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Ochoa-Amaya JE, Paula LDOA, Luciano FF, Bernardi MM. Repeated saline injections reduce the pulmonary allergic inflammatory response in rats by inducing short-term stress. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 40:100822. [PMID: 39144834 PMCID: PMC11320420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Asthma is characterized by pulmonary cell infiltration and hyper-responsiveness of the airways. Short-term stress reduces airway inflammation. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effects of short-term stress induced by repeated treatment with saline injections on the pulmonary allergic inflammatory response in rats. Methods Adult male rats were divided into three groups: Naïve group (non-sensitized, challenged, or treated rats), Control group (rats sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce lung inflammation), and Saline group (rats treated for five days with saline before OVA sensitization). Inhalation challenges were performed one week after the booster with aerosolized OVA. On day 18, the effect of saline injections on total and differential leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), femoral marrow lavage (FML), and blood was evaluated. The percentage of mucus, serum corticosterone, collagen, cytokines in lung explants, and norepinephrine levels were also measured. Results OVA sensitization increased the circulating leukocytes and their migration to the lung, decreasing the bone marrow leukocytes. The repeated saline injections prevented this migration by decreasing the number of leukocytes in BAL and blood in the control group. Cytokine Interleukin-4 (IL-4) was higher in the control group than in the naive and saline groups; cytokines Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) were higher in the control and saline groups than in the naïve group; Interferon gamma (IFNγ) was higher in the saline group than in the naive and control groups; norepinephrine increased in animals sensitized with OVA and was higher only in the saline group relative to the naïve group. Conclusions These results suggest that short-term stress could contribute to the anti-allergic airway inflammation effects of a given treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Esperanza Ochoa-Amaya
- University of the Llanos, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, School of Animal Sciences, Colombia
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ligeiro de Oliveira Ana Paula
- Post-Graduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, University Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Freitas Felicio Luciano
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Martha Bernardi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar 1212, 04026-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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2
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Hohlbaum K, Andresen N, Mieske P, Kahnau P, Lang B, Diederich K, Palme R, Mundhenk L, Sprekeler H, Hellwich O, Thöne-Reineke C, Lewejohann L. Lockbox enrichment facilitates manipulative and cognitive activities for mice. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2024; 4:108. [PMID: 39257918 PMCID: PMC11384198 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.17624.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Due to the lack of complexity and variety of stimuli, conventional housing conditions of laboratory mice do not allow these animals to fully express their behavioral repertoire, including manipulative and cognitive activities. Therefore, we designed mechanical puzzles, so-called lockboxes, for mice that can be provided in their home cages. We investigated the impact of the lockbox enrichment on their phenotype and affective state when compared to conventional housing (CH) and super-environmental enrichment (SEE). Methods Young adult female C57BL/6JCrl mice were examined before and after 2-month exposure to the different types of enrichment in a phenotyping test battery, including tests for trait and state anxiety-related behavior, calorimetric measurements, body weight measurements, the analysis of stress hormone metabolite concentrations, and sequential problem-solving abilities with a novel lockbox. At the end of the study, adrenal gland weights were determined and pathohistological evaluation was performed. For all continuous variables, the relative variability was calculated. Results While the different types of enrichment affected trait anxiety-related behavior, neither state anxiety-related behavior nor physiological variables (i.e., bodyweight, resting metabolic rate, stress hormone metabolite concentrations, adrenal gland weights) were influenced. LE improved sequential problem-solving (i.e., solving novel lockboxes) when compared to SEE. Regardless of the housing condition, the relative variability increased in most variables over time, although the coefficient of variation decreased for some variables, especially in animals with access to LE. There was no evidence of toxicopathological effects associated with the material from which the lockboxes were made. Conclusions All lockboxes are available as open-source tool. LE revealed beneficial effects on the affective state of laboratory mice and their performance in solving novel lockboxes. Neither relevant phenotype of the mice nor reproducibility of the data were compromised by LE, similar to SEE. The lockboxes may also be used as novel approach for assessing cognition in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hohlbaum
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, 12277, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
| | - Niek Andresen
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
- Computer Vision and Remote Sensing, Technische Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 10587, Germany
| | - Paul Mieske
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, 12277, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Pia Kahnau
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, 12277, Germany
| | - Benjamin Lang
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Kai Diederich
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, 12277, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Lars Mundhenk
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Henning Sprekeler
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Modeling of Cognitive Processes, Technische Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 10587, Germany
| | - Olaf Hellwich
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Computer Vision and Remote Sensing, Technische Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 10587, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, 12277, Germany
- Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, 10587, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
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3
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Bedard ML, Huang XP, Murray JG, Nowlan AC, Conley SY, Mott SE, Loyack SJ, Cline CA, Clodfelter CG, Dasgupta N, Krumm B, Roth BL, McElligott ZA. Xylazine is an agonist at kappa opioid receptors and exhibits sex-specific responses to opioid antagonism. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 11:100155. [PMID: 39086495 PMCID: PMC11290297 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2024.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Xylazine is in the unregulated drug supply at increasing rates, usually combined with fentanyl, necessitating understanding of its pharmacology. Despite commentary from politicians, and public health officials, it is unknown how xylazine impacts naloxone efficacy, and. few studies have examined it alone. Here, we examine the impact of xylazine alone and in combination with fentanyl on several behaviors in mice. Surprisingly, naloxone precipitates withdrawal from xylazine and fentanyl/xylazine coadministration, with enhanced sensitivity in females. Further, xylazine is a full agonist at kappa opioid receptors, a potential mechanism for its naloxone sensitivity. Finally, we demonstrate surprising effects of xylazine to kappa opioid antagonism, which are relevant for public health considerations. These data address an ongoing health crisis and will help inform critical policy and healthcare decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madigan L. Bedard
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Jackson G. Murray
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Alexandra C. Nowlan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Sara Y. Conley
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Sarah E. Mott
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Samuel J. Loyack
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Calista A. Cline
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Caroline G. Clodfelter
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Injury Prevention Research Center, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Brian Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Zoe A. McElligott
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
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Wolter A, Jirkof P, Thöne-Reineke C, Rapp AE, Lang A. Evaluating rearing behaviour as a model-specific pain indicator in mouse osteotomy models. Lab Anim 2024; 58:9-21. [PMID: 37684025 DOI: 10.1177/00236772231183197] [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: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
To assess pain in mouse models of bone fractures, currently applied assessment batteries use combinations of clinical signs with spontaneous behaviours and model-specific behaviours, including walking and weight-bearing behaviour. Rearing behaviour - an upright position on the hindlimbs - has a motivational and an ambulatory component. Thus, rearing behaviour might have the potential to be an indicator for model-specific pain in mouse fracture models. To date, the assessment of rearing behaviour in bone fracture models using mice is only scarcely described. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the duration of rearing behaviour is affected by osteotomy of the femur in male and female C57BL/6N mice with external fixation (rigid vs. flexible) and could be an additional sign for model-specific pain, such as the presence of limping. Rearing duration was significantly decreased after osteotomy in male and female mice at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, but was not affected by anaesthesia/analgesia alone. In male mice, the relative rearing duration increased over 72 h (both fixations) and at 10 days in the rigid fixation group but remained significantly lower in the flexible fixation group. In contrast, in female mice, no increase in rearing duration was observed within 72 h and at 10 days post-osteotomy, independent of the fixation. We did not identify any association between relative rearing time and presence or absence of limping. In summary, our results do not provide sufficient evidence that altered rearing behaviour might be an indicative sign for pain in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Wolter
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Paulin Jirkof
- Office for Animal Welfare and 3R, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna E Rapp
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Orthopaedics (Friedrichsheim), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Germany
