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Hundakova A, Leva L, Toman M, Knotek Z. A ferret model of immunosuppression induced with dexamethasone. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2021; 243:110362. [PMID: 34826685 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110362] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ferrets are nowadays frequently used as animal models for biomedical purposes; in many cases, immunosuppression of experimental animals is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intramuscular dexamethasone administration (2 mg/kg as the initiation dose continued with 1 mg/kg q 12 h applied 5 times) on ferret's immune system. In comparison with ferrets which received the saline (n = 5), significantly lower total counts of leukocytes (P < 0.01), lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and monocyte (P < 0.05), as well as absolute numbers of CD4+CD8- (P < 0.01) and CD4-CD8+ (P < 0.01) subsets were noted in dexamethasone treated ferrets (n = 5) the first day after the treatment (D1). Absolute number of CD79+ lymphocytes remained unchanged throughout the experiment. The proliferation activity of lymphocytes in dexamethasone treated ferrets was lower only in D1 using concanavalin A (conA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM); statistical significance was noted using PHA 40 (P < 0.05) and PWM 10 (P < 0.01). Lower neutrophil activity (P < 0.01) was detected in D1 after the dexamethasone treatment in both production of reactive oxygen species (chemiluminescence test) and ingestion of particles (phagocytosis assay). The dexamethasone treatment proved to be useful for short-term immunosuppression in ferrets. The results closely resembled data previously reported in human studies and indicate classification of ferrets as steroid-resistant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hundakova
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho trida 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Leva
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Toman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho trida 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Knotek
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho trida 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
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Helke KL, Meyerholz DK, Beck AP, Burrough ER, Derscheid RJ, Löhr C, McInnes EF, Scudamore CL, Brayton CF. Research Relevant Background Lesions and Conditions: Ferrets, Dogs, Swine, Sheep, and Goats. ILAR J 2021; 62:133-168. [PMID: 33712827 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models provide a valuable tool and resource for biomedical researchers as they investigate biological processes, disease pathogenesis, novel therapies, and toxicologic studies. Interpretation of animal model data requires knowledge not only of the processes/diseases being studied but also awareness of spontaneous conditions and background lesions in the model that can influence or even confound the study results. Species, breed/stock, sex, age, anatomy, physiology, diseases (noninfectious and infectious), and neoplastic processes are model features that can impact the results as well as study interpretation. Here, we review these features in several common laboratory animal species, including ferret, dog (beagle), pig, sheep, and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi L Helke
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda P Beck
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Eric R Burrough
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Rachel J Derscheid
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Christiane Löhr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Elizabeth F McInnes
- Toxicologic Pathology, Toxicology Section, Human Safety at Syngenta, in Jealott's Hill, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl L Scudamore
- ExePathology, Pathologist at ExePathology, Exmouth, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Cory F Brayton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
A selective review of the literature is presented in order to introduce the reader to the extensive studies conducted in the ferret ( Mustela putorius furo) in such diverse fields as virology, gastroenterology, and teratology. Husbandry, anatomical variations, and the modeling of specific human disorders are discussed to indicate the increasing recognition of this species as a valuable asset in toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. M. Hoar
- Department of Toxicology and Pathology Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. Nutley, NJ 07110 330
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Abstract
Both the pig and the ferret are used as animal models in toxicology and drug development, with the pig having been subject to a significant increase in usage (particularly in Europe) over the last 5 years. These two species are quite different from primates and dogs, the “standard” nonrodent models. This article seeks to both survey the rationales for and extent of use of the pig and ferret, and to highlight consideration and key factors in their use in studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayne C. Gad
- Gad Consulting Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Abstract
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) belong to the ancient family Mustelidae, which is believed to date back to the Eocene period, some 40 million years ago. The taxonomic groups in the family Mustelidae, as recognized by Nowak (1999), include 67 species in 25 genera from North, Central, and South America; Eurasia; and Africa. No other carnivore shows such diversity of adaptation, being found in a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Mustelids have retained many primitive characteristics, which include relatively small size, short stocky legs, five toes per foot, elongated braincase, and short rostrum (Anderson, 1989). The Mustelinae is the central subfamily of the Mustelidae. The best-known members of the Mustelinae are the weasels, mink, ferrets (genus Mustela), and the martens (genus Martes) (Anderson, 1989). The genus Mustela is divided into five subgenera: Mustela (weasels), Lutreola (European mink), Vison (American mink), Putorius (ferrets), and Grammogale (South American weasels). The smallest member of the Mustelidae family is the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), which weighs as little as 25 g, and the largest member is the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), which can weigh as much as 45 kg (Nowak, 1999).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Mayer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia Athens, Georgia
| | - Robert P. Marini
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - James G. Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dyrlægevej 68, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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McLain DE. Use of an adjustable restraint device for prolonged and intermittent intravenous infusion and blood sampling in ferrets. Lab Anim (NY) 2006; 35:47-50. [PMID: 16807566 DOI: 10.1038/laban0706-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E McLain
- Walker Downey & Associates, Inc., Product Safety and Development Consulting, 7565 Heather Knoll Lane, Sauk Prairie Estates, Verona, WI 53593, USA.
