined analgesic intervention threshold. Our findings show that hypothermia induced by isoflurane anesthesia presents a confound to accurate RGS scoring. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining normothermia to avoid inflated pain scores and to obtain accurate pain assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra B Klune
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Hayley Nk Robbins
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivian Sy Leung
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel Sj Pang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada;,
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13
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Ritgen S, Bach F, Otero PE, Auer U. Multimodal perioperative pain management in a horse undergoing partial phallectomy. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2020-001104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ritgen
- Clinical Unit of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive‐Care MedicineVetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, AustriaViennaAustria
| | - Fabienne Bach
- University Equine Hospital, Clinical Unit of Equine SurgeryVetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, AustriaViennaAustria
| | - Pablo E Otero
- Department of AnaesthesiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Ulrike Auer
- Clinical Unit of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive‐Care MedicineVetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, AustriaViennaAustria
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14
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Mogil JS, Pang DSJ, Silva Dutra GG, Chambers CT. The development and use of facial grimace scales for pain measurement in animals. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:480-493. [PMID: 32682741 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of pain in animals is surprisingly complex, and remains a critical issue in veterinary care and biomedical research. Based on the known utility of pain measurement via facial expression in verbal and especially non-verbal human populations, "grimace scales" were first developed a decade ago for use in rodents and now exist for 10 different mammalian species. This review details the background context, historical development, features (including duration), psychometric properties, modulatory factors, and impact of animal grimace scales for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Mogil
- Depts. of Psychology and Anesthesia, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Daniel S J Pang
- Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Guanaes Silva Dutra
- Depts. of Psychology and Anesthesia, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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15
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Evangelista MC, Benito J, Monteiro BP, Watanabe R, Doodnaught GM, Pang DSJ, Steagall PV. Clinical applicability of the Feline Grimace Scale: real-time versus image scoring and the influence of sedation and surgery. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8967. [PMID: 32322445 PMCID: PMC7164424 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) is a facial expression-based scoring system for acute pain assessment in cats with reported validity using image assessment. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical applicability of the FGS in real-time when compared with image assessment, and to evaluate the influence of sedation and surgery on FGS scores in cats. Methods Sixty-five female cats (age: 1.37 ± 0.9 years and body weight: 2.85 ± 0.76 kg) were included in a prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Cats were sedated with intramuscular acepromazine and buprenorphine. Following induction with propofol, anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and cats underwent ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Pain was evaluated at baseline, 15 min after sedation, and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after extubation using the FGS in real-time (FGS-RT). Cats were video-recorded simultaneously at baseline, 15 min after sedation, and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after extubation for subsequent image assessment (FGS-IMG), which was performed six months later by the same observer. The agreement between FGS-RT and FGS-IMG scores was calculated using the Bland & Altman method for repeated measures. The effects of sedation (baseline versus 15 min) and OVH (baseline versus 24 h) were assessed using linear mixed models. Responsiveness to the administration of rescue analgesia (FGS scores before versus one hour after) was assessed using paired t-tests. Results Minimal bias (-0.057) and narrow limits of agreement (-0.351 to 0.237) were observed between the FGS-IMG and FGS-RT. Scores at baseline (FGS-RT: 0.16 ± 0.13 and FGS-IMG: 0.14 ± 0.13) were not different after sedation (FGS-RT: 0.2 ± 0.15, p = 0.39 and FGS-IMG: 0.16 ± 0.15, p = 0.99) nor at 24 h after extubation (FGS-RT: 0.16 ± 0.12, p = 0.99 and FGS-IMG: 0.12 ± 0.12, p = 0.96). Thirteen cats required rescue analgesia; their FGS scores were lower one hour after analgesic administration (FGS-RT: 0.21 ± 0.18 and FGS-IMG: 0.18 ± 0.17) than before (FGS-RT: 0.47 ± 0.24, p = 0.0005 and FGS-IMG: 0.45 ± 0.19, p = 0.015). Conclusions Real-time assessment slightly overestimates image scoring; however, with minimal clinical impact. Sedation with acepromazine-buprenorphine and ovariohysterectomy using a balanced anesthetic protocol did not influence the FGS scores. Responsiveness to analgesic administration was observed with both the FGS-RT and FGS-IMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Evangelista
