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Jans M, Vereecke L. A guide to germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse technology to study health and disease. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38523409 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota has major influence on human physiology and modulates health and disease. Complex host-microbe interactions regulate various homeostatic processes, including metabolism and immune function, while disturbances in microbiota composition (dysbiosis) are associated with a plethora of human diseases and are believed to modulate disease initiation, progression and therapy response. The vast complexity of the human microbiota and its metabolic output represents a great challenge in unraveling the molecular basis of host-microbe interactions in specific physiological contexts. To increase our understanding of these interactions, functional microbiota research using animal models in a reductionistic setting are essential. In the dynamic landscape of gut microbiota research, the use of germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse technology, in which causal disease-driving mechanisms can be dissected, represents a pivotal investigative tool for functional microbiota research in health and disease, in which causal disease-driving mechanisms can be dissected. A better understanding of the health-modulating functions of the microbiota opens perspectives for improved therapies in many diseases. In this review, we discuss practical considerations for the design and execution of germ-free and gnotobiotic experiments, including considerations around germ-free rederivation and housing conditions, route and timing of microbial administration, and dosing protocols. This comprehensive overview aims to provide researchers with valuable insights for improved experimental design in the field of functional microbiota research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Jans
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Lars Vereecke
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
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2
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Birling MC, Fray MD, Kasparek P, Kopkanova J, Massimi M, Matteoni R, Montoliu L, Nutter LMJ, Raspa M, Rozman J, Ryder EJ, Scavizzi F, Voikar V, Wells S, Pavlovic G, Teboul L. Importing genetically altered animals: ensuring quality. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:100-107. [PMID: 34536110 PMCID: PMC8913481 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09908-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The reproducibility of research using laboratory animals requires reliable management of their quality, in particular of their genetics, health and environment, all of which contribute to their phenotypes. The point at which these biological materials are transferred between researchers is particularly sensitive, as it may result in a loss of integrity of the animals and/or their documentation. Here, we describe the various aspects of laboratory animal quality that should be confirmed when sharing rodent research models. We also discuss how repositories of biological materials support the scientific community to ensure the continuity of the quality of laboratory animals. Both the concept of quality and the role of repositories themselves extend to all exchanges of biological materials and all networks that support the sharing of these reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-C Birling
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France.
| | - M D Fray
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK
| | - P Kasparek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - J Kopkanova
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - M Massimi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - R Matteoni
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - L Montoliu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) Madrid and CIBERER-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M J Nutter
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Raspa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - J Rozman
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - E J Ryder
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,LGC, Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, Fordham, UK
| | - F Scavizzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - V Voikar
- Neuroscience Center and Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Wells
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK
| | - G Pavlovic
- PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, CELPHEDIA, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 67404, Strasbourg, France.
| | - L Teboul
- The Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, Oxon, UK.