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Hodge K, Powers SK, Coombes J, Fletcher L, Demirel HA, Dodd SL, Martin D. Bioenergetic characteristics of the costal and crural diaphragm in mammals. RESPIRATION PHYSIOLOGY 1997; 109:149-54. [PMID: 9299646 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-5687(97)00051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
These experiments compared oxidative and glycolytic enzyme activity in the costal and crural diaphragm in seven adult mammals (mouse, rat, rabbit, ferret, sheep, pig, cow) ranging in body mass from approximately 0.03 to 422 kg. Segments of the costal and crural diaphragm from the aforementioned species were homogenized to determine the activities of the glycolytic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the Krebs cycle enzyme, citrate synthase (CS). The results indicated that metabolic differences between the costal and crural diaphragm do not exist in all mammalian species. Specifically, CS activity differed (P < 0.05) between the costal and crural diaphragm (costal approximately 36% greater than crural) in only two species (rat and rabbit). Further, the oxidative capacity of the costal and crural diaphragm was significantly correlated with both breathing frequency and resting metabolic rate (r = 0.92 - 0.57; P < 0.05) across the species investigated. In contrast, glycolytic capacity was not significantly correlated (P > 0.05) with either breathing frequency or resting metabolic rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hodge
- Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences and Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA
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Andrews P, Torii Y, Saito H, Matsuki N. The pharmacology of the emetic response to upper gastrointestinal tract stimulation in Suncus murinus. Eur J Pharmacol 1996; 307:305-13. [PMID: 8836619 DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(96)00275-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the first to describe aspects of the mechanics of retching in the insectivore Suncus murinus (house musk shrew) and in an animal of such a small size (approximately 50 g). In anaesthetised animals using the novel stimulus of mechanical stimulation of the upper gastrointestinal tract as the provocative stimulus the frequency of retching was found to be about 4 retches/s, a much higher frequency than in other species (dog, cat, ferret). These studies show that quantification of retching in Suncus cannot be undertaken using direct observation. The temporal pattern of the emetic response was characterised in conscious Suncus using motion (1 Hz, 5 min) and nicotine (20 mg/kg s.c.). The ultrapotent capsaicin analogue resiniferatoxin (100 micrograms/kg s.c.) was discovered to be highly emetic and comparative studies showed that nicotine and resiniferatoxin induced the most intense responses with episodes (retches and a vomit) occurring every 10-15 s. The retching response to mechanical stimulation in the anaesthetised Suncus was not blocked by a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (granisetron, 1-5 mg/kg s.c.), a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist (CP-99,994 20 mg/kg s.c. dihydrochloride salt (9+) -(2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine) or morphine (2 mg/kg s.c.) but was blocked by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT 100 micrograms/kg s.c.). Suncus appears to be a suitable animal in which to study the pharmacology of the emetic response to mechanical stimulation of the gut. The results are discussed in the light of studies of the pharmacology of emesis in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Andrews
- Department of Physiology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