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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Young MS, Kelly JC, Anderson SR, Riffle LA, Spears SL, Kalen JD, Suess-Radford E, Gulani J. Subcutaneous Alfaxalone-XylazineBuprenorphine for Surgical Anesthesia and Echocardiographic Evaluation of Mice ( Mus musculus). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63:49-56. [PMID: 38191146 PMCID: PMC10844737 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000090] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Alfaxalone is a commonly used injectable anesthetic in dogs and cats due to its minimal cardiovascular side effects. Data for its use in mice are limited and demonstrate strain- and sex-associated differences in dose-response relationships. We performed a dose-comparison study of alfaxalone-xylazine-buprenorphine (AXB) in Crl: CFW (SW) mice. Subcutaneous injection of 50 mg/kg alfaxalone-10 mg/kg xylazine-0.1 mg/kg buprenorphine HCl consistently achieved a surgical plane of anesthesia (loss of toe pinch) for 48.6 ± 4.7 and 60.8 ± 9.6 min in females and males, respectively. The same dose and route of AXB induced a surgical plane of anesthesia in C57Bl/6NCrl (females: 42.3 ± 11.2 min; males: 51.6 ± 12.3 min), NCr-Foxn1nu (females: 76.8 ± 32.5 min; males: 80.0 ± 1.2 min), and NOD. Cg-Prkdc SCID Il2rg tm1Wjl /SzJCr (females: 56.0 ± 37.2 min and males: 61.2 ± 10.2 min) mice. We found no significant difference in the duration of the surgical plane of anesthesia between males and females within the mouse strains Crl: CFW (SW), C57Bl/6NCrl, NCr-Foxn1nu, and NOD. Cg-PrkdcSCID Il2rgtm1Wjl /SzJCr. We next performed an echocardiography study (n = 5 per group) of Crl: CFW (SW) mice ( n = 5 per group) to compare subcutaneous AXB anesthesia with that produced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg/kg xylazine (KX). AXB induced significantly less bradycardia (295.4 ± 29 bpm) than KX (185.8 ± 38.9 bpm) did, with no significant differences in cardiac output, ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, or fractional shortening. These results suggest that subcutaneous administration of AXB is a viable alternative to KX for inducing a surgical plane of anesthesia in Crl: CFW (SW), C57Bl/6NCrl, NCr-Foxn1nu, and NOD. Cg-PrkdcSCID Il2rgtm1Wjl /SzJCr mice, regardless of sex. AXB may also be a better injectable anesthetic option as compared with KX for avoiding adverse cardiac effects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina S Young
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
| | - Jackie C Kelly
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
| | - Staci R Anderson
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
| | - Lisa A Riffle
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
| | - Stella L Spears
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
| | - Joseph D Kalen
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
| | | | - Jatinder Gulani
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; and
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6
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Lever TE, Kloepper A, Welby L, Haney M, Fudge S, Seiller C, Kington S, Ballenger B, Nichols NL. Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion during Breathing and Swallowing. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/66089. [PMID: 38108389 PMCID: PMC11101017 DOI: 10.3791/66089] [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: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The larynx is an essential organ in mammals with three primary functions - breathing, swallowing, and vocalizing. A wide range of disorders are known to impair laryngeal function, which results in difficulty breathing (dyspnea), swallowing impairment (dysphagia), and/or voice impairment (dysphonia). Dysphagia, in particular, can lead to aspiration pneumonia and associated morbidity, recurrent hospitalization, and early mortality. Despite these serious consequences, existing treatments for laryngeal dysfunction are largely aimed at surgical and behavioral interventions that unfortunately do not typically restore normal laryngeal function, thus highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. To bridge this gap, we have been developing an experimental endoscopic approach to investigate laryngeal dysfunction in murine (i.e., mouse and rat) models. However, endoscopy in rodents is quite challenging due to their small size relative to current endoscope technology, anatomical differences in the upper airway, and the necessity for anesthesia to optimally access the larynx. Here, we describe a novel transoral laryngoscopy approach that permits close-up, unobstructed video imaging of laryngeal motion in mice and rats. Critical steps in the protocol include precise anesthesia management (to prevent overdosing that abolishes swallowing and/or risks respiratory distress-related mortality) and micromanipulator control of the endoscope (for stable video recording of laryngeal motion by a single researcher for subsequent quantification). Importantly, the protocol can be performed over time in the same animals to study the impact of various pathological conditions specifically on laryngeal function. A novel advantage of this protocol is the ability to visualize airway protection during swallowing, which is not possible in humans due to epiglottic inversion over the laryngeal inlet that obstructs the glottis from view. Rodents therefore provide a unique opportunity to specifically investigate the mechanisms of normal versus pathological laryngeal airway protection for the ultimate purpose of discovering treatments to effectively restore normal laryngeal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E Lever
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine;
| | - Ashley Kloepper
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | - Lauren Welby
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine - Baylor Scott & White
| | - Megan Haney
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Shakera Fudge
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Chase Seiller
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | - Sophia Kington
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
| | | | - Nicole L Nichols
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
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7
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Reiber M, von Schumann L, Buchecker V, Boldt L, Gass P, Bleich A, Talbot SR, Potschka H. Evidence-based comparative severity assessment in young and adult mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285429. [PMID: 37862304 PMCID: PMC10588901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In animal-based research, welfare assessments are essential for ethical and legal reasons. However, accurate assessment of suffering in laboratory animals is often complicated by the multidimensional character of distress and pain and the associated affective states. The present study aimed to design and validate multidimensional composite measure schemes comprising behavioral and biochemical parameters based on a bioinformatics approach. Published data sets from induced and genetic mouse models of neurological and psychiatric disorders were subjected to a bioinformatics workflow for cross-model analyses. ROC analyses pointed to a model-specific discriminatory power of selected behavioral parameters. Principal component analyses confirmed that the composite measure schemes developed for adult or young mice provided relevant information with the level of group separation reflecting the expected severity levels. Finally, the validity of the composite measure schemes developed for adult and young mice was further confirmed by k-means-based clustering as a basis for severity classification. The classification systems allowed the allocation of individual animals to different severity levels and a direct comparison of animal groups and other models. In conclusion, the bioinformatics approach confirmed the suitability of the composite measure schemes for evidence-based comparative severity assessment in adult and young mice. In particular, we demonstrated that the composite measure schemes provide a basis for an individualized severity classification in control and experimental groups allowing direct comparison of severity levels across different induced or genetic models. An online tool (R package) is provided, allowing the application of the bioinformatics approach to severity assessment data sets regardless of the parameters or models used. This tool can also be used to validate refinement measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Reiber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Lara von Schumann
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Buchecker
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Boldt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven Roger Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
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8
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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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9
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Lestari KD, Dwiputri E, Kurniawan Tan GH, Sulijaya B, Soeroso Y, Natalina N, Harsas NA, Takahashi N. Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Konjac Glucomannan in Periodontitis: Animal and In Vitro Studies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1778. [PMID: 37893496 PMCID: PMC10608271 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101778] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease in the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by specific microorganisms or groups of microorganisms. P. gingivalis bacterium is the keystone pathogen in periodontitis, so even at low concentrations, it has a considerable influence on the oral community. Antimicrobials and antiplaque agents can be used as adjunctive therapy for periodontitis treatment. Konjac glucomannan (KGM), as a natural polysaccharide, has flavonoid (3,5-diacetyltambulin) and triterpenoids (ambylon) compounds that show antibacterial activity. This research aims to analyze the antibacterial activity of KGM on animal and in vitro periodontitis models. Materials and Methods: The animal study divided 48 mice into four groups (control, KGM, periodontitis, KGM + periodontitis). Mice were given an intervention substance by oral gavage from day 1 to day 14, periodontitis was induced on day 7, and decapitation was performed on day 14. Samples from the right maxillary jaw of mice were used for histological preparations and morphometrics analysis. In vitro studies were carried out by adding several concentrations of KGM (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) into a planktonic P. gingivalis and P. gingivalis biofilm. Results: In the animal model, KGM could prevent alveolar bone loss in the periodontitis mice model, both in histologic and morphometrics assessments. In vitro, KGM had antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis with better bacteriostatic (15-23%) than bactericidal (11-20%) ability, proven by its ability to inhibit P. gingivalis proliferation. Conclusions: KGM can be considered to have the potential as an antibacterial agent to prevent periodontitis. The prevention of periodontitis may improve patient well-being and human quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Dhipta Lestari
- Postgraduate Program in Periodontology, Department of Periodontology, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (K.D.L.); (E.D.); (G.H.K.T.)
| | - Edlyn Dwiputri
- Postgraduate Program in Periodontology, Department of Periodontology, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (K.D.L.); (E.D.); (G.H.K.T.)
| | - Geraldi Hartono Kurniawan Tan
- Postgraduate Program in Periodontology, Department of Periodontology, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (K.D.L.); (E.D.); (G.H.K.T.)
| | - Benso Sulijaya
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (Y.S.); (N.N.); (N.A.H.)
| | - Yuniarti Soeroso
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (Y.S.); (N.N.); (N.A.H.)
| | - Natalina Natalina
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (Y.S.); (N.N.); (N.A.H.)
| | - Nadhia Anindhita Harsas
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (Y.S.); (N.N.); (N.A.H.)