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3
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Benga L, Sager M, Christensen H. From the [ Pasteurella ] pneumotropica complex to Rodentibacter spp.: an update on [ Pasteurella ] pneumotropica. Vet Microbiol 2018; 217:121-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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4
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Litvinova EA, Kozhevnikova EN, Achasova KM, Kontsevaya GV, Moshkin MP. Eradication of Helicobacter spp. in mucin2-deficient mice. Lab Anim 2016; 51:311-314. [DOI: 10.1177/0023677216670687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections with Helicobacter spp. are known to have serious effects on rodent health, especially in immunocompromised animals. In this study three approaches were used to eradicate Helicobacter spp. infection in mice with a deficiency in intestinal proteoglycan (mucin2), namely triple oral antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole), cross-fostering of neonatal pups by surrogate mothers negative for Helicobacter spp., and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with embryo transfer into Helicobacter-free mothers. However, triple antibiotic therapy in mice with mucin2 deficiency was not effective and had negative effects on reproductive performance, and high susceptibility of mucin2-deficient mice to Helicobacter spp. during the first 12 h after birth rendered cross-fostering impossible. Only IVF with embryo transfer was effective in eradicating Helicobacter infection from transgenic mice with mucin2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A Litvinova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena N Kozhevnikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ksenia M Achasova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Galina V Kontsevaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mikhail P Moshkin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
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Brinkmeier ML, Geister KA, Jones M, Waqas M, Maillard I, Camper SA. The Histone Methyltransferase Gene Absent, Small, or Homeotic Discs-1 Like Is Required for Normal Hox Gene Expression and Fertility in Mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:121. [PMID: 26333994 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling influences gene expression in developing and adult organisms. Active and repressive marks of histone methylation dictate the embryonic expression boundaries of developmentally regulated genes, including the Hox gene cluster. Drosophila ash1 (absent, small or homeotic discs 1) gene encodes a histone methyltransferase essential for regulation of Hox gene expression that interacts genetically with other members of the trithorax group (TrxG). While mammalian members of the mixed lineage leukemia (Mll) family of TrxG genes have roles in regulation of Hox gene expression, little is known about the expression and function of the mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila ash1 gene, Ash1-like (Ash1l). Here we report the expression of mouse Ash1l gene in specific structures within various organs and provide evidence that reduced Ash1l expression has tissue-specific effects on mammalian development and adult homeostasis. Mutants exhibit partially penetrant postnatal lethality and failure to thrive. Surviving mutants have growth insufficiency, skeletal transformations, and infertility associated with developmental defects in both male and female reproductive organs. Specifically, expression of Hoxa11 and Hoxd10 are altered in the epididymis of Ash1l mutant males and Hoxa10 is reduced in the uterus of Ash1l mutant females. In summary, we show that the histone methyltransferase Ash1l is important for the development and function of several tissues and for proper expression of homeotic genes in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krista A Geister
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Morgan Jones
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Meriam Waqas
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Kolbe T, Landsberger A, Manz S, Na E, Urban I, Michel G. Productivity of superovulated C57BL/6J oocyte donors at different ages. Lab Anim (NY) 2015; 44:346-9. [DOI: 10.1038/laban.746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Shek WR, Smith AL, Pritchett-Corning KR. Microbiological Quality Control for Laboratory Rodents and Lagomorphs. LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE 2015. [PMCID: PMC7150201 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-409527-4.00011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mice (Mus musculus), rats (Rattus norvegicus), other rodent species, and domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been used in research for over 100 years. During the first half of the 20th century, microbiological quality control of lab animals was at best rudimentary as colonies were conventionally housed and little or no diagnostic testing was done. Hence, animal studies were often curtailed and confounded by infectious disease (Mobraaten and Sharp, 1999; Morse, 2007; Weisbroth, 1999). By the 1950s, it became apparent to veterinarians in the nascent field of comparative medicine that disease-free animals suitable for research could not be produced by standard veterinary disease control measures (e.g., improved sanitation and nutrition, antimicrobial treatments) in conventional facilities. Henry Foster, the veterinarian who founded Charles River Breeding Laboratories in 1948 and a pioneer in the large-scale production of laboratory rodents, stated in a seminar presented at the 30th anniversary of AALAS, “After a variety of frustrating health-related problems, it was decided that a major change in the company’s philosophy was required and an entirely different approach was essential”. Consequently, he and others developed innovative biosecurity systems to eliminate and exclude pathogens (Allen, 1999). In 1958, Foster reported on the Cesarean-originated barrier-sustained (COBS) process for the large-scale production of specific pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory rodents (Foster, 1958). To eliminate horizontally transmitted pathogens, a hysterectomy was performed on a near-term dam from a contaminated or conventionally housed colony. The gravid uterus was pulled through a disinfectant solution into a sterile flexible film isolator where the pups were removed from the uterus and suckled on axenic (i.e., germ-free) foster dams. After being mated to expand their number and associated with a cocktail of nonpathogenic bacteria to normalize their physiology and prime their immune system, rederived rodents were transferred to so-called barrier rooms for large-scale production. The room-level barrier to adventitious infection entailed disinfection of the room, equipment, and supplies, limiting access to trained and properly gowned personnel, and the application of new technologies such as high-efficiency particulate air-filtration of incoming air (Dubos and Schaedler, 1960; Foster, 1980; Schaedler and Orcutt, 1983; Trexler and Orcutt, 1999). The axenic and associated rodents mentioned in the COBS process are collectively classified as gnotobiotic to indicate that they have a completely known microflora. By contrast, barrier-reared rodent colonies are not gnotobiotic because they are housed in uncovered cages and thus acquire a complex microflora from the environment, supplies, personnel, and other sources. Instead, they are described as SPF to indicate that according to laboratory testing, they are free from infection with a defined list of infectious agents, commonly known as an ‘exclusion’ list.