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Raj JU, Kaapa P, Hillyard R, Anderson J. Pulmonary vascular pressure profile in adult ferrets: measurements in vivo and in isolated lungs. ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA 1991; 142:41-8. [PMID: 1877364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.1991.tb09126.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We have determined the vascular pressure profile in lungs of adult ferrets utilizing an anaesthetized open chested preparation and have compared the pressure profile in vivo with that in isolated, perfused lungs. Ten adult ferrets, mean body weight 980 +/- 108 g, were studied. For in vivo measurements, five ferrets were anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated and the left chest wall resected. Pressures were measured in the pulmonary artery, left atrium and by micropuncture, in 20-50 microns diameter subpleural arterioles and venules. During micropuncture, ventilation was stopped for 1-2 min and the lungs kept distended at an airway pressure of 6 cmH2O. Left atrial pressure was raised to approximately 8 cmH2O with saline infusion so that lungs were in Zone 3. Cardiac output was measured by thermodilution. Lungs of five other ferrets were isolated and perfused with a steady flow roller pump. In these lungs blood flow was adjusted so that pulmonary artery pressure was similar to that in anaesthetized ferrets, with airway and left atrial pressures at 6 and 8 cmH2O respectively (Zone 3). Blood haematocrit (35 +/- 7%) was similar in the two groups. In lungs of anaesthetized ferrets total arteriovenous pressure drop was 12.1 +/- 1.9 cmH2O, with cardiac output being 210 +/- 80 ml kg body weight-1 min-1. Fractional resistance in arteries was 37%, 37% in microvessels and 26% in veins. In isolated ferret lungs, though blood flow was only 48 +/- 10 ml kg body wt-1 min-1 for the same total arteriovenous pressure drop as in vivo, the longitudinal distribution of vascular resistance was similar to that in live ferrets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- J U Raj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles
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Beach JE. The ferret for non-rodent toxicity studies - a pathologist's view. ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY. SUPPLEMENT. = ARCHIV FUR TOXIKOLOGIE. SUPPLEMENT 1982; 5:279-82. [PMID: 6954910 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-68511-8_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ferrets have been used in our laboratories over the past 4 years in 12 small drug toxicity studies (14-28 days, 6-8 ferrets, usually male) and recently for a larger study (90 days, 54 ferrets). This has provided a basis for assessing the suitability of the ferret as an alternative species for non-rodent drug toxicity studies. It is amenable to daily dosing by gavage, and it shows gastric damage of a similar type and degree to the dog in response to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain minor peculiarities of its background pathology are worth noting, but no major problems were seen in this area which would limit its usefulness for routine toxicity testing.
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Andrews PL, Bower AJ, Illman O. Some aspects of the physiology and anatomy of the cardiovascular system of the ferret, Mustela putorius furo. Lab Anim 1979; 13:215-20. [PMID: 553192 DOI: 10.1258/002367779780937771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The resting heart rate was monitored in 50 urethane-anaesthetized (387 +/- 54 beats/min) and 4 conscious (341 +/- 39 beats/min) ferrets. The arterial blood pressure in the anaesthetized animals was 140/110 +/- 35/31 mmHg. The circulatory responses to vagal stimulation, carotid artery occlusion and a variety of humoral agents were examined. The vagal innervation of the heart and of the distribution of the great vessels are described.
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Thornton PC, Wright PA, Sacra PJ, Goodier TE. The ferret, Mustela putorius furo, as a new species in toxicology. Lab Anim 1979; 13:119-24. [PMID: 480899 DOI: 10.1258/002367779780943422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive studies on the haematology, urine chemistry, serum chemistry and gross pathology have been carried out and reported. Seasonal weight changes were confirmed and were initiated, together with sexual activity, when ferrets were brought in to a constant temperature (18-19 degrees C) and 14-hour daylight cycle during the winter months. Levels of haemoglobin, erythrocytes and haematocrit were higher than in most common laboratory species. Similarly, serum electrolytes and glucose levels were higher than in Wistar rats or beagle dogs. Ovaries, uteri and testes displayed a seasonal maturation and atrophy. All other parameters were similar to common laboratory species.
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