| | - Naoki Takahashi
- Division of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan;
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Domínguez-Oliva A, Hernández-Ávalos I, Olmos-Hernández A, Villegas-Juache J, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Mota-Rojas D. Thermal Response of Laboratory Rats ( Rattus norvegicus) during the Application of Six Methods of Euthanasia Assessed by Infrared Thermography. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2820. [PMID: 37760220 PMCID: PMC10526081 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Refinement is one of the principles aiming to promote welfare in research animals. The techniques used during an experimental protocol, including euthanasia selection, must prevent and minimize suffering. Although the current euthanasia methods applied to laboratory rodents are accepted, the controversial findings regarding the potential stress/distress they can cause is a field of research. The objective was to assess the thermal response of Wistar rats during various euthanasia methods using infrared thermography (IRT) to determine the method that prevents or diminishes the stress response and prolonged suffering. Pentobarbital (G1), CO2 (G2), decapitation (G3), isoflurane (G4), ketamine + xylazine (G5), and ketamine + CO2 (G6) were evaluated at five evaluation times with IRT to identify changes in the surface temperature of four anatomical regions: ocular (T°ocu), auricular (T°ear), interscapular (T°dor), and caudal (T°tai). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in G2 and G4, registering temperature increases from the administration of the drug to the cessation of respiratory rate and heart rate. Particularly, isoflurane showed a marked thermal response in T°ocu, T°ear, T°dor, and T°tai, suggesting that, in general, inhalant euthanasia methods induce stress in rats and that isoflurane might potentially cause distress, an effect that must be considered when deciding humane euthanasia methods in laboratory rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Master in Science Program “Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias”, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, 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
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Juan Villegas-Juache
- Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
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De Vleeschauwer S, Lambaerts K, Hernot S, Debusschere K. Severity Classification of Laboratory Animal Procedures in Two Belgian Academic Institutions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2581. [PMID: 37627373 PMCID: PMC10451636 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162581] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the EU Directive 2010/63, all animal procedures must be classified as non-recovery, mild, moderate or severe. Several examples are included in the Directive to help in severity classification. Since the implementation of the Directive, different publications and guidelines have been disseminated on the topic. However, due to the large variety of disease models and animal procedures carried out in many different animal species, guidance on the severity classification of specific procedures or models is often lacking or not specific enough. The latter is especially the case in disease models where the level of pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm depends on the duration of the study (for progressive disease models) or the dosage given (for infectious or chemically induced disease models). This, in turn, may lead to inconsistencies in severity classification between countries, within countries and even within institutions. To overcome this, two Belgian academic institutions with a focus on biomedical research collaborated to develop a severity classification for all the procedures performed. This work started with listing all in-house procedures and assigning them to 16 (sub)categories. First, we determined which parameters, such as clinical signs, dosage or duration, were crucial for severity classification within a specific (sub)category. Next, a severity classification was assigned to the different procedures, which was based on professional judgment by the designated veterinarians, members of the animal welfare body (AWB) and institutional animal ethics committee (AEC), integrating the available literature and guidelines. During the classification process, the use of vague terminology, such as 'minor impact', was avoided as much as possible. Instead, well-defined cut-offs between severity levels were used. Furthermore, we sought to define common denominators to group procedures and to be able to classify new procedures more easily. Although the primary aim is to address prospective severity, this can also be used to assess actual severity. In summary, we developed a severity classification for all procedures performed in two academic, biomedical institutions. These include many procedures and disease models in a variety of animal species for which a severity classification was not reported so far, or the terms that assign them to a different severity were too vague.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sophie Hernot
- Laboratory for In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging (ICMI-MIMA/BEFY), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Karlijn Debusschere
- Core Facility ANIM, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Core ARTH, Animal Facility, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Peppermüller PP, Gehring J, Zentrich E, Bleich A, Häger C, Buettner M. Grimace scale assessment during Citrobacter rodentium inflammation and colitis development in laboratory mice. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1173446. [PMID: 37342621 PMCID: PMC10277495 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1173446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacterial infections and chronic intestinal inflammations triggered by genetic susceptibility, environment or an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome are usually long-lasting and painful diseases in which the development and maintenance of these various intestinal inflammations is not yet fully understood, research is still needed. This still requires the use of animal models and is subject to the refinement principle of the 3Rs, to minimize suffering or pain perceived by the animals. With regard to this, the present study aimed at the recognition of pain using the mouse grimace scale (MGS) during chronic intestinal colitis due to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment or after infection with Citrobacter rodentium. Methods In this study 56 animals were included which were divided into 2 experimental groups: 1. chronic intestinal inflammation (n = 9) and 2. acute intestinal inflammation (with (n = 23) and without (n = 24) C. rodentium infection). Before the induction of intestinal inflammation in one of the animal models, mice underwent an abdominal surgery and the live MGS from the cage side and a clinical score were assessed before (bsl) and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 hours. Results The highest clinical score as well as the highest live MGS was detected 2 hours after surgery and almost no sign of pain or severity were detected after 24 and 48 hours. Eight weeks after abdominal surgery B6-Il4/Il10-/- mice were treated with DSS to trigger chronic intestinal colitis. During the acute phase as well as the chronic phase of the experiment, the live MGS and a clinical score were evaluated. The clinical score increased after DSS administration due to weight loss of the animals but no change of the live MGS was observed. In the second C57BL/6J mouse model, after infection with C. rodentium the clinical score increased but again, no increased score values in the live MGS was detectable. Discussion In conclusion, the live MGS detected post-operative pain, but indicated no pain during DSS-induced colitis or C. rodentium infection. In contrast, clinical scoring and here especially the weight loss revealed a decreased wellbeing due to surgery and intestinal inflammation.
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Wolter A, Bucher CH, Kurmies S, Schreiner V, Konietschke F, Hohlbaum K, Klopfleisch R, Löhning M, Thöne-Reineke C, Buttgereit F, Huwyler J, Jirkof P, Rapp AE, Lang A. A buprenorphine depot formulation provides effective sustained post-surgical analgesia for 72 h in mouse femoral fracture models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3824. [PMID: 36882427 PMCID: PMC9992384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30641-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate pain management is essential for ethical and scientific reasons in animal experiments and should completely cover the period of expected pain without the need for frequent re-application. However, current depot formulations of Buprenorphine are only available in the USA and have limited duration of action. Recently, a new microparticulate Buprenorphine formulation (BUP-Depot) for sustained release has been developed as a potential future alternative to standard formulations available in Europe. Pharmacokinetics indicate a possible effectiveness for about 72 h. Here, we investigated whether the administration of the BUP-Depot ensures continuous and sufficient analgesia in two mouse fracture models (femoral osteotomy) and could, therefore, serve as a potent alternative to the application of Tramadol via the drinking water. Both protocols were examined for analgesic effectiveness, side effects on experimental readout, and effects on fracture healing outcomes in male and female C57BL/6N mice. The BUP-Depot provided effective analgesia for 72 h, comparable to the effectiveness of Tramadol in the drinking water. Fracture healing outcome was not different between analgesic regimes. The availability of a Buprenorphine depot formulation for rodents in Europe would be a beneficial addition for extended pain relief in mice, thereby increasing animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Wolter
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian H Bucher
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kurmies
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viktoria Schreiner
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Konietschke
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Löhning
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paulin Jirkof
- Office for Animal Welfare and 3Rs, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna E Rapp
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Orthopedics (Friedrichsheim), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany.
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Novel Targeted Zinc Oxide Nanoflakes Loaded L-Carnitine as a Corrective Tool for Sperm Parameters Disorders: Technetium 99 m Radiolabeling and In Vivo Biodistribution Studies. BIONANOSCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-023-01070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Riedesel AK, Helgers SOA, Abdulbaki A, Hatipoglu Majernik G, Alam M, Krauss JK, Schwabe K. Severity Assessment of Complex and Repeated Intracranial Surgery in Rats. Eur Surg Res 2023; 64:108-119. [PMID: 34731861 DOI: 10.1159/000520678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence-based grading of the impact of intracranial surgery on rat's well-being is important for ethical and legal reasons. We assessed the severity of complex and repeated intracranial surgery in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) Parkinson's rat model with subsequent intracranial electrode implantation and in an intracranial tumor model with subsequent resection. METHODS Stereotactic surgery was performed in adult male rats with the same general anesthesia and perioperative pain management. In Parkinson's model, Sprague Dawley rats received unilateral injection of 6-OHDA (n = 11) or vehicle (n = 7) into the medial forebrain bundle as first operation (1st OP). After four weeks, neural electrodes were implanted in all rats as second operation (2nd OP). For tumor formation, BDIX/UlmHanZtm rats (n = 8) received frontocortical injection of BT4Ca cells as 1st OP, followed by tumor resection as 2nd OP after one week. Multiple measures severity assessment was done two days before and four days after surgery in all rats, comprising clinical scoring, body weight, and detailed behavioral screening. To include a condition with a known burden, rats with intracranial tumors were additionally assessed up to a predefined humane endpoint that has previously been classified as "moderate". RESULTS After the 1st OP, only 6-OHDA injection resulted in transient elevated clinical scores, a mild long-lasting weight reduction, and motor disturbances. After the second surgery, body weight was transiently reduced in all groups. All other parameters showed variable results. Principal component analysis showed a separation from the preoperative state driven by motor-related parameters after 6-OHDA injection, while separation after electrode implantation and more clearly after tumor resection was driven by pain-related parameters, although not reaching the level of the humane endpoint of our tumor model. CONCLUSION Overall, cranial surgery of different complexity only transiently and rather mildly affects rat's well-being. Multiple measures assessment allows the differentiation of model-related motor disturbances in Parkinson's model from potentially pain-related conditions after tumor resection and electrode implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arif Abdulbaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Mesbah Alam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joachim K Krauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schwabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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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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Performance of Marmoset Monkeys as Embryo Donors Is Reflected by Different Stress-Related Parameters. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182414. [PMID: 36139275 PMCID: PMC9494952 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) serve as embryo donors for embryo collection in order to mimic genetic diseases in humans by genetic modification. Reproductive health of the embryo donors is crucial, and chronic distress needs to be avoided. Embryo retrieval rates (ERR), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, cortisol levels, and body weight fluctuations were assessed as markers for fertility and distress. With regard to successful embryo retrievals (total n = 667), the animals were either used for extended periods (long-term group; LTG) or only for short periods (short-term group; STG). Retrospective evaluation expectedly showed that animals in the LTG had a higher ERR than animals in the STG (p < 0.0001). Importantly, ERR in the LTG remained stable throughout the experimental period, and high embryo rates were already encountered during the first year of experimental use (p = 0.0002). High ERR were associated with high AMH and low cortisol levels, and minimal body weight fluctuations following anesthesia, indicating a superior ability of the LTG animals to handle distress. We conclude that the long-term experimental use of marmosets does not impair their fertility or health status per se, supporting the view that animal reuse can be in accordance with the 3R-principle, implying reduction, replacement, and refinement in animal experimentation.