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Abstract
This study was undertaken to refine the techniques of in vivo collection of sperm in the mouse. The principal objective was to offer a viable, safe and reliable method for serial collection of in vivo epididimary sperm through the direct puncture of the epididymis. Six C57Bl/6J males were subjected to the whole experiment. First we obtain a sperm sample of the right epididymis, and perform a vasectomy on the left side. This sample was used in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiment while the males were individually housed for 10 days to let them recover from the surgery, and then their fertility was tested with natural matings until we obtained a litter of each one. After that, the animals were subjected another time to the same process (sampling, recover and natural mating). The results of these experiments were a fertilization average value of 56.7%, and that all the males had a litter in the first month after the natural matings. This study documented the feasibility of the epididimary puncture technique to in vivo serial sampling of sperm in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Moreno Del Val
- Laboratorio de Criopreservación, Servicio de Experimentación Animal UMH, Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain.
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Amstislavsky SY, Igonina TN, Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Rogovaya AA, Ragaeva DS, Naprimerov VA, Litvinova EA, Plyusnina IF, Markel AL. Rederivation by embryo transfer in strains of laboratory mice and rats. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF GENETICS: APPLIED RESEARCH 2013; 3:305-315. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079059713040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
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10
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Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Amstislavsky SY. Coats of preimplantation mammalian embryos as a target of reproductive technologies. Russ J Dev Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360412050074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Donahue LR, Hrabe de Angelis M, Hagn M, Franklin C, Lloyd KCK, Magnuson T, McKerlie C, Nakagata N, Obata Y, Read S, Wurst W, Hörlein A, Davisson MT. Centralized mouse repositories. Mamm Genome 2012; 23:559-71. [PMID: 22945696 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-012-9420-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Because the mouse is used so widely for biomedical research and the number of mouse models being generated is increasing rapidly, centralized repositories are essential if the valuable mouse strains and models that have been developed are to be securely preserved and fully exploited. Ensuring the ongoing availability of these mouse strains preserves the investment made in creating and characterizing them and creates a global resource of enormous value. The establishment of centralized mouse repositories around the world for distributing and archiving these resources has provided critical access to and preservation of these strains. This article describes the common and specialized activities provided by major mouse repositories around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Rae Donahue
- Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Center (MMRRC), The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.
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Abstract
Advances in techniques for the genetic manipulation of the laboratory mouse have resulted in a vast array of novel mouse lines for research. One challenge facing researchers is the ability to rapidly share genetically modified mouse lines with collaborators at other institutions. The standard method of shipping live animals has its share of problems, including the acceptability of the mice at the receiving institution based on health status, as well as the length of time that mice are maintained in quarantine at the receiving institution. Transfer of mouse lines between institutions can also be accomplished by shipment of cryopreserved embryos or sperm. This option, however, is limited by the availability of properly trained staff at the shipping institution who can prepare the cryopreserved materials, as well as staff at the receiving institution who can recover live animals from the transferred samples. Overnight shipment of live, preimplantation mouse embryos circumvents many of the issues involved with shipping live animals or cryopreserved samples. The technique described in this chapter for shipping live embryos provides a simple method for transferring mouse lines between institutions.