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Javier Benito
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Beatriz P Monteiro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ryota Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Graeme M Doodnaught
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel S J Pang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.,Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paulo V Steagall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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16
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Turner PV, Pang DS, Lofgren JL. A Review of Pain Assessment Methods in Laboratory Rodents. Comp Med 2019; 69:451-467. [PMID: 31896391 PMCID: PMC6935698 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-19-000042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ensuring that laboratory rodent pain is well managed underpins the ethical acceptability of working with these animals in research. Appropriate treatment of pain in laboratory rodents requires accurate assessments of the presence or absence of pain to the extent possible. This can be challenging some situations because laboratory rodents are prey species that may show subtle signs of pain. Although a number of standard algesiometry assays have been used to assess evoked pain responses in rodents for many decades, these methods likely represent an oversimplification of pain assessment and many require animal handling during testing, which can result in stress-induced analgesia. More recent pain assessment methods, such as the use of ethograms, facial grimace scoring, burrowing, and nest-building, focus on evaluating changes in spontaneous behaviors or activities of rodents in their home environments. Many of these assessment methods are time-consuming to conduct. While many of these newer tests show promise for providing a more accurate assessment of pain, most require more study to determine their reliability and sensitivity across a broad range of experimental conditions, as well as between species and strains of animals. Regular observation of laboratory rodents before and after painful procedures with consistent use of 2 or more assessment methods is likely to improve pain detection and lead to improved treatment and care-a primary goal for improving overall animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Turner
- Charles River, Wilmington , Massachusetts Dept of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada;,
| | - Daniel Sj Pang
- Dept of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, Quebec, J2S 2M2, Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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17
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George RP, Howarth GS, Whittaker AL. Use of the Rat Grimace Scale to Evaluate Visceral Pain in a Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090678. [PMID: 31547463 PMCID: PMC6769932 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mucositis is a painful and often debilitating condition associated with cancer treatment. Management of associated symptoms is an important clinical consideration. Animal models are used in mucositis research to model the condition in humans in order to develop novel therapeutic agents to relieve symptoms. Previous animal studies have focused on disease severity and outcomes, but often failed to measure pain. The rat grimace scale (RGS) is a validated observational measure used to gauge pain levels experienced by rats. The aim of this study was to assess the rat grimace scale in a rat model of mucositis, and to examine whether changes in clinical signs and anxiety reflected the grimace responses recorded. We also aimed to determine whether the responses were pain-specific by administering potent opioid painkilling agents. In the present study rat grimace scores did not change significantly between treatments. Development of reliable pain assessment methods in animal models is urgently required to improve model relevance to human clinical practice, in addition to safeguarding animal welfare. Abstract The rat grimace scale (RGS) is a measure of spontaneous pain that evaluates pain response. The ability to characterize pain through a non-invasive method has considerable utility for numerous animal models of disease, including mucositis, a painful, self-limiting side-effect of chemotherapy treatment. Preclinical studies investigating novel therapeutics for mucositis often focus on pathological outcomes and disease severity. These investigations fail to measure pain, in spite of reduction of pain being a key clinical therapeutic goal. This study assessed the utility of the RGS for pain assessment in a rat model of mucositis, and whether changes in disease activity index (DAI) and open field test (OFT) reflected the grimace responses recorded. Sixty tumor-bearing female Dark Agouti rats were injected with either saline or 5-Fluourouracil alone, or with co-administration of opioid analgesics. Whilst differences in DAI were observed between treatment groups, no difference in RGS scores or OFT were demonstrated. Significant increases in grimace scores were observed across time. However, whilst a statistically significant change may have been noted, the biological relevance is questionable in terms of practical usage, since an observer is only able to score whole numbers. Development of effective pain assessment methods in animal models is required to improve welfare, satisfy regulatory requirements, and increase translational validity of the model to human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P George
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
| | - Gordon S Howarth
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.