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Sotoudeh N, Namavar MR. Optimisation of ketamine‐xylazine anaesthetic dose and its association with changes in the dendritic spine of CA1 hippocampus in the young and old male and female Wistar rats. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2545-2552. [DOI: 10.1002/vms3.936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Narges Sotoudeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Namavar
- Department of Anatomical Sciences School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
- Clinical Neurology Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
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Radio-iodination and biological evaluation of pentoxifylline as a novel probe for diagnosis of intermittent claudication. Appl Radiat Isot 2022; 189:110429. [PMID: 36037727 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110429] [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: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of intermittent claudication (IC) is challenging. Imaging with radiopharmaceuticals provides a new method for detecting acute IC. Pentoxifylline improves blood flow to ischemic tissues via increasing erythrocyte elasticity and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Pentoxifylline was radio-iodinated with radioiodine-131 (131I) through a direct electrophilic substitution reaction. Furthermore, various factors that might influence the radiolabeling strategy were investigated. The radiochemical yield of [131I]iodopentoxiphyline was evaluated by using paper chromatography and HPLC methods. The biodistribution pattern of [131I]iodopentoxiphyline was studied, where Swiss albino mice was used as a model of acute limb ischemia-reperfusion. The maximum radiochemical yield of pentoxifylline was found to be 94.11 ± 2.35%. The biodistribution findings revealed that [131I]iodopentoxiphyline was significantly deposited at the ischemic site (left hind limbs), with encouraging target/non-target (T/NT) ratios. At 0.25 and 1 h post injection, the uptake of [131I]iodo-pentoxifylline was 5.30 ± 0.30 and 9.98 ± 1.12%, respectively. Also, the maximum T/NT ratio for [131I]iodo-pentoxifylline (9.45 ± 0.26) was obtained at 0.25 h post injection. Due to safety and selectivity, [131I]iodo-pentoxifylline may be a good prospective diagnostic tool for early identification of IC. Moreover, the outcome of this study can be expected to apply to I-123 as well.
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Behavioral- and blood-based biomarkers for Huntington's disease: Studies on the R6/1 mouse model with prospects for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 23:100482. [PMID: 35799674 PMCID: PMC9253406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion Gender is one of the factors that determine the rate of progression of Huntington's disease symptoms. A set of non-invasive biomarkers that are useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of Huntington's disease progression. Hormonal profile may be a factor in the efficacy of potential therapy for Huntington's disease.
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Aboumanei MH, Mahmoud AF. Development of Tamoxifen In Situ Gel Nanoemulsion for Ocular Delivery in Photoreceptor Degeneration Disorder: In Vitro Characterization, 131I-Radiolabeling, and In Vivo Biodistribution Studies. J Pharm Innov 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12247-022-09638-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of our work is to develop an in situ ocular gellan gum–based nanoemulsion (NE) of tamoxifen TAM as an alternative drug delivery system to the oral route for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration disorder.
Method
Six pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed using oil (oleic acid), surfactants (Tween 80 or Tween 20), a co-surfactant (polyethylene glycol 400), and water. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the developed systems were all measured. The safety of ocular application of the optimum system was established via in vivo histopathological investigation. To track the biodistribution of the optimum gel, iodine-131 (131I) was incorporated into the gel via coupling with TAM via direct electrophilic substitution reaction.
Results
Based on the obtained results, TAMNE-1 was chosen as the optimal system, with PS = 140.20 ± 1.50 nm, ZP = − 27.86 ± 1.13 mV, and PDI = 0.20 ± 0.00%. In vitro release displayed a prolonged and sustained release of TAMNE-1 gel compared to TAM solution (plain eye drop). Transparent in situ TAMNE-1 gel was developed after the incorporation of the TAMNE-1 system into gellan gum aqueous solution (0.3% w/w). In this study, TAM was successfully radiolabeled with 131I for subsequent evaluation of the efficacy of the developed in situ gel system (TAMNE-1 gel) in vivo. The developed TAMNE-1 gel system was nonirritant and safe and the biodistribution studies showed better retention of TAMNE-1 gel than plain TAM eye drops.
Conclusion
The developed TAMNE-1 gel is able to enhance the ocular bioavailability of TAM and can go further with clinical evaluation.
Graphic Abstract
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22
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Bhatia A, Saikia PP, Dkhar B, Pyngrope H. Anesthesia protocol for ear surgery in Wistar rats (animal research). Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:183-188. [PMID: 35234372 PMCID: PMC9043713 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To formulate an anesthesia protocol for safe and satisfactory anesthesia for ear surgery in rats. Methods The rats were anesthetized with xylazine (10 mg/kg body weight) and ketamine at doses of 80, 50, 40, and 30 mg/kg body weight or with isoflurane anesthesia (2%–3.5% in 100% oxygen; maintenance dose 1.5%–3.5%). The anesthesia induction, surgery, and recovery time were recorded. Results In total, 17 rats were induced by varying doses of ketamine‐xylazine and 28 rats with isoflurane. Mean induction time with ketamine‐xylazine was 6 ± 2.9 min compared with 3.8 ± 1.1 min with isoflurane. Mean recovery time with ketamine‐xylazine was 142.6 ± 49.3 min compared with 4.1 ± 1.2 min with isoflurane. A mortality of 4 animals after developing dyspnea was recorded with ketamine‐xylazine. Conclusion Isoflurane anesthesia offers appropriate induction and recovery times and low mortality rates for the surgeries performed. Isoflurane anesthesia offers reliable results for ear surgery in rats. However, more equipment and technical skills are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Bhatia
- Department of ENT North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) Shillong India
| | - Pranjal Pratim Saikia
- Department of Pharmacology (Animal House) North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) Shillong India
| | - Barilin Dkhar
- Department of ENT North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) Shillong India
| | - Haphidasara Pyngrope
- Department of ENT North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) Shillong India
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Aboumanei MH, Mahmoud AF, Motaleb MA. Evaluation of radioiodinated ethopabate as a potential tumor targeting agent. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 180:110063. [PMID: 34922310 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.110063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of folate synthesis and folate receptor in a wide variety of tumors was reported. As a result, folate derivatives have emerged as a potential candidate for tumor imaging and therapy. Ethopabate is a structural analogue of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a precursor of folic acid. Ethopabate was radiolabeled with radioiodine-131 (131I) via direct electrophilic substitution reaction. Several factors that might affect the radiolabeling yield were studied. Paper chromatography was utilized for testing and evaluation of [131I]iodoethopabate, and HPLC was used as a co-chromatographic tool to confirm the radiochemical yield. The biodistribution of [131I]iodoethopabate in normal and tumor-bearing mice was investigated. The radioiodination of ethopabate resulted in a radiochemical yield of 93.70 ± 0.19%. The biodistribution data revealed that [131I]iodoethopabate was taken up by tumors with promising target/non-target (T/NT) ratios. Where, the tumor to-blood ratios were 3.30 ± 0.40 and 4.06 ± 0.10 at 1 and 4 h post injection, respectively. As a result of these findings, [131I]iodoethopabate appears to have excellent tumor uptake and adequate stability to be used for diagnostic purpose in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Aboumanei
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box 11371, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ashgan F Mahmoud
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box 11371, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Motaleb
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box 11371, Cairo, Egypt
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Anesthesia can alter the levels of corticosterone and the phosphorylation of signaling molecules. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:363. [PMID: 34538274 PMCID: PMC8451088 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05763-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Neuroscience research using laboratory animals has increased over the years for a number of reasons. Some of these studies require the use of anesthetics for surgical procedures. However, the use of anesthetics promotes several physiological changes that may interfere with experimental results. Although the anesthetics and methods of delivery used to vary, one of the most common is ketamine associated with another compound such as xylazine. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ketamine and xylazine (KX) on corticosterone levels and on the degree of phosphorylation of p44/42 (ERK1/2), Src kinases and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CAMKII). We also compared the effects of KX on sleep deprivation, which is known to affect the hormonal profile including corticosterone. Results We found that the use of KX can increase corticosterone levels and alter the degree of phosphorylation of signaling proteins. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-021-05763-w.