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Janus LM, Smoczek A, Hedrich HJ, Bleich A. Risk Assessment of Minute Virus of Mice Transmission During Rederivation: Detection in Reproductive Organs, Gametes, and Embryos of Mice after In Vivo Infection1. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:1010-5. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.076968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Mahabir E, Bulian D, Needham J, Schmidt J. Lack of Transmission of Mouse Minute Virus (MMV) from In Vitro-Produced Embryos to Recipients and Pups Due to the Presence of Cumulus Cells During the In Vitro Fertilization Process. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:531-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Mahabir E, Bauer B, Schmidt J. Rodent and germplasm trafficking: risks of microbial contamination in a high-tech biomedical world. ILAR J 2009; 49:347-355. [PMID: 18506068 PMCID: PMC7108542 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.49.3.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High-tech biomedical advances have led to increases both in the number of mice used for research and in exchanges of mice and/or their tissues between institutions. The latter are associated with the risk of dissemination of infectious agents. Because of the lack of international standardization of health surveillance programs, health certificates for imported rodents may be informative but may not address the needs of the importing facility. Preservation of mouse germplasm is achieved by cryopreservation of spermatozoa, embryos, or ovaries, and embryonic stem cells are used for the production of genetically engineered mice. After embryo transfer, recipients and rederived pups that test negative in microbiological screening for relevant microorganisms are released into full barrier holding areas. However, current research shows that embryos may also transmit microorganisms, especially viruses, to the recipient mice. In this article, we discuss regulations and practical issues in the shipping of live mice and mouse tissues, including spermatozoa, embryos, ovaries, and embryonic stem cells, and review work on microbial contamination of these biological materials. In addition, we present ways to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens to mice under routine conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Mahabir
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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Fray MD, Pickard AR, Harrison M, Cheeseman MT. Upgrading mouse health and welfare: direct benefits of a large-scale rederivation programme. Lab Anim 2008; 42:127-39. [DOI: 10.1258/la.2007.007005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Summary We report the outcome of a 30-month programme to rederive 310 specific pathogen-free mouse strains to populate a new individually ventilated cage barrier facility at the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC), Medical Research Council (MRC) Harwell. The mice were rederived in a self-contained quarantine suite and embryo-recipient females were health-screened to assess microbiological status, before moving their offspring into the new facility. The MLC currently houses approximately 49,000 mice in about 9750 cages and we have 30 months of follow-up health screen data. Embryo rederivation and hysterectomy have high safety margins; however, the precaution of performing the programme in isolators facilitated the containment and decontamination of two mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection outbreaks. Rederivation of the colony has eliminated endemic MHV, mouse adenovirus type 2 (MAV-2), Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus, pinworms, intestinal protozoa, Pasteurella pneumotropica, Helicobacter spp. and mites. The improvements in microbiological status have had notable benefits for mouse health and welfare and the science at MRC Harwell. Previously important clinical entities such as sudden death associated with lactation ileus in C3H/HeH mice, early weight loss associated with inflammatory bowel disease in B6-TgN(HDexon1)61Gpb and B6-TgN(HD82Gln)81Dbo (Huntington) mice and early weight loss in male mice mutagenized with N-ethyl- N-nitrosourea have been markedly reduced or eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Fray
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - A R Pickard
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - M Harrison
- Quarantine Group, Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - M T Cheeseman
- Pathology Group, Mary Lyon Centre, Medical Research Council, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
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Full term development of normal mice after transfer of IVF embryos derived from oocytes stored at room temperature for 1 day. ZYGOTE 2008; 16:21-7. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199407004558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryEarly studies have shown that some mouse cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) stored at room temperature for 24 h still retained full developmental potential. In this study, we stored denuded mouse oocytes (DOs) at room temperature (25 °C) for 24 h and activated these oocytes with 10 mM SrCl2 or fertilized the oocytes by IVF. We found that nearly half of the DOs stored at room temperature for 1 day can be fertilized normally by IVF and that two foster mothers gave birth to seven pups. Embryos from stored oocytes were cultured in CZB medium with or without 1 μg/ml 17β-estradiol (E2). The numbers of embryo that developed to morula/blastocyst stage after parthenogenetic activation and IVF were significantly increased when E2 was added to the culture (p < 0.05). These results suggest that E2 might improve mouse embryo development in vitro. The birth of seven agouti pups and their healthy growth indicated that the storage of DOs at room temperature for 1 day may be a practical procedure for mammalian reproduction.