| | - Alexandra L Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
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18
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Hagemeister K, Ernst L, Kadaba Srinivasan P, Tanaka H, Fukushima K, Tolba R. Severity assessment in pigs after partial liver resection: evaluation of a score sheet. Lab Anim 2019; 54:251-260. [DOI: 10.1177/0023677219871585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Severity assessment in biomedical research is required by the European authorities. Therefore, a variety of score sheets are available. The first score sheets were designed and introduced by Morton and Griffith (M&G) in 1985, to assess pain and distress in animals. Score sheets are an important part of the 3R principles to evaluate the degree of severity in different studies. Here, we used a modified score sheet from M&G for severity assessment of 12 Aachen minipigs after partial liver resection for safety testing of a novel synthetic sealant (VIVO-107). The control group was treated with the clinical standard fibrin. Estimation of recovery status of both groups was performed from the day of surgery to postoperative day 7 using a score sheet. Included parameters were blood loss during the surgical procedure, general state, spontaneous behaviour and clinical results. Values from 0 to 20 were graded for each category and resulted in the degree of strain (DS) from DS0 to DS4. An increasing DS indicated higher severity. Suitability of the implemented score sheet was evaluated. Higher score points were documented almost exclusively as an outcome of the clinical results, influenced mainly by increased temperature in the fibrin treated control group, whereas, spontaneous behaviour had only slight influence and general state had no influence. The average score seven days after surgery was <2. The laparotomy, where the partial liver resection is a part, is rated as moderate severity in the EU Directive 2010/63, while the assessment done in the present study hints to a mild severity of the model in our hands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hagemeister
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Ernst
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Hirokazu Tanaka
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kenji Fukushima
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - René Tolba
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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19
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McLennan KM, Miller AL, Dalla Costa E, Stucke D, Corke MJ, Broom DM, Leach MC. Conceptual and methodological issues relating to pain assessment in mammals: The development and utilisation of pain facial expression scales. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Seo EH, Piao L, Park HJ, Lee JY, Sa M, Oh CS, Lee SH, Kim SH. Impact of general anaesthesia on endoplasmic reticulum stress: propofol vs. isoflurane. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:1287-1294. [PMID: 31588195 PMCID: PMC6775274 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.36265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the effects of propofol and isoflurane on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in an animal model under general anaesthesia. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into Propofol and Isoflurane groups. Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol for Propofol group or isoflurane for Isoflurane group during 3 h. ER stress from lymphocytes in blood and tissues was evaluated between two groups after euthanasia. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) from lymphocytes in blood and tissues, and cytokines in blood were also checked. An immunohistochemical assay for ER stress marker from tissues was performed. Results: After anaesthesia, the levels of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous proteins (CHOP) in blood and liver were significantly higher in Isoflurane group, compared to Propofol group [blood, 31,499 ± 4,934 (30,733, 26,441-38,807) mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in Isoflurane group vs. 20,595 ± 1,838 (20,780, 18,866-22,232) MFI in Propofol group, p = 0.002; liver, 28,342 ± 5,535 (29,421, 23,388-32,756) MFI in Isoflurane group vs. 20,004 ± 2,155 (19,244, 18,197-22,191) MFI in Propofol group, p = 0.020]. ROS in blood was significantly higher in Isoflurane group, compared to Propofol group. However, cytokines in blood and immunohistochemical assays in tissues were similar between groups. Conclusion: Significant higher of ER stress from blood and liver were observed in rats under anaesthesia with isoflurane, compared to those that received propofol. ROS from blood also showed significant higher under anaesthesia with isoflurane. However, these findings were not associated with any changes in cytokines in blood or immunohistochemical assay in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hye Seo
- BK21 Plus, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Liyun Piao
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jun Park
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lee
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mijung Sa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chung-Sik Oh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Hyop Kim
