1
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Owumi S, Agbarogi H, Oluwawibe BJ, Otunla MT, Anifowose MM, Arunsi UO. Modulation of the Nrf-2 and HO-1 signalling axis is associated with Betaine's abatement of fluoride-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03133-4. [PMID: 38713257 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Sodium fluoride (NaF) ingestion has several detrimental effects in humans and rodents. NaF mechanisms of toxicity include perturbation of intracellular redox homeostasis and apoptosis. Betaine (BET) is a modified amino acid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigates BET's effect on NaF-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats. Experimental rats (n = 30) were randomly assigned to groups (n = 6) and treated by gavage for 28 days. Group I (2 mL of distilled water), Group II (NaF: 9 mg/kg) alone, Group III: (BET: 100 mg/kg), Group IV: (NaF: 9 mg/kg and BET 1: 50 mg/kg), and Group V: (NaF: 9 mg/kg and BET 2: 100 mg/kg). Our findings revealed significantly (p < 0.05) increased hepatic transaminase activities alongside creatinine and urea levels following NaF-alone treatment in addition to increased oxidative status, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and total sulfhydryl groups. The reduced levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and the activities of heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin, and thioredoxin reductase in NaF-alone treated rats equally compromised cellular molecular responses to oxidative stress. Also, NaF increased (p < 0.05) hepatorenal inflammatory biomarkers-nitric oxide, interleukin-10, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase. Furthermore, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased (p < 0.05) in rats treated with NaF alone. Contrastingly, BET was observed to alleviate the harmful effects of NaF. Treatment with BET mitigated NaF-induced oxido-inflammatory responses and apoptosis in the experimental rat's hepatorenal system. The study demonstrates the potential of BET to abate NaF-induced hepatorenal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Owumi
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - Harieme Agbarogi
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Bayode J Oluwawibe
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Moses T Otunla
- ChangeLab-changing lives; Room New Building 302, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Mayowa M Anifowose
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
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2
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Merenick DR, Munro BA, Gee JM, Pang DSJ. Assessing Susceptibility to Carbon Dioxide Gas in Three Rat Strains Using the Loss of Righting Reflex. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2024; 63. [PMID: 38325835 PMCID: PMC11193416 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Overdose of carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) is a common euthanasia method for rodents; however, CO₂ exposure activates nociceptors in rats at concentrations equal to or greater than 37% and is reported to be painful in humans at concentrations equal to or greater than 32.5%. Exposure of rats to CO₂ could cause pain before loss of consciousness. We used 2 standardized loss of righting reflex (LORR) methods to identify CO₂ concentrations associated with unconsciousness in Wistar, Long-Evans, and Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 28 animals per strain). A rotating, motorized cylinder was used to test LORR while the rat was being exposed to increasing concentrations of CO₂. LORR was defined based on a 15-second observation period. The 2 methods were 1) a 1-Paw assessment (the righting reflex was considered to be present if one or more paws contacted the cylinder after the rat was positioned in dorsal recumbency), and 2) a 4-Paw assessment (the righting reflex was considered to be present if all 4 paws contacted the cylinder after the rat was positioned in dorsal recumbency). Data were analyzed with Probit regression, and dose-response curves were plotted. 1-Paw EC95 values (CO₂ concentration at which LORR occurred for 95% of the population) were Wistar, 27.2%; Long-Evans, 29.2%; and Sprague-Dawley, 35.0%. 4-Paw EC95 values were Wistar, 26.2%; Long-Evans, 25.9%, and Sprague-Dawley, 31.1%. Sprague-Dawley EC95 values were significantly higher in both 1- and 4-Paw tests as compared with Wistar and Long-Evans rats. No differences were detected between sexes for any strain. The 1-Paw EC95 was significantly higher than the 4-Paw EC95 only for Sprague-Dawley rats. These results suggest that a low number of individual rats from the strains studied may experience pain during CO₂ euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter R Merenick
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brittany A Munro
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia M Gee
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Daniel SJ Pang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Lee JM, Lee GH, Kim K. Attending veterinarians improve the research capability and psychological well-being of researchers in animal research institutes. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1340225. [PMID: 38249556 PMCID: PMC10797093 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1340225] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of laboratory animals in biomedical research has significantly advanced scientific understanding, yet it raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and the mental health of researchers Recent research has highlighted the potential for stress and compassion fatigue among researchers working with distressed animals. Attending veterinarians (AVs) are crucial in mitigating the pain and stress experienced by animals and, by extension, researchers. However, the impact of AVs on researchers' psychological well-being remains understudied. This study explores how AVs contribute to researchers' research capability and psychological well-being in animal research institutions. AVs oversee animal housing, health, and welfare; their involvement is mandated or strongly recommended in developed countries. AVs enhance animal welfare by ensuring proper housing, nutrition, and social interaction. They monitor animal health, educate researchers on pain assessment, and promote compliance with post-surgical care. AVs also contribute to researchers' well-being by addressing euthanasia procedures, which can be emotionally challenging. Programs for rehoming animals after experiments offer an alternative to euthanasia and positively impact researchers' psychological well-being. Moreover, AVs promote workplace well-being by fostering positive workplace cultures, offering peer counseling, and providing social support. Programs considering animal welfare and researchers' emotions are crucial for a healthy research environment. In conclusion, AVs are essential in balancing scientific progress with animal welfare and researchers' psychological well-being. Therefore, their role should be recognized as vital in achieving social equity that considers the welfare of humans and laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Min Lee
- Research Ethics Team, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Hoon Lee
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - KilSoo Kim
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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4