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25
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Choi Y, Kim B, Ham S, Chung S, Maeng S, Kim HS, Im HI. Subanesthetic ketamine rapidly alters medial prefrontal miRNAs involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256390. [PMID: 34437591 PMCID: PMC8389495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist. At subanesthetic dose, ketamine can relieve pain and work as a fast-acting antidepressant, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the mode of action underlying the effects of acute subanesthetic ketamine treatment by bioinformatics analyses of miRNAs in the medial prefrontal cortex of male C57BL/6J mice. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses of the genes putatively targeted by ketamine-responsive prefrontal miRNAs revealed that acute subanesthetic ketamine modifies ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Validation analysis suggested that miR-148a-3p and miR-128-3p are the main players responsible for the subanesthetic ketamine-mediated alteration of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis through varied regulation of ubiquitin ligases E2 and E3. Collectively, our data imply that the prefrontal miRNA-dependent modulation of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is at least partially involved in the mode of action by acute subanesthetic ketamine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjung Choi
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Baeksun Kim
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suji Ham
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sooyoung Chung
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sungho Maeng
- College of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Hye-Sun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Bundang-Gu, South Korea
| | - Heh-In Im
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
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26
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Venturino A, Schulz R, De Jesús-Cortés H, Maes ME, Nagy B, Reilly-Andújar F, Colombo G, Cubero RJA, Schoot Uiterkamp FE, Bear MF, Siegert S. Microglia enable mature perineuronal nets disassembly upon anesthetic ketamine exposure or 60-Hz light entrainment in the healthy brain. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109313. [PMID: 34233180 PMCID: PMC8284881 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNNs), components of the extracellular matrix, preferentially coat parvalbumin-positive interneurons and constrain critical-period plasticity in the adult cerebral cortex. Current strategies to remove PNN are long-lasting, invasive, and trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms. Here, we apply repeated anesthetic ketamine as a method with minimal behavioral effect. We find that this paradigm strongly reduces PNN coating in the healthy adult brain and promotes juvenile-like plasticity. Microglia are critically involved in PNN loss because they engage with parvalbumin-positive neurons in their defined cortical layer. We identify external 60-Hz light-flickering entrainment to recapitulate microglia-mediated PNN removal. Importantly, 40-Hz frequency, which is known to remove amyloid plaques, does not induce PNN loss, suggesting microglia might functionally tune to distinct brain frequencies. Thus, our 60-Hz light-entrainment strategy provides an alternative form of PNN intervention in the healthy adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Venturino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Rouven Schulz
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Héctor De Jesús-Cortés
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Margaret E Maes
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Bálint Nagy
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Francis Reilly-Andújar
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gloria Colombo
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Ryan John A Cubero
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Mark F Bear
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sandra Siegert
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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Navarro KL, Huss M, Smith JC, Sharp P, Marx JO, Pacharinsak C. Mouse Anesthesia: The Art and Science. ILAR J 2021; 62:238-273. [PMID: 34180990 PMCID: PMC9236661 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an art and science to performing mouse anesthesia, which is a significant component to animal research. Frequently, anesthesia is one vital step of many over the course of a research project spanning weeks, months, or beyond. It is critical to perform anesthesia according to the approved research protocol using appropriately handled and administered pharmaceutical-grade compounds whenever possible. Sufficient documentation of the anesthetic event and procedure should also be performed to meet the legal, ethical, and research reproducibility obligations. However, this regulatory and documentation process may lead to the use of a few possibly oversimplified anesthetic protocols used for mouse procedures and anesthesia. Although a frequently used anesthetic protocol may work perfectly for each mouse anesthetized, sometimes unexpected complications will arise, and quick adjustments to the anesthetic depth and support provided will be required. As an old saying goes, anesthesia is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the science of mouse anesthesia together with the art of applying these anesthetic techniques to provide readers with the knowledge needed for successful anesthetic procedures. The authors include experiences in mouse inhalant and injectable anesthesia, peri-anesthetic monitoring, specific procedures, and treating common complications. This article utilizes key points for easy access of important messages and authors’ recommendation based on the authors’ clinical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela L Navarro
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Monika Huss
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jennifer C Smith
- Bioresources Department, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Patrick Sharp
- Office of Research and Economic Development, University of California, Merced, California, USA
- Animal Resources Authority, Murdoch, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James O Marx
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cholawat Pacharinsak
- Corresponding Author: Cholawat Pacharinsak, DVM, PhD, DACVAA, Stanford University, Department of Comparative Medicine, 287 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5410, USA. E-mail:
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Aboumanei MH, Fayez H. Intra-articular formulation of colchicine loaded nanoemulsion systems for enhanced locoregional drug delivery: in vitro characterization, 99mTc coupling and in vivo biodistribution studies. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2021; 47:770-777. [PMID: 34032545 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2021.1934865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Colchicine (Col) is a drug used mainly for prevention and treatment of acute gouty arthritis. Unfortunately, colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index, with no obvious differentiation between toxic and nontoxic doses, resulting in a great deal of doubt and a disappointing outcome. To surmount such limitation, colchicine nanoemulsion systems (ColNE) were developed using water titration technique. The pseudoternary phase diagrams of surfactant (Span 20 or Span 60 or Tween 80), cosurfactant (ethanol) and oil (IPM) were constructed. The developed ColNE systems were characterized for particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP) and entrapment efficiency (EE %). ColNE-5 was selected as optimized system with PS = 103.34 ± 5.44 nm, ZP = 34.23 ± 0.94 mV, PDI = 0.26 ± 0.01% and EE % = 75.65 ± 0.34%. To track ColNE-5 in vivo, technetium 99 m (99mTc) was incorporated into this system via coupling with colchicine. 99mTc-ColNE-5 and 99mTc-Col solution (99mTc-ColS) were injected intra-articularly (IA) into the inflamed knee joint of Swiss albino mice joints stimulated by MSU crystals then the biodistribution pattern was studied. The findings revealed that IA injection of 99mTc-ColNE-5 significantly enhanced retention and the pharmacodynamic effects of Col compared to 99mTc-ColS. Herein, we concluded that nanoemulsion (NE) could be used as an IA injectable delivery vehicle to improve retention and localization of Col inside the inflamed joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Aboumanei
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend Fayez
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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Wang M, Gorelick FS. Ketamine and xylazine effects in murine model of acute pancreatitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G1111-G1122. [PMID: 33881355 PMCID: PMC8285583 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00023.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine and xylazine (Ket/Xyl) are anesthetic agents that target neural pathways and are commonly used in combination in mouse studies. Since neural pathways can modulate acute pancreatitis severity, we asked if Ket/Xyl affect disease severity. C57BL/6 mice were treated with six hourly injections of cerulein to induce mild acute pancreatitis. Mice were also treated with and without ketamine, xylazine, and Ket/Xyl before pancreatitis induction in vivo and in vitro. Ket/Xyl pretreatment in vivo increased selected parameters of pancreatitis severity such as trypsin activity and edema; these effects were predominantly mediated by xylazine. Ket/Xyl also changed markers of autophagy. These in vivo effects of Ket/Xyl were not attenuated by atropine. The drugs had no little to no effect on pancreatitis responses in isolated pancreatic cells or lobules. These findings suggest that Ket/Xyl administration can have substantial effect on acute pancreatitis outcomes through nonmuscarinic neural pathways. Given widespread use of this anesthetic combination in experimental animal models, future studies of inflammation and injury using Ket/Xyl should be interpreted with caution.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ketamine and xylazine anesthetic agent administration before acute pancreatitis induction in mice lead to changes in pancreatitis responses independent of acute pancreatitis induction. Future studies should consider the potential effects of anesthesia administration when studying disease processes associated with inflammation and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Wang
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Fred Sanford Gorelick
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,2Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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Blevins CE, Celeste NA, Marx JO. Effects of Oxygen Supplementation on Injectable and Inhalant Anesthesia in C57BL/6 Mice. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021; 60:289-297. [PMID: 33972009 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-20-000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen supplementation is rarely considered when anesthetizing laboratory mice, despite reports that mice become profoundly hypoxic under anesthesia. Little is known about the effects of hypoxia on anesthetic performance. This article focuses on the effects of oxygen supplementation on physiologic parameters and depth of anesthesia in male and female C57BL/6 mice. Anesthesia was performed via common injectable anesthetic protocols and with isoflurane. Mice anesthetized with injectable anesthesia received one of 3 drug protocols. Low-dose ketamine/xylazine (100/8 mg/kg) was chosen to provide immobilization of mice, suitable for imaging procedures. Medium-dose ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine (100/10/1 mg/kg) was chosen as a dose that has been recommended for surgical procedures. High-dose ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine (150/12/3 mg/kg) was chosen after pilot studies to provide a long duration of a deep plane of anesthesia. We also tested the effects of oxygen supplementation on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in mice. Mice breathed supplemental 100% oxygen, room air, or medical air with 21% oxygen. Anesthetized mice that did not receive supplemental oxygen all became hypoxic, while hypoxia was prevented in mice that received oxygen. Oxygen supplementation did not affect the MAC of isoflurane. At the high injectable dose, all mice not receiving oxygen supplementation died while all mice receiving oxygen supplementation survived. At low and medium doses, supplemental oxygen reduced the duration of the surgical plane of anesthesia (low dose with oxygen: 22 ± 14 min; low dose without supplementation: 29 ± 18 min; medium dose with oxygen: 43 ± 18 min; medium dose without supplementation: 61 ± 27 min). These results suggest that mice anesthetized with injectable and inhalant anesthesia without supplemental oxygen are routinely hypoxic. This hypoxia prolongs the duration of anesthesia with injectable drug protocols and affects survival at high doses of injectable anesthetics. Because of variable responses to injectable anesthetics in mice, oxygen supplementation is recommended for all anesthetized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Blevins