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Tuttle AH, Molinaro MJ, Jethwa JF, Sotocinal SG, Prieto JC, Styner MA, Mogil JS, Zylka MJ. A deep neural network to assess spontaneous pain from mouse facial expressions. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918763658. [PMID: 29546805 PMCID: PMC5858615 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918763658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Grimace scales quantify characteristic facial expressions associated with spontaneous pain in rodents and other mammals. However, these scales have not been widely adopted largely because of the time and effort required for highly trained humans to manually score the images. Convoluted neural networks were recently developed that distinguish individual humans and objects in images. Here, we trained one of these networks, the InceptionV3 convolutional neural net, with a large set of human-scored mouse images. Output consists of a binary pain/no-pain assessment and a confidence score. Our automated Mouse Grimace Scale integrates these two outputs and is highly accurate (94%) at assessing the presence of pain in mice across different experimental assays. In addition, we used a novel set of “pain” and “no pain” images to show that automated Mouse Grimace Scale scores are highly correlated with human scores (Pearson’s r = 0.75). Moreover, the automated Mouse Grimace Scale classified a greater proportion of images as “pain” following laparotomy surgery when compared to animals receiving a sham surgery or a post-surgical analgesic. Together, these findings suggest that the automated Mouse Grimace Scale can eliminate the need for tedious human scoring of images and provide an objective and rapid way to quantify spontaneous pain and pain relief in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Tuttle
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark J Molinaro
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jasmine F Jethwa
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susana G Sotocinal
- 2 Department of Psychology, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Juan C Prieto
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Martin A Styner
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Mogil
- 2 Department of Psychology, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark J Zylka
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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22
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Hohlbaum K, Bert B, Dietze S, Palme R, Fink H, Thöne-Reineke C. Impact of repeated anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine on the well-being of C57BL/6JRj mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203559. [PMID: 30231081 PMCID: PMC6145541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the scope of the 3Rs of Russel and Burch, the number of laboratory animals can be reduced by repeated use of an animal. This strategy only becomes relevant, if the total amount of pain, distress or harm the individual animal experiences does not exceed the severity of a single manipulation. For example, when using imaging techniques, an animal can be examined several times during a study, but it has to be anesthetized each time imaging is performed. The severity of anesthesia is thought to be mild according to the Directive 2010/63/EU. However, the Directive does not differentiate between single and repeated anesthesia, although repeated anesthesia may have a greater impact on well-being. Hence, we compared the impact of single and repeated anesthesia (six times at an interval of three to four days) by injection of ketamine and xylazine (KX) on the well-being of adult female and male C57BL/6JRj mice. After anesthesia, well-being of mice was assessed according to a protocol for systematic assessment of well-being including nesting, the Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS), a test for trait anxiety, home cage activity, and the rotarod test for motor activity, food intake, and body weight, as well as corticosterone (metabolite) analysis. Repeated anesthesia increased the MGS in mice of both sexes and caused short-term effects on well-being of female mice in the immediate post-anesthetic period, indicated by longer lasting effects on trait anxiety-related behavior. However, corticosterone metabolite concentrations suggested that mice habituated to the stress induced by repeated KX administration. Hence, the mildly negative effects on well-being of repeated KX anesthesia do not seem to accumulate over time using the respective regimen. However, further observations for severity classification are warranted in order to more specifically determine the duration of mild distress and trait anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hohlbaum
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Bettina Bert
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Dietze
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidrun Fink
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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23