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Bodnar MJ, Ratuski AS, Weary DM. Mouse isoflurane anesthesia using the drop method. Lab Anim 2023; 57:623-630. [PMID: 37144336 PMCID: PMC10693727 DOI: 10.1177/00236772231169550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Anesthesia with isoflurane prior to carbon dioxide euthanasia is recommended as a refinement, but vaporizer access can be limited. An alternative to vaporizers is the 'drop' method, introducing a fixed volume of isoflurane into the induction chamber. Previous work suggests that isoflurane administered at a concentration of 5% via the drop method is effective but aversive to mice; lower concentrations have not been tested. We assessed mouse behavior and insensibility with induction using the drop method for isoflurane concentrations below 5%. Male Crl:CD-1 (ICR) mice (n = 27) were randomly allocated to one of three isoflurane concentrations: 1.7%, 2.7%, and 3.7%. During induction, measures of insensibility and stress-related behaviors were recorded. All mice reached a surgical plane of anesthesia, and mice exposed to higher concentrations did so more quickly; as concentrations increased from 1.7 to 2.7 and 3.7%, the time to recumbency (Least squares means ± SE: 120.5 s ± 8.1, 97.9 s ± 8.1, and 82.8 s ± 8.1, respectively), loss of righting reflex (149.1 s ± 8.5, 127.7 s ± 8.5, and 100.7 s ± 8.5, respectively), and loss of pedal withdrawal reflex (214.5 s ± 8.3, 172.2 s ± 8.3, and 146.4 s ± 8.3, respectively) all declined. Rearing was the most frequently performed stress-related behavior, and was most pronounced immediately following isoflurane administration for all treatments. Our results indicate that the drop method can be used to effectively anesthetize mice with isoflurane concentrations as low as 1.7%; future work should assess mouse aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya J Bodnar
- UBC Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna S Ratuski
- UBC Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- UBC Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Canada
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McNamara AE, Ballantine AR, Deuchande R, Haste L, Hedge AJ, Lee JM, Read KJ. Comparison of Fixed and Rising Displacement Rates of CO₂ for Euthanasia of Aged Rats. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:453-463. [PMID: 37730432 PMCID: PMC10597333 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-22-000060] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
This study compared euthanasia induced by rising concentrations of CO₂ in aged rats (n = 59) using different gas displacement rates. Rats were preimplanted with cardiovascular telemetry devices and had been previously used for short term safety pharmacology studies. Once fully recovered from previous studies, rats were euthanized using rising concentrations of CO₂. Three groups were exposed to gas displacement at fixed flow rates of 30%, 40%, and 50%, and 3 groups were exposed to increased flow rates at predetermined, one-minute intervals (10 to 30%, 20 to 40%, and 30 to 50%). Comparisons were based on the time taken to reach 4 critical endpoints: dyspnea, ataxia, recumbency, and death. The preimplanted telemetry devices were used to record cardiovascular parameters. Video recordings of the euthanasias were performed to allow behavioral assessment by a blind observer. The histologic effects of the different concentrations were also evaluated. No significant differences were detected between the groups in behavioral scores or histopathology. Groups of rats exposed to higher levels of CO₂ had a shorter time to loss of consciousness and death than did rats exposed to lower concentrations of CO₂. No statistically significant differences were detected in the time by which rats showed visual signs of dyspnea. Slow CO₂ displacement rates of CO2 may prolong the time necessary for euthanasia yet provide no appreciable improvement in welfare in aged rats and should therefore be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E McNamara
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Alconbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rita Deuchande
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Alconbury, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Haste
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Alconbury, United Kingdom
| | - Alice J Hedge
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Harrogate, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph M Lee
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Alconbury, United Kingdom
| | - Kate J Read
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Alconbury, United Kingdom
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6
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Owumi SE, Arunsi UO, Oyelere AK. The protective effect of 3-indolepropanoic acid on aflatoxin B1-induced systemic perturbation of the liver and kidney function in rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:369-384. [PMID: 36214208 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to derange the hepatorenal system by redox, DNA adduct formation and apoptotic networks. Endogenous 3-indole propionic acid (3-IPA) is a metabolite of tryptophan metabolism by gut microbiota that can protect against redox imbalance, inflammation and cellular lipid damage. We investigated the beneficial effect of 3-IPA against AFB1-mediated organ toxicity in male rats post 28 days of consecutive treatment. The 3-IPA (25 and 50 mg/kg) was orally administered alongside AFB1 (50 μg/kg) treatment. Biochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilised to examine biomarkers of hepatorenal function, oxidative status and inflammation. DNA damage and apoptosis were also assessed, and histological staining techniques were used to investigate hepatorenal tissues for pathological indicators. The 3-IPA supplementation abated AFB1-mediated increases in biomarkers of hepatic and renal dysfunction in rat serum. Co-administration of 3-IPA further reduced AFB1-induced redox imbalance (by upregulating antioxidant mediators and enzymes [GSH, TSH, Trx, Trx-R, SOD, CAT, GPx and GST]; reducing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and DNA adduct [RONS, LPO and 8-OH-dG] formation; suppressing pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators [XO, MPO, NO, IL-1β and Casp -9 and -3]; and upregulating the level of interleukin 10 (IL-10). Moreover, treatment with 3-IPA lessened hepatorenal tissue injuries. These findings suggest that augmenting 3-IPA endogenously from tryptophan metabolism may provide a novel strategy to forestall xenobiotics-mediated hepatorenal toxicity, including AFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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7
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Clarkson JM, Leach MC, McKeegan DEF, Martin JE. The perspectives of UK personnel towards current killing practices for laboratory rodents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4808. [PMID: 36959244 PMCID: PMC10036518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31808-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents are the predominant species used for scientific research and must be humanely killed upon completion of the work. In the UK this is regulated by Schedule 1 of the Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986, which lists permitted methodologies considered capable of humane killing, including overdose of an anaesthetic, exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, dislocation of the neck and concussion of the brain by striking the cranium. Although all are permitted, operator motivations behind method selection and individual operator preference remain unknown. The views of 219 laboratory animal personnel on institutional availability and use of Schedule 1 killing methods for laboratory rodents were obtained. Only 10% of participants reported that all four methods were available at their institution with 57.5% of respondents preferring cervical dislocation. For CO2, only 18.6% of participants reported using the recommended flow rate, while 45.5% did not know the flow rate employed. We highlight the urgent requirement for the development of quality-controlled training programmes, to improve knowledge and confidence in the selection and application of killing methods. We advocate for continuous review of killing practices to ensure best practice is reflected in legislation and achieve optimal protection of the welfare of laboratory rodents during killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M Clarkson
- Institute of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.