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Mahabir E, Bulian D, Schmöller R, Needham J, Schmidt J. Production of Virus-Free Seronegative Pups from Murine Embryos Arising from In Vitro Fertilization with Mouse Minute Virus-Exposed Spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:53-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.060467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Hashimoto H, Arai T, Ohnishi Y, Eto T, Ito M, Hioki K, Suzuki R, Yamauchi T, Ohsugi M, Saito M, Ueyama Y, Tobe K, Kadowaki T, Tamaoki N, Kosaka K. Phenotypes of IRS-2 Deficient Mice Produced by Reproductive Technology are Stable. Exp Anim 2007; 56:149-54. [PMID: 17460360 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.56.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the impact of "IVF - ET" on the glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT) and adiponectin to investigate differences in the phenotypes of B6J- Irs2(-/-) mice. The B6J-Irs2(-/-) mice (KO-Nat group) were prepared by natural mating. Other mice were produced by IVF-ET used ICR strain recipients and surrogate mothers (KO-IVF group). Measurement of body weight, GTT, ITT and blood sampling were performed at the ages of 6, 14 and 24 weeks after birth. Body weights, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and plasma adiponectin concentrations did not differ for each gender between the KO-IVF and KO-Nat groups. Therefore, we concluded that phenotypes of Irs2(-/-) mice produced by reproductive technology are stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruo Hashimoto
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan
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Mahabir E, Bulian D, Needham J, Mayer A, Mateusen B, Van Soom A, Nauwynck H, Schmidt J. Transmission of mouse minute virus (MMV) but not mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) following embryo transfer with experimentally exposed in vivo-derived embryos. Biol Reprod 2006; 76:189-97. [PMID: 17021342 PMCID: PMC7109837 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.056135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the presence and location of fluorescent microspheres having the size of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and of mouse minute virus (MMV) in the zona pellucida (ZP) of in vivo-produced murine embryos, the transmission of these viruses by embryos during embryo transfer, and the time of seroconversion of recipients and pups. To this end, fertilized oocytes and morulae were exposed to different concentrations of MMVp for 16 h, while 2-cell embryos and blastocysts were coincubated for 1 h. In addition, morulae were exposed to MHV-A59 for 16 h. One group of embryos was washed, and the remaining embryos remained unwashed before embryo transfer. Serological analyses were performed by means of ELISA to detect antibodies to MHV or MMV in recipients and in progeny on Days 14, 21, 28, 42, and 63 and on Days 42, 63, 84, 112, 133, and 154, respectively, after embryo transfer. Coincubation with a minimum of 105/ml of fluorescent microspheres showed that particles with a diameter of 20 nm but not 100 nm crossed the ZP of murine blastocysts. Washing generally led to a 10-fold to 100-fold reduction of MMVp. Washed MMV-exposed but not MHV-exposed embryos led to the production of antibodies independent of embryonic stage and time of virus exposure. Recipients receiving embryos exposed to a minimum of 107 mean tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/ml of MHV-A59 and 102 TCID50/ml of MMVp seroconverted by Day 42 after embryo transfer. The results indicate that MMV but not MHV can be transmitted to recipients even after washing embryos 10 times before embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Mahabir
- Department of Comparative Medicine, GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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21
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Burgos JS, Ramirez C, Guzman-Sanchez F, Alfaro JM, Sastre I, Valdivieso F. Hematogenous vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus type 1 in mice. J Virol 2006; 80:2823-31. [PMID: 16501091 PMCID: PMC1395468 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.80.6.2823-2831.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2005] [Accepted: 12/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic virus that causes severe disease and death in newborn humans but, to date, it remains unclear how neonatal infection occurs. We show here that the vertical transmission of HSV-1 in mice is mainly hematogenous and involves the colonization of the neonate central nervous system (CNS). HSV-1 DNA was mainly detected in the blood and CNS of the offspring born to latently infected mothers; no significant differences were seen between the viral DNA concentrations in the blood of these mothers and their female progeny (either neonate or adult). The administration of acyclovir during gestation reduced or eliminated both the maternal and the neonatal viral DNA in the blood. Embryo transfer was performed to ensure (as far as possible) that only vertical hematogenous infection took place. Immunohistochemical analysis detected viral proteins in the encephalon of the offspring. Immunofluorescence studies provided immunoreactive evidence of HSV-1 proteins in the neurons of the hippocampus and showed that these viruses can molecularly reactivate after hyperthermia. Neonatal HSV-1 infection therefore appears to be mainly caused by hematogenous vertical transmission, and the viruses that colonize the offspring CNS are capable of molecular reactivation after a period of latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier S Burgos