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Dept. of Pathobiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Natalie A Celeste
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - James O Marx
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Dept. of Pathobiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,
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Aboumanei MH, Mahmoud AF, Motaleb MA. Formulation of chitosan coated nanoliposomes for the oral delivery of colistin sulfate: in vitro characterization, 99mTc-radiolabeling and in vivo biodistribution studies. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2021; 47:626-635. [PMID: 33834934 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2021.1908334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Colistin sulfate is a very important antibiotic for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Unfortunately, it has low oral bioavailability and several side effects following parenteral administration. The present study aims to develop chitosan-coated colistin nanoliposomes to improve the stability in the gastrointestinal tract and to enhance the oral delivery of colistin. The chitosan-coated colistin nanoliposomes were obtained via thin-film evaporation and electrostatic deposition methods using either Span 60, Tween 65 or Tween 80 as surfactants with different cholesterol: surfactant: soya lecithin ratios. The influence of systems variables was further characterized by vesicle size analysis, zeta potential (ZP), poly dispersibility index (PDI), and also their entrapment efficiency percentage (EE %) was evaluated. Various systems were formed with vesicle sizes in the nano-range, 155.64 ± 12.53 nm to 315.64 ± 15.90 nm, and EE % of 45.2 ± 2.9% to 81.8 ± 2.9%. Moreover, the ZP value of the prepared nanoliposomes switched from a negative to a positive value after chitosan coating. To track the released colistin in vivo, technetium 99m (99mTc) was incorporated into the optimum system (S-3) system via direct coupling with colistin. Chitosan-coated 99mTc-colistin nanoliposome, 99mTc-colistin suspension, and 99mTc-chitosan-coated nanoliposomes (placebo) were administered orally into bacterial infection (Escherichia coli) bearing mice. The biodistribution results showed that chitosan-coated nanoliposome significantly enhanced the bioavailability of colistin compared to colistin suspension (the commercially available). Moreover, the system effectively improved the localization of colistin at the infected muscle. In conclusion, this approach offers a promising tool for enhanced oral delivery of colistin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H Aboumanei
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Lab Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashgan F Mahmoud
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Lab Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M A Motaleb
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Lab Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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32
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Whittaker AL, Liu Y, Barker TH. Methods Used and Application of the Mouse Grimace Scale in Biomedical Research 10 Years on: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030673. [PMID: 33802463 PMCID: PMC7999303 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS) was developed 10 years ago as a method for assessing pain through the characterisation of changes in five facial features or action units. The strength of the technique is that it is proposed to be a measure of spontaneous or non-evoked pain. The time is opportune to map all of the research into the MGS, with a particular focus on the methods used and the technique's utility across a range of mouse models. A comprehensive scoping review of the academic literature was performed. A total of 48 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The MGS has been employed mainly in the evaluation of acute pain, particularly in the pain and neuroscience research fields. There has, however, been use of the technique in a wide range of fields, and based on limited study it does appear to have utility for pain assessment across a spectrum of animal models. Use of the method allows the detection of pain of a longer duration, up to a month post initial insult. There has been less use of the technique using real-time methods and this is an area in need of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia;
| | - Timothy H. Barker
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
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Holzmann C, Witt M, Rolfs A, Antipova V, Wree A. Gender-Specific Effects of Two Treatment Strategies in a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052539. [PMID: 33802605 PMCID: PMC7962008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a combination therapy (COMBI) of miglustat (MIGLU), the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) has previously resulted in, among other things, significantly improved motor function. The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of the COMBI therapy with that of MIGLU or HPßCD alone on body and brain weight and the behavior of NPC1−/− mice in a larger cohort, with special reference to gender differences. A total of 117 NPC1−/− and 123 NPC1+/+ mice underwent either COMBI, MIGLU only, HPßCD only, or vehicle treatment (Sham), or received no treatment at all (None). In male and female NPC1−/− mice, all treatments led to decreased loss of body weight and, partly, brain weight. Concerning motor coordination, as revealed by the accelerod test, male NPC1−/− mice benefited from COMBI treatment, whereas female mice benefited from COMBI, MIGLU, and HPßCD treatment. As seen in the open field test, the reduced locomotor activity of male and female NPC1−/− mice was not significantly ameliorated in either treatment group. Our results suggest that in NPC1−/− mice, each drug treatment scheme had a beneficial effect on at least some of the parameters evaluated compared with Sham-treated mice. Only in COMBI-treated male and female NPC+/+ mice were drug effects seen in reduced body and brain weights. Upon COMBI treatment, the increased dosage of drugs necessary for anesthesia in Sham-treated male and female NPC1−/− mice was almost completely reduced only in the female groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Martin Witt
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Centogene AG, Rostock, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
- University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Veronica Antipova
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Wree
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-494-8429
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Sorrenti V, Cecchetto C, Maschietto M, Fortinguerra S, Buriani A, Vassanelli S. Understanding the Effects of Anesthesia on Cortical Electrophysiological Recordings: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1286. [PMID: 33525470 PMCID: PMC7865872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
General anesthesia in animal experiments is an ethical must and is required for all the procedures that are likely to cause more than slight or momentary pain. As anesthetics are known to deeply affect experimental findings, including electrophysiological recordings of brain activity, understanding their mechanism of action is of paramount importance. It is widely recognized that the depth and type of anesthesia introduce significant bias in electrophysiological measurements by affecting the shape of both spontaneous and evoked signals, e.g., modifying their latency and relative amplitude. Therefore, for a given experimental protocol, it is relevant to identify the appropriate anesthetic, to minimize the impact on neuronal circuits and related signals under investigation. This review focuses on the effect of different anesthetics on cortical electrical recordings, examining their molecular mechanisms of action, their influence on neuronal microcircuits and, consequently, their impact on cortical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Sorrenti
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Maria Paola Belloni Center for Personalized Medicine, Data Medica Group (Synlab Limited), 35100 Padova, Italy;
| | - Claudia Cecchetto
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, via Orus 2/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Maschietto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | | | - Alessandro Buriani
- Maria Paola Belloni Center for Personalized Medicine, Data Medica Group (Synlab Limited), 35100 Padova, Italy;
| | - Stefano Vassanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, via Orus 2/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Lee C, Li G, Stamer WD, Ethier CR. In vivo estimation of murine iris stiffness using finite element modeling. Exp Eye Res 2021; 202:108374. [PMID: 33253706 PMCID: PMC7855533 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The iris plays an important role in certain types of glaucoma, including primary angle-closure glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma. Iris mechanics are also important in influencing trabecular meshwork deformation in response to intraocular pressure changes in some animal species. Although mice are widely used to study ocular disease, including glaucoma, the in vivo biomechanical properties of the murine iris are unknown. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to estimate murine iris biomechanical stiffness. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the anterior segment of living mice (n = 13, age = 7.3 ± 3.2 [mean ± SD] months) at sequentially increasing IOP levels, observing IOP-dependent iris deformations. We then used an inverse finite element model to predict iris deformations under the same conditions, estimating iris stiffness by maximizing agreement between OCT data and numerical simulations. Our results show an in vivo murine iris stiffness of 96.1 ± 54.7 kPa (mean ± SD), which did not correlate with age but was dependent on gender. Our results further showed strong evidence of reverse pupillary block, with mean posterior chamber pressure remaining at approximately 12 mmHg even as anterior chamber pressure was set to much higher levels. Our approach to monitoring iris stiffness in vivo is applicable to study potential changes of iris stiffness in various pathophysiological conditions and thus has significant potential for clinical care of ocular disease involving iris biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanyoung Lee
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - C Ross Ethier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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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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MicroRNAs as systemic biomarkers to assess distress in animal models for gastrointestinal diseases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16931. [PMID: 33037288 PMCID: PMC7547723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severity assessment of animal experiments is mainly conducted by using subjective parameters. A widely applicable biomarker to assess animal distress could contribute to an objective severity assessment in different animal models. Here, the distress of three murine animal models for gastrointestinal diseases was assessed by multiple behavioral and physiological parameters. To identify possible new biomarkers for distress 750 highly conserved microRNAs were measured in the blood plasma of mice before and after the induction of pancreatitis. Deregulated miRNA candidates were identified and further quantified in additional animal models for pancreatic cancer and cholestasis. MiR-375 and miR-203 were upregulated during pancreatitis and down regulated during cholestasis, whereas miR-132 was upregulated in all models. Correlation between miR-132 and plasma corticosterone concentrations resulted in the highest correlation coefficient, when compared to the analysis of miR-375, miR-203 and miR-30b. These results indicate that miR-132 might function as a general biomarker for distress, whereas the other miRNAs were altered in a disease specific manner. In conclusion, plasma miRNA profiling may help to better characterize the level of distress in mouse models for gastrointestinal diseases.