| | - Matthew C Leach
- Comparative Biology Centre, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
| | - Dorothy E F McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Jessica E Martin
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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8
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Xue S, Liu K, Zhao L, Zhou L, Gao X, Liu L, Liu N, He J. The role of miR-369-3p in proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes in Aohan fine-wool sheep. Arch Anim Breed 2023. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-66-93-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of non-coding RNAs
that play important roles in the proliferation and differentiation of
adipocytes. Our previous sequencing analysis revealed higher expression of
miR-369-3p in the longissimus muscle of 2-month-old Aohan fine-wool sheep
(AFWS) compared to 12-month-old sheep (P<0.05), suggesting that
miR-369-3p may regulate fat deposition in AFWS. To test this, miR-369-3p
mimics, inhibitors, and negative controls (NCs) were constructed and
transfected into AFWS preadipocytes. After transfection with miR-369-3p
mimics, we found a decrease (P<0.05) in the expression of genes and
proteins related to cell proliferation and differentiation, detected by
RT-qPCR (quantitative reverse transcription PCR) and western blot analyses. Moreover, EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine) detection and Oil Red O
staining showed a decrease (P<0.05) in cell proliferation and lipid
accumulation, respectively. The opposite trends (P<0.05) were
obtained after transfection with miR-369-3p inhibitors. In conclusion, the
results showed that miR-369-3p can inhibit the proliferation and
differentiation of AFWS preadipocytes, providing a theoretical basis to
further explore the molecular mechanism of fat deposition in sheep and other
domestic animals.
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9
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De Ruyver C, Baert K, Cartuyvels E, Beernaert LAL, Tuyttens FAM, Leirs H, Moons CPH. Assessing animal welfare impact of fourteen control and dispatch methods for house mouse (Mus musculus ), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus ) and black rat (Rattus rattus ). Anim Welf 2023; 32:e2. [PMID: 38487454 PMCID: PMC10937213 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2022.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Population control of the house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and black rat (Rattus rattus) is common practice worldwide. Our objective was to assess the impact on animal welfare of lethal and non-lethal control methods, including three dispatch methods. We used the Sharp and Saunders welfare assessment model with eight experts scoring eleven control methods and three dispatch methods used on the three species. We presumed the methods were performed as prescribed, only taking into account the effect on the target animal (and not, for example, on non-target catches). We did not assess population control efficacy of the methods. Methods considered to induce the least suffering to the target animal were captive-bolt traps, electrocution traps and cervical dislocation, while those with the greatest impact were anticoagulants, cholecalciferol and deprivation. Experts indicated considerable uncertainty regarding their evaluation of certain methods, which emphasises the need for further scientific research. In particular, the impact of hydrogen cyanide, chloralose and aluminium phosphide on animal welfare ought to be investigated. The experts also stressed the need to improve Standard Operating Procedures and to incorporate animal welfare assessments in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The results of our study can help laypeople, professionals, regulatory agencies and legislators making well-informed decisions as to which methods to use when controlling commensal rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciska De Ruyver
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ethology and Animal Welfare Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kristof Baert
- Wildlife Management and Invasive species, Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 bus 73, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emma Cartuyvels
- Wildlife Management and Invasive species, Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 bus 73, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lies AL Beernaert
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Frank AM Tuyttens
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ethology and Animal Welfare Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820Merelbeke, Belgium
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090Melle, Belgium
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christel PH Moons
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ethology and Animal Welfare Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820Merelbeke, Belgium
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Owumi SE, Najophe ES, Otunla MT. 3-Indolepropionic acid prevented chlorpyrifos-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats by improving anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic responses and abating DNA damage. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:74377-74393. [PMID: 35644820 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The application of chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphorus pesticide to control insects, is associated with oxidative stress and reduced quality of life in humans and animals. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a by-product of tryptophan metabolism with high antioxidant capacity and has the potential to curb CPF-mediated toxicities in the hepatorenal system of rats. It is against this background that we explored the subacute exposure of CPF and the effect of IPA in the liver and kidney of thirty rats using five cohort experimental designs (n = 6) consisting of control (corn oil 2 mL/kg body weight), CPF alone (5 mg/kg), IPA alone (50 mg/kg), CPF + IPA1 (5 mg/kg + 25 mg/kg), and CPF + IPA2 (5 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg). Subsequently, we evaluated biomarkers of hepatorenal damage, oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis by spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Our results showed that co-treatment with IPA decreased CPF-upregulated serum hepatic transaminases, creatinine, and urea; reversed CPF downregulation of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, Trx, TRx-R, and TSH; and abated CPF upregulation of XO, MPO, RONS, and LPO. Co-treatment with IPA decreased CPF-upregulated IL-1β and 8-OHdG levels, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities, and increased IL-10. In addition, IPA averts CPF-induced histological changes in the liver and kidney of rats. Our results demonstrate that co-dosing CPF-exposed rats with IPA can significantly decrease CPF-induced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory responses, DNA damage, and subsequent pro-apoptotic responses in rats' liver and kidneys. Therefore, supplementing tryptophan-derived endogenous IPA from exogenous sources may help avert toxicity occasioned by inadvertent exposure to harmful chemicals, including CPF-induced systemic perturbation of liver and kidney function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Room NB 302, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria.