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Abstract
Microbial infections have long been of concern to scientists using laboratory rodents because of their potential to confound and invalidate research. With the explosion of genetically engineered mice (GEM), new concerns over the impact of microbial agents have emerged because these rodents in many cases are more susceptible to disease than their inbred or outbred counterparts. Moreover, interaction between microbe and host and the resulting manifestation of disease conceivably differ between GEM and their inbred and outbred counterparts. As a result, infections may alter the GEM phenotype and confound interpretation of results and conclusions about mutated gene function. In addition, because GEM are expensive to produce and maintain, contamination by pathogens or opportunists has severe economic consequences. This review addresses how microbial infections may influence phenotype, how immunomodulation of the host as the result of induced mutations may modify host susceptibility to microbial infections, how novel host:microbe interactions have led to the development of new animal models for disease, how phenotype changes have led to the discovery of new pathogens, and new challenges associated with prevention and control of microbial infections in GEM. Although the focus is on naturally occurring infections, extensive literature on the use of GEM in studies of microbial pathogenesis also exists, and the reader is referred to this literature if microbial infection is a suspected culprit in phenotype alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig L Franklin
- Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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23
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Peters DD, Marschall S, Mahabir E, Boersma A, Heinzmann U, Schmidt J, Hrabé de Angelis M. Risk assessment of mouse hepatitis virus infection via in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer by the use of zona-intact and laser-microdissected oocytes. Biol Reprod 2005; 74:246-52. [PMID: 16221989 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.045112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) transmission by the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedure. In addition, resistance to infection of zona-intact and laser-microdissected oocytes was compared. For this purpose, infectious mouse hepatitis virus, a common viral pathogen in mouse facilities, was used. Oocytes having an intact or laser-microdissected zona pellucida were incubated for fertilization in media containing MHV-A59 and resulting embryos were transferred to the oviduct of specific pathogen-free (SPF) Swiss recipients. The oocytes were divided into three experimental groups: 1) zona-intact oocytes continuously exposed to MHV in fertilization (HTF), culture (KSOM), and embryo transfer (M2) media; 2) zona-intact oocytes exposed to MHV in HTF medium and transferred after a standard washing procedure with virus-free KSOM and M2; and 3) laser-microdissected oocytes exposed to MHV in HTF medium and transferred after a standard washing procedure with virus-free KSOM and M2. Respective serum samples of embryo recipients and their offspring were tested for MHV antibodies using ELISA. In experiment 1, 10 out of 14 embryo recipients seroconverted to MHV and only their offspring (8 of 19) received maternal antibodies. In experiments 2 and 3, MHV antibodies were detected neither in the recipients nor in the offspring. These results indicate, for the first time, that even if the zona pellucida is partially disrupted by laser microdissection, the transmission of MHV-A59 can be avoided by correctly performed washing steps in the IVF-ET procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika D Peters
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, GSF - National Research Center for Environment and Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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24
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Landel CP. Archiving mouse strains by cryopreservation. Lab Anim (NY) 2005; 34:50-7. [PMID: 15806091 DOI: 10.1038/laban0405-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 03/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A great deal of time and energy goes into the creation of each new line of transgenic mice; established lines are expensive and labor-intensive to maintain. Archiving of mice by cryopreservation of germ cells or embryos represents a means to free up facility space, while protecting the line from loss due to environmental disasters, genetic drift, or infectious disease. The author reviews the available cryopreservation techniques and presents considerations for setting up a cryopreservation facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlisle P Landel
- Cryopreservation Laboratory, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04679, USA.