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Ferrini E, Mecozzi L, Corsi L, Ragionieri L, Donofrio G, Stellari FF. Alfaxalone and Dexmedetomidine as an Alternative to Gas Anesthesia for Micro-CT Lung Imaging in a Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Murine Model. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:588592. [PMID: 33134367 PMCID: PMC7578219 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.588592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-CT imaging could be considered a powerful non-invasive tool for accessing pulmonary fibrosis in mice. However, the choice of the anesthesia protocol plays a fundamental role to obtain robust and reproducible data, avoiding misinterpretations of the results. Inhaled anesthesia is commonly used for micro-CT lung imaging, but sometimes the standardization of the protocol may be challenging for routine activities in drug discovery. In this study we used micro-CT to evaluate the effects of two anesthetic protocols, consisting in Alfaxalone and Dexmedetomidine mixture, as injectable agents, and gaseous isoflurane, on vehicle and bleomycin-treated mice. No significant differences were highlighted between the protocols either for lung aeration degrees by micro-CT or histologic analyses in both the controls and bleomycin-treated groups. Our results support Alfaxalone and Dexmedetomidine mixture as a suitable and safe alternative compared to isoflurane for lung imaging. We also concluded that this injectable mixture may be applied for several imaging technologies and on different mice models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Mecozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luisa Corsi
- Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Corporate Pre-Clinical R&D, Parma, Italy
| | - Luisa Ragionieri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Jeuthe S, Kemna J, Kemna CP, Zocholl D, Klopfleisch R, Palme R, Kirschbaum C, Thoene-Reineke C, Kammertoens T. Stress hormones or general well-being are not altered in immune-deficient mice lacking either T- and B- lymphocytes or Interferon gamma signaling if kept under specific pathogen free housing conditions. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239231. [PMID: 32997686 PMCID: PMC7526874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is controversially discussed whether immune-deficient mice experience severity in the absence of infection. Because a comprehensive analysis of the well-being of immune-deficient mice under specific pathogen free conditions is missing, we used a multi-parametric test analyzing, corticosterone, weight, nest building and facial expression over a period of 9 month to determine the well-being of two immune-deficient mouse lines (recombination activating gene 2- and interferon gamma receptor-deficient mice). We do not find evidence for severity when comparing immune-deficient mice to their heterozygous immune-competent littermates. Our data challenge the assumption that immune-deficiency per se regardless of housing conditions causes severity. Based on our study we propose to use objective non-invasive parameters determined by laboratory animal science for decisions concerning severity of immune-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jeuthe
- Animal Facility of the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Kemna
- Department of Gene Therapy and Molecular Immunology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Charité Campus Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dario Zocholl
- Institut für Biometrie und Klinische Epidemiologie, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Free University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christa Thoene-Reineke
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Free University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Kammertoens
- Department of Gene Therapy and Molecular Immunology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Charité Campus Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
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40
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Reliability of the Mouse Grimace Scale in C57BL/6JRj Mice. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091648. [PMID: 32937881 PMCID: PMC7552260 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To maintain and foster the welfare of laboratory mice, tools that reliably measure the current state of the animals are applied in clinical assessment. One of these is the Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS), a coding system for facial expression analysis. Since there are concerns about the objectivity of the MGS, we further investigated its reliability. Four observers (two experienced and two inexperienced in use of the MGS) scored 188 images of 33 female and 31 male C57BL/6JRj mice. Images were generated prior to, 150 min, and two days after ketamine/xylazine anesthesia. The intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC = 0.851) indicated good agreement on total MGS scores between all observers when all three time points were included in the analysis. However, interrater reliability was higher in the early post-anesthetic period (ICC = 0.799) than at baseline (ICC = 0.556) and on day 2 after anesthesia (ICC = 0.329). The best agreement was achieved for orbital tightening, and the poorest agreement for nose and cheek bulge, depending on the observers' experience levels. In general, experienced observers produced scores of higher consistency when compared to inexperienced. Against this background, we critically discuss factors that potentially influence the reliability of MGS scoring.
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Meyer N, Kröger M, Thümmler J, Tietze L, Palme R, Touma C. Impact of three commonly used blood sampling techniques on the welfare of laboratory mice: Taking the animal's perspective. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238895. [PMID: 32898190 PMCID: PMC7478650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory mice are the most frequently used animals in biomedical research. In accordance with guidelines for humane handling, several blood sampling techniques have been established. While the effects of these procedures on blood quality and histological alterations at the sampling site are well studied, their impact on the animals’ welfare has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, our study aimed to compare three commonly used blood sampling techniques regarding their effects on different indicators of animal welfare, including physiological and behavioural response stress parameters, including pain measures, home-cage behaviour and nest-building as well as exploratory activity and neophobia. Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a single blood collection from either the vena facialis, the retrobulbar sinus or the tail vessel, or were allocated to the respective control treatment. While all blood sampling techniques led to an acute increase in plasma corticosterone levels, the response was strongest in animals that underwent sampling from the vena facialis and the retrobulbar sinus. Similar results were observed when the time-course of adrenocortical activity was monitored via corticosterone metabolites from faecal samples. Blood collection from the vena facialis and the retrobulbar sinus also decreased exploration of novel stimuli, resulted in decreased nest-building activity and induced higher scores in the Mouse Grimace Scale. Moreover, locomotor activity and anxiety-related behaviour were strongly affected after facial vein bleeding. Interestingly, tail vessel bleeding only induced little alterations in the assessed physiological and behavioural parameters. Importantly, the observed effects in all treatment groups were no longer detectable after 24 hours, indicating only short-term impacts. Thus, by also taking the animal’s perspective and comprehensively assessing the severity of the particular sampling procedures, the results of our study contribute to Refinement within the 3R concept and allow researchers to objectively select the most appropriate and welfare-friendly blood sampling technique for a given experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neele Meyer
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrueck, Germany
- * E-mail: (NM); (CT)
| | - Mareike Kröger
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Julia Thümmler
- Research Group of Psychoneuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Tietze
- Research Group of Psychoneuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chadi Touma
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrueck, Germany
- * E-mail: (NM); (CT)
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Radioiodination and in vivo assessment of the potential of newly synthesized pyrrolizine-5-carboxamides derivative in tumor model. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 166:109369. [PMID: 32828009 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, pyrrolizine derivatives have been reported to possess numerous anticancer activities. In a previous study, (EZ)-6-((4-chlorobenzylidene)-amino)-7-cyano-N-(p-tolyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine carboxamide (EZPCA) compound was synthesized and the cytotoxic activity of EZPCA toward COX-2 enzyme (overexpressed in cancer cells) was reported. In order to assess the suitability of this compound as a promising pilot structure for in vivo applications, EZPCA was radiolabeled with radioiodine-131 (131I) and various factors affecting radiolabeling process were studied. Quality control studies of [131I]iodo-EZPCA were performed using paper chromatography and HPLC was used as a co-chromatographic technique for confirming the radiochemical yield. Biodistribution studies of [131I]iodo-EZPCA were undertaken in normal and tumor bearing mice. The radiochemical yield percentage of [131I]iodo-EZPCA was 94.20 ± 0.12%. The biodistribution results showed evident tumor uptake of [131I]iodo-EZPCA with promising target/non-target (T/NT) ratios. As a conclusion, these data suggest that [131I]iodo-EZPCA had high binding efficiency, high tumor uptake and sufficient stability to be used be used in diagnostic studies.
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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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Kahnau P, Habedank A, Diederich K, Lewejohann L. Behavioral Methods for Severity Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071136. [PMID: 32635341 PMCID: PMC7401632 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In 2017, 9.4 million animals were used for research and testing in the European Union. Animal testing always entails the potential for harm caused to the animals. In order to minimize animal suffering, it is of ethical and scientific interest to have a research-based severity assessment of animal experiments. In the past, many methods have been developed to investigate animal suffering. Initially, the focus was on physiological parameters, such as body weight or glucocorticoids as an indicator of stress. In addition, the animals’ behavior has come more into focus and has been included as an indicator of severity. However, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of animal suffering, an animal’s individual perspective should also be taken into account. Preference tests might be used, for example, to “ask” animals what they prefer, and providing such goods in turn allows, among other things, to improve housing conditions. In this review, different methods are introduced, which can be used to investigate and evaluate animal suffering and well-being with a special focus on animal-centric strategies. Abstract It has become mandatory for the application for allowance of animal experimentation to rate the severity of the experimental procedures. In order to minimize suffering related to animal experimentation it is therefore crucial to develop appropriate methods for the assessment of animal suffering. Physiological parameters such as hormones or body weight are used to assess stress in laboratory animals. However, such physiological parameters alone are often difficult to interpret and leave a wide scope for interpretation. More recently, behavior, feelings and emotions have come increasingly into the focus of welfare research. Tests like preference tests or cognitive bias tests give insight on how animals evaluate certain situations or objects, how they feel and what their emotional state is. These methods should be combined in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the well-being of laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Kahnau
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (K.D.); (L.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-18412-29202
| | - Anne Habedank
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (K.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Kai Diederich
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (K.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (K.D.); (L.L.)
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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Lindh L, Lindeberg H, Banting A, Banting S, Sainmaa S, Beasley S, Korhonen HT, Peltoniemi OAT. Administration of aromatase inhibitor MPV-2213ad to blue fox vixens (Vulpes lagopus) as a model for contraception in female dogs. Theriogenology 2020; 152:53-63. [PMID: 32380275 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The interest in non-surgical approaches to contraception and fertility control in female dogs has increased in recent years. In this study the effect of an aromatase inhibitor (finrozole) was evaluated in fur production animals, farmed blue fox vixens, as a model for contraception in bitches. A total of 80 vixens were divided into 4 groups, receiving orally placebo (A) or finrozole 0.5 mg/kg (B), 3.5 mg/kg (C) or 24.5 mg/kg (D) for 21 consecutive days beginning in the pre-ovulatory period of heat. Monitoring of the vixens included clinical signs of heat, measurement of vaginal electrical resistance (VER) as well as oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in plasma. The approximate relation of the start of treatment to ovulation varied from 11 days before to one day after ovulation provided that the LH peak occurred 0.5-2 days before the VER peak and ovulation was then estimated to occur 2 days after the LH peak. Seventy vixens were artificially inseminated within 8 h after a 50 Ω decline in vaginal electrical resistance was detected. Ten vixens were not inseminated. Pregnancy was confirmed by transabdominal ultrasound examination and birth of cubs was recorded. The pregnancy rates in the groups were 89.5% (A), 81.3% (B), 55.6% (C) and 52.9% (D). The average number of live born pups in the four groups was 9.4 (A), 7.0 (B), 5.8 (C), and 3.8 (D), respectively. No deleterious effects (for instance malformations) of finrozole on pups could be verified. The administration of finrozole did not have a significant effect on oestradiol parameters and VER values in vixens. Progesterone values were significantly higher in treatment groups compared with the placebo group. The results indicate that pregnancy could be avoided by finrozole provided that doses of ≥3.5 mg/kg were used and the treatment was initiated at least four days before the day of artificial insemination. This corresponds with two to six days before ovulation provided that the LH peak occurred 0.5-2 days before the VER peak and that ovulation then occurred in average 2 days after the LH peak.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lindh
- University of Helsinki, Department of Production Animal Medicine, FIN-04920, Saarentaus, Finland.