| | - Eseroghene S Najophe
- Nutrition and Industrial Biochemistry Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria
| | - Moses T Otunla
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Room NB 302, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria
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A 25-Year Retrospective Review of Mortality in Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes) in Accredited U.S. Zoos from a Management and Welfare Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151878. [PMID: 35892528 PMCID: PMC9330555 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding causes of death allows adjustment of health management strategies for animals in managed care. From 224 documented chimpanzee deaths occurring from 1995 to 2019 in 42 accredited U.S. zoos, post-mortem records and necropsy reports were analyzed for the primary cause of death, which were available for 214 individuals. In total, 37 cases of stillbirth and neonatal deaths were assessed (16.5%); however, the focus was otherwise placed on the remaining 177 cases in which the death occurred in individuals aged greater than 1 month. There were no sex-related differences in etiology; however, age variation in the cause of death was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Elderly (35 years and older) chimpanzees tended to die of intrinsic, often degenerative, etiologies, whereas infants, juveniles, and adolescents (less than 15 years) were more likely to be involved in fatal trauma. Overall, there were 27 deaths (15.3% of all post-neonatal deaths) related to trauma and 13 of these were directly or indirectly related to conspecific aggression. Understanding causes of mortality and the interrelation with management can benefit managed populations of chimpanzees.
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12
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Clarkson JM, Martin JE, McKeegan DEF. A review of methods used to kill laboratory rodents: issues and opportunities. Lab Anim 2022; 56:419-436. [PMID: 35611553 DOI: 10.1177/00236772221097472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Rodents are the most widely used species for scientific purposes. A critical pre-requisite of their use, based on utilitarian ethical reasoning, is the provision of a humane death when necessary for scientific or welfare grounds. Focussing on the welfare challenges presented by current methods, we critically evaluate the literature, consider emerging methodologies that may have potential for refinement and highlight knowledge gaps for future research. The evidence supports the conclusion that scientists and laboratory personnel should seek to avoid killing laboratory rodents by exposing them to carbon dioxide (CO2), unless exploiting its high-throughput advantage. We suggest that stakeholders and policymakers should advocate for the removal of CO2 from existing guidelines, instead making its use conditionally acceptable with justification for additional rationale for its application. With regards to physical methods such as cervical dislocation, decapitation and concussion, major welfare concerns are based on potential inaccuracy in application and their susceptibility to high failure rates. There is a need for independent quality-controlled training programmes to facilitate optimal success rates and the development of specialist tools to improve outcomes and reliability. Furthermore, we highlight questions surrounding the inconsistent inclusion criteria and acceptability of physical methods in international regulation and/or guidance, demonstrating a lack of cohesion across countries and lack of a comprehensive 'gold standard' methodology. We encourage better review of new data and championing of open access scientific resources to advocate for best practice and enable significant changes to policy and legislation to improve the welfare of laboratory rodents at killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M Clarkson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Jessica E Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dorothy E F McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK
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13
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Apigeninidin-rich Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench) extracts suppress A549 cells proliferation and ameliorate toxicity of aflatoxin B1-mediated liver and kidney derangement in rats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7438. [PMID: 35523904 PMCID: PMC9076626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorghum bicolor plant has a high abundance of 3-deoxyanthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenol compounds that have been shown to offer numerous health benefits. Epidemiological studies have linked increased intake of S. bicolor to reduced risk of certain cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma. S. bicolor extracts have shown beneficial effects in managing hepatorenal injuries. This study investigated the cytotoxic potential of three apigeninidin-rich extracts of S. bicolor (SBE-05, SBE-06 and SBE-07) against selected cancer cell lines and their ameliorative effect on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-mediated hepatorenal derangements in rats. We observed that, among the three potent extracts, SBE-06 more potently and selectively suppressed the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) (IC50 = 6.5 μg/mL). SBE-06 suppressed the expression of STAT3 but increased the expression of caspase 3. In addition, SBE-05, SBE-06 and SBE-07 inhibited oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and preserved the histoarchitectural networks of the liver and kidney of rats treated with AFB1. These in vitro and in vivo studies indicate the potential of these cheap and readily accessible extracts for cancer therapy and as chemo-preventive agents in preventing aflatoxin-related health issues.