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25
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Abstract
Research on genetically engineered mice provides insights into the etiology, therapy, and genetic basis of human diseases. An important variable that affects the results of mouse studies is the health status of the animals. Pathogen burdens may confound observations and obscure underlying mechanisms. Mouse resource centers frequently rederive infected mouse strains. We review our experience on the use of a well-established technique, embryo transfer to rederive infected mouse strains. The following mouse pathogens were eliminated by embryo transfer: Mouse Parvovirus, Mouse Hepatitis Virus, Mouse Rotavirus, Mouse Encephalomyelitis Virus, Mouse Adenovirus, Helicobacter species, endoparasites, and ectoparasites. We rederived transgenic mouse lines, gene-targeted mouse lines, and lines with spontaneous mutations. In the majority of strains, fertilized eggs for embryo transfer were obtained by mating superovulated egg donors with males of the desired genotype. A total of 309 embryo transfers were performed to rederive 96 mouse strains. The pregnancy rate was 76%; 1996 pups were born, of which 43% carried the desired genotype. We performed 44 additional embryo transfers to rederive 15 other strains. The pregnancy rate was lower (45%) and none of the 135 pups carried the desired genotype. Although we successfully eliminated the pathogens in all transfers, we were unable to obtain pups with the desired genotype in 15 of 111 mouse lines. Multiple factors affect the efficiency of rederivation by embryo transfer. They include the response to superovulation by embryo donors, the number and age of stud males, the yield of fertilized eggs, the number of embryo transfers, and genotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L Van Keuren
- Transgenics Animal Model Core, Division of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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26
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Goto K, Muguruma K, Kuramochi T, Shimozawa N, Hioki K, Itoh T, Ebukuro M. Effects of cryopreservation of mouse embryos and in vitro fertilization on genotypic frequencies in colonies. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 62:307-11. [PMID: 12112593 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) on genotypic frequencies in mouse colonies, genotypic frequencies at 15 biochemical, 4 immunological and 20 microsatellite loci were examined in three colonies of MCH (ICR) mice derived from noncryopreserved embryos obtained by natural mating without the induction of superovulation, cryopreserved embryos obtained by natural mating with the induction of superovulation, and cryopreserved embryos obtained by the induction of superovulation and IVF. Three (Pgm-1, Ldr-1 and Hbb) out of the 15 biochemical loci, two (Thy-1 and H2K) out of four immunological loci and five (D5Mit18, D6Mit15, D12Mit5, D13Mit26, and D14Mit7) out of 20 microsatellite loci that showed polymorphisms in every colony were used for detection of genotypic frequencies. The genotypic frequencies of the loci in the three colonies did not differ from the predicted genotypic frequencies (P > 0.05). The results suggested that genetic drift does not occur among colonies established from treated and untreated embryos, and it was clear that the embryo banking by cryopreservation is suitable for preservation of outbred stock without genetic drift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Goto
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 1430 Nogawa, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Japan.
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27
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Abstract
We applied the embryo transfer technique to germfree (GF) mouse production. Embryos harvested from superovulated mice were transferred aseptically, in a sterile environment, to the uterus of GF recipient females which had been mated with vasectomized GF males. One of the recipients became pregnant and delivered offspring. Sterility tests confirmed that the vasectomized males, newborns, recipient female mice, embryo-containing culture media, and the inside of the vinyl film isolator were germfree. These results suggest that the embryo transfer technique can be successfully applied to the production of GF mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Okamoto
- Laboratory Animal and Plant Sciences, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba-shi, Japan
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