| | - H Lindeberg
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Production Systems, Halolantie 31 A, FIN-71750, Maaninka, Finland.
| | - A Banting
- La Bergerie, 37230, ST Etienne de Chigny, France
| | - S Banting
- La Bergerie, 37230, ST Etienne de Chigny, France
| | - S Sainmaa
- Korkeasaari Zoo, Mustikkamaanpolku 12, FIN-00570, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Beasley
- Vetcare Oy, Liedontie 45, FIN-04600 Mäntsälä, Finland
| | - H T Korhonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Production Systems, Teknologiakatu 7, FIN-67100 Kokkola, Finland
| | - O A T Peltoniemi
- University of Helsinki, Department of Production Animal Medicine, FIN-04920, Saarentaus, Finland
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46
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Andresen N, Wöllhaf M, Hohlbaum K, Lewejohann L, Hellwich O, Thöne-Reineke C, Belik V. Towards a fully automated surveillance of well-being status in laboratory mice using deep learning: Starting with facial expression analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228059. [PMID: 32294094 PMCID: PMC7159220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing the well-being of an animal is hindered by the limitations of efficient communication between humans and animals. Instead of direct communication, a variety of parameters are employed to evaluate the well-being of an animal. Especially in the field of biomedical research, scientifically sound tools to assess pain, suffering, and distress for experimental animals are highly demanded due to ethical and legal reasons. For mice, the most commonly used laboratory animals, a valuable tool is the Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS), a coding system for facial expressions of pain in mice. We aim to develop a fully automated system for the surveillance of post-surgical and post-anesthetic effects in mice. Our work introduces a semi-automated pipeline as a first step towards this goal. A new data set of images of black-furred laboratory mice that were moving freely is used and provided. Images were obtained after anesthesia (with isoflurane or ketamine/xylazine combination) and surgery (castration). We deploy two pre-trained state of the art deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures (ResNet50 and InceptionV3) and compare to a third CNN architecture without pre-training. Depending on the particular treatment, we achieve an accuracy of up to 99% for the recognition of the absence or presence of post-surgical and/or post-anesthetic effects on the facial expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Andresen
- Department of Computer Vision & Remote Sensing, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Wöllhaf
- Department of Computer Vision & Remote Sensing, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior, and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail: (KH); (VB)
| | - Lars Lewejohann
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior, and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Hellwich
- Department of Computer Vision & Remote Sensing, Technische 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
| | - Vitaly Belik
- System Modeling Group, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail: (KH); (VB)
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47
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Heng K, Marx JO, Jampachairsi K, Huss MK, Pacharinsak C. Continuous Rate Infusion of Alfaxalone during Ketamine-Xylazine Anesthesia in Rats. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020; 59:170-175. [PMID: 32059754 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Alfaxalone is an injectable anesthetic agent that is used in veterinary medicine for general anesthesia. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of alfaxalone delivered through continuous rate infusion by comparing ketamine-xylazine-alfaxalone (KXA) anesthesia with ketamine-xylazine (KX) anesthesia in Sprague-Dawley rats. Anesthesia was induced in male and female rats by using subcutaneous KX. After induction, rats in the KXA group received alfaxalone (10 mg/kg/h IV) for 35 min, whereas rats in the KX group did not receive alfaxalone. At the end of the trial, alfaxalone was discontinued, and xylazine was reversed in all rats by using atipamezole. Throughout anesthesia, we assessed forepaw withdrawal reflex (FPWR), hindpaw withdrawal reflex (HPWR), response to surgical stimulation, heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO₂, body temperature, and time to standing. KXA produced a reliable surgical plane of anesthesia, as evidenced by the loss of both FPWR and HPWR and lack of response to surgical stimulation in all 16 rats, whereas only 6 of the 16 rats in the KX group lost HPWR. No rat in the KXA group regained a paw withdrawal reflex during alfaxalone administration, whereas 3 of the 12 rats (25%) in the KX group that reached a surgical plane of anesthesia exited that plane within the 35-min timeframe. Neither heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO₂, body temperature, nor time to standing differed between KXA and KX groups; and there were no sex-associated differences in anesthesia response. These results indicate that alfaxalone (10 mg/kg/h IV) delivered through continuous rate infusion, in combination with ketamine and xylazine, provides a safe, prolonged, and reliable surgical plane of anesthesia in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Heng
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - James O Marx
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Monika K Huss
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California;,
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48
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Auer KE, Kußmaul M, Möstl E, Hohlbaum K, Rülicke T, Palme R. Measurement of Fecal Testosterone Metabolites in Mice: Replacement of Invasive Techniques. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010165. [PMID: 31963733 PMCID: PMC7023058 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the main reproductive hormone in male vertebrates and conventional methods to measure testosterone rely on invasive blood sampling procedures. Here, we aimed to establish a non-invasive alternative by assessing testosterone metabolites (TMs) in fecal and urinary samples in mice. We performed a radiometabolism study to determine the effects of daytime and sex on the metabolism and excretion pattern of radiolabeled TMs. We performed physiological and biological validations of the applied EIA to measure TMs and assessed diurnal fluctuations in TM excretions in male and female mice and across strains. We found that males excreted significantly more radiolabeled TMs via the feces (59%) compared to females (49.5%). TM excretion patterns differed significantly between urinary and fecal samples and were affected by the daytime of ³H-testosterone injection. Overall, TM excretion occurred faster in urinary than fecal samples. Peak excretion of fecal TMs occurred after 8 h when animals received the 3H-testosterone in the morning, or after 4 h when they received the 3H-testosterone injection in the evening. Daytime had no effect on the formed TMs; however, males and females formed different types of TMs. As expected, males showed higher fecal TM levels than females. Males also showed diurnal fluctuations in their TM levels but we found no differences in the TM levels of C57BL/6J and B6D2F1 hybrid males. Finally, we successfully validated our applied EIA (measuring 17β-hydroxyandrostane) by showing that hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) administration increased TM levels, whereas castration reduced them. In conclusion, our EIA proved suitable for measuring fecal TMs in mice. Our non-invasive method to assess fecal TMs can be widely used in various research disciplines like animal behavior, reproduction, animal welfare, ecology, conservation, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin E. Auer
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Marius Kußmaul
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Erich Möstl
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Hohlbaum
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department for Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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49
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Abdelrahman A, Kumstel S, Zhang X, Liebig M, Wendt EHU, Eichberg J, Palme R, Thum T, Vollmar B, Zechner D. A novel multi-parametric analysis of non-invasive methods to assess animal distress during chronic pancreatitis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14084. [PMID: 31575986 PMCID: PMC6773730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50682-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethical responsibility, legal requirements and the need to improve the quality of research create a growing interest in the welfare of laboratory animals. Judging the welfare of animals requires readout parameters, which are valid and sensitive as well as specific to assess distress after different interventions. In the present study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of different non-invasive parameters (body weight change, faecal corticosterone metabolites concentration, burrowing and nesting activity) by receiver operating characteristic curves and judged the merit of a multi-parametric analysis by logistic regression. Chronic pancreatitis as well as laparotomy caused significant changes in all parameters. However, the accuracy of these parameters was different between the two animal models. In both animal models, the multi-parametric analysis relying on all the readout parameters had the highest accuracy when predicting distress. This multi-parametric analysis revealed that C57BL/6 mice during the course of chronic pancreatitis often experienced less distress than mice after laparotomy. Interestingly these data also suggest that distress does not steadily increase during chronic pancreatitis. In conclusion, combining these non-invasive methods for severity assessment represents a reliable approach to evaluate animal distress in models such as chronic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelrahman
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Simone Kumstel
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Marie Liebig
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Edgar Heinz Uwe Wendt
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Johanna Eichberg
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dietmar Zechner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
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50
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Kumstel S, Vasudevan P, Palme R, Zhang X, Wendt EHU, David R, Vollmar B, Zechner D. Benefits of non-invasive methods compared to telemetry for distress analysis in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. J Adv Res 2019; 21:35-47. [PMID: 31641536 PMCID: PMC6796693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prospective severity assessment is legally required in many countries to ensure high-quality research along with high welfare standards for laboratory animals. Mice and rats, the most common laboratory species, are prey animals that usually suppress signs of pain and suffering. Therefore, highly sensitive readout parameters are necessary to adequately quantify distress. The present study compared the performance of different non-invasive methods in determining animal distress, such as measuring body weight, distress score, faecal corticosterone metabolites, burrowing, and nesting behaviour, with continuous monitoring of heart rate, body temperature and activity by telemetry. The distress caused by two surgical interventions was compared and the burden caused by tumour growth was described. Transmitter implantation caused higher distress than laparotomy plus carcinoma cell injection into the pancreas. Surprisingly, no significant increase in distress was observed during tumour growth. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that some non-invasive distress-parameters, i.e., distress-score and burrowing activity, exhibited slightly better performance to quantify distress than the most suitable parameters measured by telemetry. Due to the high burden caused by the implantation of the telemetric device, the use of non-invasive methods to assess distress in laboratory animals after surgical interventions should be favoured in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kumstel
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Praveen Vasudevan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.,Department of Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Edgar Heinz Uwe Wendt
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert David
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.,Department of Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Dietmar Zechner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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