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Hickman DL. Minimal Exposure Times for Irreversible Euthanasia with Carbon Dioxide in Mice and Rats. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2022; 61:283-286. [PMID: 35414376 PMCID: PMC9137289 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-21-000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
When using an anesthetic overdose to euthanize laboratory rodents, a secondary method of euthanasia is recommended to ensure that the apparent death is irreversible. This secondary method usually is accomplished through the collection of tissues that are required to complete the research project. However, frequently laboratory rodents must be euthanized because they cannot be used for studies; in these cases, caretakers must perform a secondary method of euthanasia. Performing physical methods of euthanasia, even on unconscious rodents, can contribute to compassion fatigue in these persons. The current study was designed based on existing literature regarding minimal exposure times for preweanling rats and mice euthanized with carbon dioxide. The study evaluated the minimal time that adult rats and mice must remain in 100% carbon dioxide for death to be irreversible on removal. Adult rats (14 stocks and strains) and mice (more than 40 stocks and strains) were euthanized using a 50% volume per minute displacement rate of carbon dioxide for 2 min. The cages were then left undisturbed for predetermined times, ranging from 0 to almost 12 min. Upon removal from the cage, the animals were stimulated to determine whether they could be resuscitated. If an animal recovered, it was euthanized by using a physical method of euthanasia, and a duration that was 30 s longer than the previous predetermined time was assessed using other animals. The study demonstrated that exposure times of at least 3 min in carbon dioxide reliably result in irreversible euthanasia of mice but that exposure times of at least 10.5 min in carbon dioxide were required to ensure irreversible euthanasia of rats. Although an irreversible death can be attained with carbon dioxide, the use of appropriate species-specific exposure times is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra L Hickman
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN;,
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15
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Sewell F, Corvaro M, Andrus A, Burke J, Daston G, Delaney B, Domoradzki J, Forlini C, Green ML, Hofmann T, Jäckel S, Lee MS, Temerowski M, Whalley P, Lewis R. Recommendations on dose level selection for repeat dose toxicity studies. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1921-1934. [PMID: 35486138 PMCID: PMC9151511 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03293-3] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Prior to registering and marketing any new pharmaceutical, (agro)chemical or food ingredient product manufacturers must, by law, generate data to ensure human safety. Safety testing requirements vary depending on sector, but generally repeat-dose testing in animals form the basis for human health risk assessments. Dose level selection is an important consideration when designing such studies, to ensure that exposure levels that lead to relevant hazards are identified. Advice on dose level selection is provided in test guidelines and allied guidance documents, but it is not well harmonised, particularly for selection of the highest dose tested. This paper further builds on concepts developed in a technical report by the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) which recommends pragmatic approaches to dose selection considering regulatory requirements, animal welfare and state of the art scientific approaches. Industry sectors have differing degrees of freedom to operate regarding dose level selection, depending on the purpose of the studies and the regulatory requirements/legislation, and this is reflected in the overall recommended approaches. An understanding of systemic exposure should be utilised where possible (e.g., through toxicokinetic approaches) and used together with apical endpoints from existing toxicity studies to guide more appropriate dose level selection. The highest dose should be limited to a reasonable level, causing minimal but evident toxicity to the test animals without significantly compromising their well-being. As the science of predictive human exposure further develops and matures, this will provide exciting and novel opportunities for more human-relevant approaches to dose level selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Sewell
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK.
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16
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Clarkson JM, McKeegan DEF, Sparrey J, Marchesi F, Leach MC, Martin JE. Determining Candidate Hypobaric Hypoxia Profiles for Humane Killing of Laboratory Mice. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:834478. [PMID: 35400097 PMCID: PMC8988232 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.834478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of mice are used annually in scientific research and must be humanely killed. Despite significant welfare concerns, carbon dioxide exposure remains the most common killing method, primarily because there is no practical and humane alternative. We explored whether hypobaric hypoxia via gradual decompression could induce a non-recovery state in anesthetized male C57BL/6 and Balb/c laboratory mice. We aimed to determine if this was possible in a feasible timescale with minimal pathological consequences, as a proof-of-principle step. Systematic evaluation of two decompression rates (75, 150 ms−1) and three profile shapes (accelerated, linear, gradual) in a factorial design revealed that hypobaric hypoxia effectively induced a non-recovery state in anesthetized laboratory mice, irrespective of decompression rate and shape. Mice took longer to reach a non-recovery state with the 75 ms−1 decompression rate (75 ms−1: 257 ± 8.96 vs. 150 ms−1: 214 ± 7.26 s), with longer latencies in gradual and linear shaped profiles. Accelerated shaped profiles were least susceptible to meaningful refinement via rate. The only pathological changes of concern were moderate middle ear congestion and hemorrhage. These findings suggest that hypobaric hypoxia has potential, and subsequent work will evaluate the welfare consequences of gradual decompression in conscious mice, to identify decompression profiles that minimize welfare harms associated with ear barotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M. Clarkson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jasmine M. Clarkson
| | - Dorothy E. F. McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francesco Marchesi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C. Leach
- School for Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica E. Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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17