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Hohlbaum K, Bert B, Dietze S, Palme R, Fink H, Thöne-Reineke C. Systematic Assessment of Well-Being in Mice for Procedures Using General Anesthesia. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29630060 DOI: 10.3791/57046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In keeping with the 3R Principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) developed by Russel and Burch, scientific research should use alternatives to animal experimentation whenever possible. When there is no alternative to animal experimentation, the total number of laboratory animals used should be the minimum needed to obtain valuable data. Moreover, appropriate refinement measures should be applied to minimize pain, suffering, and distress accompanying the experimental procedure. The categories used to classify the degree of pain, suffering, and distress are non-recovery, mild, moderate, or severe (EU Directive 2010/63). To determine which categories apply in individual cases, it is crucial to use scientifically sound tools. The well-being-assessment protocol presented here is designed for procedures during which general anesthesia is used. The protocol focuses on home cage activity, the Mouse Grimace Scale, and luxury behaviors such as burrowing and nest building behavior as indicators of well-being. It also uses the free exploratory paradigm for trait anxiety-related behavior. Fecal corticosterone metabolites as indicators of acute stress are measured over the 24-h post-anesthetic period. The protocol provides scientifically solid information on the well-being of mice following general anesthesia. Due to its simplicity, the protocol can easily be adapted and integrated in a planned study. Although it does not provide a scale to classify distress in categories according to the EU Directive 2010/63, it can help researchers estimate the degree of severity of a procedure using scientifically sound data. It provides a way to improve the assessment of well-being in a scientific, animal-centered manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hohlbaum
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin;
| | - Bettina Bert
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin; German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
| | - Silke Dietze
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Heidrun Fink
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin
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Rodent analgesia: Assessment and therapeutics. Vet J 2018; 232:70-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Hohlbaum K, Bert B, Dietze S, Palme R, Fink H, Thöne-Reineke C. Severity classification of repeated isoflurane anesthesia in C57BL/6JRj mice-Assessing the degree of distress. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179588. [PMID: 28617851 PMCID: PMC5472303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the EU Directive 2010/63, the severity of a procedure has to be classified as mild, moderate or severe. General anesthesia is thought to be mild, but the Directive does not differentiate between single and repeated anesthesia. Therefore, we investigated the impact of repeated administration of isoflurane, the most commonly used inhalation anesthetic, on the well-being of adult C57BL/6JRj mice, in comparison to single administrations and to untreated animals, when applied six times for 45 min at an interval of 3–4 days. For the animals anesthetized, excitations, phases of anesthesia, and vital parameters were monitored. Well-being after anesthesia was assessed using a behavioral test battery including luxury behavior like burrowing and nest building behavior, the Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS), the free exploratory paradigm for anxiety-related behavior, home cage activity and the rotarod test for activity, as well as food intake and body weight. Additionally, hair corticosterone and fecal corticosterone metabolites were measured. Our results show that nest building behavior, home cage activity, body weight, and corticosterone concentrations were not influenced by anesthesia, whereas changes in burrowing behavior, the MGS, food intake, and the free exploratory behavior indicated that the well-being of the mice was more affected by repeated than single isoflurane anesthesia. This effect depended on the sex of the animals, with female mice being more susceptible than male mice. However, repeated isoflurane anesthesia caused only short-term mild distress and impairment of well-being, mainly in the immediate postanesthetic period. Well-being stabilized at 8 days after the last anesthesia, at the latest. Therefore, we conclude that when using our anesthesia protocol, the severity of both single and repeated isoflurane anesthesia in C57BL/6JRj mice can be classified as mild. However, within the mild severity category, repeated isoflurane anesthesia ranks higher than single isoflurane anesthesia. Additionally, our results imply that male and female mice can differently perceive the severity of a procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hohlbaum
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Bettina Bert
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Dietze
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidrun Fink
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Prescott MJ, Lidster K. Improving quality of science through better animal welfare: the NC3Rs strategy. Lab Anim (NY) 2017; 46:152-156. [DOI: 10.1038/laban.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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