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Hickman DL. Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide Euthanasia of Female Sprague Dawley Rats Alone or With Unfamiliar Conspecifics. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2022; 61:195-200. [PMID: 35101159 PMCID: PMC8956221 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-21-000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most studies evaluating methods of euthanasia to date have focused on the euthanasia of individual animals. However, larger chambers are commonly used to euthanize multiple cages of animals at once. This study evaluated the use of a commercially available system for euthanasia of 1, 2, or 4 cages containing an individual female Sprague-Dawley rat using volume per minute displacement rates (VDR/min) of either 25% or 50% of 100% carbon dioxide. Animal wellbeing was assessed based on physiologic changes (serum noradrenaline and corticosterone) and behavioral assessments (relative frequency of rearing, line crossing, and grooming). The 25% VDR/min was associated with a significantly longer time to loss of consciousness, but this was not associated with significant physiologic or behavioral changes. The 50% VDR/min treatment group was associated with significant increases in the relative frequency of movement from 1 side of the cage to the other. Increases in the relative frequency of rears were detected in the 25% VDR/min treatment group when 2 or 4 rats were in the chamber as compared with a single rat in the chamber. The absence of significant physiologic changes suggest that the behavioral changes may have been associated with the novelty of the euthanasia experience rather than with distress. The location of the cage within the chamber did not significantly affect any of the measured parameters at either 25% or 50% VDR/min. These data suggest that groups of rats euthanized in these chambers are not experiencing decreases in their welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra L Hickman
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
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18
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Owumi SE, Irozuru CE, Arunsi UO, Faleke HO, Oyelere AK. Caffeic acid mitigates aflatoxin B1-mediated toxicity in the male rat reproductive system by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic responses, testicular function, and the redox-regulatory systems. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14090. [PMID: 35112365 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) is a toxic metabolite of public health concern. The present study investigates the protective effects of caffeic acid (CA) against AFB1 -induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the hypothalamus, epididymis, and testis of male rats. Five experimental rat cohorts (n = 6) were treated per os for 28 consecutive days as follows: Control (Corn oil 2 ml/kg body weight), AFB1 alone (50μg/kg), CA alone (40 mg/kg) and the co-treated rat cohorts (AFB1 : 50μg/kg + CA1: 20 or 40 mg/kg). Following sacrifice, the biomarkers of hypothalamic, epididymal, and testicular toxicities, antioxidant enzyme activities, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen and nitrogen (RONS) species and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analysed spectrophotometrically. Besides, the concentration of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were assessed using ELISA. Results showed that the AFB1 -induced decrease in biomarkers of testicular, epididymal and hypothalamic toxicity was significantly (p < .05) alleviated in rats coexposed to CA. Moreover, the reduction of antioxidant status and the increase in RONS and LPO were lessened (p < .05) in rats co-treated with CA. AFB1 mediated increase in TNF-α, Bax, NO and MPO activity were reduced (p< .05) in the hypothalamus, epididymis, and testis of rats coexposed to CA. In addition, Bcl-2 levels were reduced in rats treated with CA dose-dependently. Light microscopic examination showed that histopathological lesions severity induced by AFB1 were alleviated in rats coexposed to CA. Taken together, the amelioration of AFB1 -induced neuronal and reproductive toxicities by CA involves anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic mechanisms in rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The beneficial antioxidant effects of caffeic acid (CA) are attributed to CA delocalized aromatic rings and free electrons, easily donated to stabilize reactive oxygen species. We report in vivo findings on CA and AfB1 mediated oxidative stress and reproductive dysfunction in rats. CA conjugated esters including chlorogenic acids are widely distributed in plants, and they act as a dietary source of natural defense against infections. CA can chelate heavy metals and reduce production of damaging free radicals to cellular macromolecules. Along these lines, CA can stabilize aflatoxin B1-epoxide as well and avert deleterious conjugates from forming with deoxyribonucleic acids. Hence CA, as a dietary phytochemical can protect against the damaging effects of toxins including aflatoxin B1 that contaminate food. CA dose-dependently abated oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic stimuli, improved functional characteristics of spermatozoa and reproductive hormone levels, and prevented histological alterations in experimental rats' hypothalamus and reproductive organs brought about by AFB1 toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chioma E Irozuru
- Molecular Drug Metabolism Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Hammed O Faleke
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biotechnology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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19
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Zhao L, Zhou L, Hao X, Wang L, Han F, Liu L, Duan X, Guo F, He J, Liu N. Identification and Characterization of Circular RNAs in Association With the Deposition of Intramuscular Fat in Aohan Fine-Wool Sheep. Front Genet 2021; 12:759747. [PMID: 34938314 PMCID: PMC8685527 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.759747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aohan fine-wool sheep (AFWS) is a high-quality fine-wool sheep breed that supplies wool and meat. Research is needed on the molecular mechanism behind intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition that greatly improves mutton quality. The widely expressed non-coding RNA is physiologically used in roles such as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that includes circular RNAs (circRNAs). Although circRNAs were studied in many fields, little research was devoted to IMF in sheep. We used the longissimus dorsi muscle of 2 and 12-month-old AWFS as research material to identify circRNAs related to IMF deposition in these sheep by RNA-seq screening for differentially expressed circRNAs in the two age groups. A total of 11,565 candidate circRNAs were identified, of which the 104 differentially expressed circRNAs in the two age groups were analyzed. Enrichment analysis was performed using Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The enriched pathways included lipid transport (GO:0006869), negative regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway (GO:0090090), fat digestion and absorption (ko04975), and sphingolipid metabolism (ko00600). The differentially expressed circRNAs included ciRNA455, circRNA9086, circRNA7445, circRNA4557, and others. The source genes involved in these pathways might regulate IMF deposition. We used the TargetScan and miRanda software for interaction analysis, and a network diagram of circRNA-miRNA interactions was created. CircRNA455-miR-127, circRNA455-miR-29a, circRNA455-miR-103, circRNA4557-mir149-5p, and circRNA2440-mir-23a might be involved in the IMF deposition process. The targeting relationship of circRNA4557-miR-149-5p was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The RT-qPCR results of seven randomly selected circRNAs were consistent with the sequencing results. This study provides additional information on circRNA regulation of IMF deposition in AFWS and is a useful resource for future research on this sheep breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lisheng Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojing Hao
- Qingdao Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fuhui Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lirong Liu
- China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinming Duan
- Nongfayuan Zhejiang Agricultural Development Co. Ltd., Huzhou, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Tongliao Animal Agriculture Development Service Center, Tongliao, China
| | - Jianning He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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20
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Imosemi IO, Owumi SE, Arunsi UO. Biochemical and histological alterations of doxorubicin-induced neurotoxicity in rats: Protective role of luteolin. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 36:e22962. [PMID: 34766659 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic drug used in the treatment of various cancer types. DOX toxic side effects include neuronopathy and memory deficits. We investigated the effect of the antioxidant luteolin (LUT: 50 or 100 mg/kg; per os) on DOX (2 mg/kg; intraperitoneal)-induced oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and apoptosis in the brain of Wistar rats for 14 days. We observed that LUT reduced DOX-mediated increase in OS biomarkers-catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. LUT increased glutathione and total sulphydryl levels and alleviated DOX-induced increases in the levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Additionally, LUT suppressed caspase-3 activity, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine-IL-10 level, and reduced pathological lesions in the examined organs of rats cotreated with LUT and DOX. Collectively, cotreatment with LUT lessened DOX-induced neurotoxicity. Supplementation of LUT as a chemopreventive agent might be useful in patients undergoing DOX chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Innocent O Imosemi
- Neuroanatomy Research Laboratories, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Solomon E Owumi
- CRMB Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology Center, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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21
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Behavioral and histological features of zebrafish following sedation with eugenol or propofol. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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22
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Rodriguez-Sanchez R, Barnaby E, Améndola L, Hea SY, Smith B, Webster J, Zobel G. Voluntary Oral Ingestion of a Sedative Prior to Euthanasia with CO 2: Behavioural Responses of Mice. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102879. [PMID: 34679900 PMCID: PMC8533016 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102879] [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: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory mice are commonly euthanised with carbon dioxide (CO2); however, there is ample evidence that this gas is aversive. Previous work suggests that sedation achieved via injection with benzodiazepines prior to CO2 administration could reduce aversive behaviours during euthanasia. We explored the potential of using a voluntarily ingested sedative (tiletamine-zolazepam, Zoletil®) prior to euthanasia. Male and female C57BL/6 mice were allocated into one of the five experimental groups, which differed in the dose of Zoletil: 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 100 mg/kg. A dose of 20 mg/kg was found to achieve mild sedation prior to euthanasia; mice which received this dose numerically reared and walked on the cage lid less, and showed ataxia, immobility and recumbency for longer than mice that received a lower dose. During euthanasia, mice that received 20 mg/kg showed fewer aversive responses to CO2. Doses of 40 to 100 mg/kg were associated with signs of moderate to severe sedation, but resulted in an incomplete intake of the sedative, which made the interpretation of the aversiveness to CO2 difficult. Voluntary oral administration of a sedative is an effective, affordable, and easy way to minimize the stress of mice to euthanasia with CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Team, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Private Bag 3123, 3214 Hamilton, New Zealand;
| | - Elyssa Barnaby
- Animal Ethics Office, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Private Bag 3123, 3214 Hamilton, New Zealand; (E.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Lucia Améndola
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada;
| | - Shen-Yan Hea
- Bioinformatics and Statistics, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Tennent Drive, Fitzherbert, 4410 Palmerston North, New Zealand;
| | - Bobby Smith
- Small Animal Colony, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Private Bag 3123, 3214 Hamilton, New Zealand;
| | - James Webster
- Animal Ethics Office, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Private Bag 3123, 3214 Hamilton, New Zealand; (E.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Gosia Zobel
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Team, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Private Bag 3123, 3214 Hamilton, New Zealand;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-78385911
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23
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Goñi-Balentziaga O, Ortega-Saez I, Vila S, Azkona G. Working with laboratory rodents in Spain: a survey on welfare and wellbeing. Lab Anim Res 2021; 37:18. [PMID: 34315536 PMCID: PMC8314439 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-021-00098-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Replacement, reduction and refinement, the 3R principles, provide a framework to minimize the use and suffering of animals in science. In this context, we aimed to determine the actual perception that individuals working with laboratory rodents in biomedical research have on animal welfare and on their interaction with the animals, as well as how they perceive its impact on their social relations. To this end, we designed an anonymous on-line survey for people working with rodents, at three responsibility levels, in Spain. Results Of the 356 participants, 239 were women (67 %); 263 were researchers (74 %), and 93 animal facility staff (26 %), of which 55 were caretakers/technicians (15 %), and 38 welfare officer/veterinarians (11 %). Animal facility staff indicated environmental enrichment to be a universal practice. About half of the participants reported that, in their opinion, animals suffer “little to none” or “minor” stress and pain. Animal caretakers/technicians and researchers perceived higher levels of stress and pain than welfare officers/veterinarians. Participants judged decapitation the most unpleasant method to kill rodents, whereas anaesthetic overdose was the least one. A sizable proportion − 21 % of animal caretakers/technicians and 11.4 % of researchers - stated that they were never given the choice not to euthanize the rodents they work with. Overall, women reported higher interactions with animals than men. Nevertheless, we could detect a significant correlation between time spent with the animals and interaction scores. Notably, 80 % of animal facility staff and 92 % of researchers rarely talked about their work with laboratory rodents with people outside their inner social circle. Conclusions Overall, the participants showed high awareness and sensitivity to rodent wellbeing; animal facility staff reported a similar perception on welfare questions, independently of their category, while researchers, who spent less time with the animals, showed less awareness and manifested lower human-animal interaction and less social support. Regarding the perception on social acceptance of laboratory animal work, all groups were cautious and rarely talked about their job, suggesting that it is considered a sensitive issue in Spain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42826-021-00098-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatz Goñi-Balentziaga
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Donostia, Spain
| | - Iván Ortega-Saez
- Scientific and Technological Centers (CCIT), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Vila
- Scientific and Technological Centers (CCIT), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Garikoitz Azkona
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Donostia, Spain.
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24
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Brunt MW, Améndola L, Weary DM. Attitudes of laboratory animal professionals and researchers towards carbon dioxide euthanasia for rodents and perceived barriers to change. Lab Anim 2021; 55:531-539. [PMID: 34192967 PMCID: PMC8669199 DOI: 10.1177/00236772211025166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that carbon dioxide (CO2) induces negative affective states (including anxiety, fear and distress) in laboratory rodents, but many countries still accept it for euthanasia. Alternative methods (e.g. inhalant anaesthetic) may represent a refinement over CO2 but are not widely adopted. We conducted an online survey of Canadian and European laboratory animal professionals and researchers (n = 592) to assess their attitudes towards the use of CO2 and alternative methods for rodent euthanasia using quantitative 7-point scale (from 1 (= strongly oppose) to 7 (= strongly favour) and qualitative (open-ended text) responses. CO2 was identified as the most common method used to kill rodents, and attitudes towards this method were variable and on average ambivalent (mean ± SD score on our 7-point scale was 4.4 ± 1.46). Qualitative analysis revealed four themes relating to participant attitude: (a) the animal’s experience during gas exposure; (b) practical considerations for humans; (c) compromise between the animal’s experience and practical considerations; and (d) technical description of the procedure or policies. Many participants (51%) felt that there were alternatives available that could be considered an improvement over CO2, but perceived barriers to implementing these refinements. Qualitative analysis of these responses revealed five themes: (a) financial constraints; (b) institutional culture; (c) regulatory constraints; (d) research constraints; and (e) safety concerns. In conclusion, concerns regarding the use of CO2 often focused on the animal’s experience, but barriers to alternatives related to operational limitations. New research is now required on to how best to overcome these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Brunt
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lucia Améndola
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Canada
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Owumi SE, Adeniyi G, Oyelere AK. The modulatory effect of taurine on benzo (a) pyrene-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:389-398. [PMID: 34141152 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxicities linked with Benzo (a) pyrene B[a]P exposure, particularly in liver and kidney have been reported in both animals and humans. Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) is an intracellular β-amino acid reported to elicit hepatorenal protective functions. However, the modulatory effect of taurine on hepatorenal toxicity associated with exposure to B[a]P has not been reported. This study evaluated the effects of taurine on the hepatorenal toxicities induced in cohorts of rats exposed to B[a]P. Experimental rats were treated as follows: B[a]P (10 mg/kg); co-treated cohorts -B[a]P (10 mg/kg) plus taurine (100 or 200 mg/kg) for 4 successive weeks. Results show that co-dosing with taurine significantly (P < 0.05) improved B[a]P-induced distortion of oxidative stress markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, total sulphydryl, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase), renal function (urea and creatinine) and liver function marker enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase). Moreover, taurine effectively mitigated increase in myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, nitric oxide and interleukin-1β in kidney and liver of rats treated with B[a]P. In conclusion, taurine modulates hepatorenal toxicity in B[a]P-exposed rats by suppressing hepatic and renal damage indices, oxidative injury and inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- CRMB Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Gideon Adeniyi
- CRMB Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
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Owumi SE, Lewu DO, Arunsi UO, Oyelere AK. Luteolin attenuates doxorubicin-induced derangements of liver and kidney by reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress to suppress apoptosis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1656-1672. [PMID: 33827303 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211006171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Doxorubicin is an effective anti-neoplastic agent; the reported toxicities of DOX limit its use. Luteolin is a polyphenolic phytochemical that exhibits beneficial biological effects via several mechanisms. We investigate luteolin protective effects on hepatorenal toxicity associated with doxorubicin treatment in rats. For 2 weeks, randomly assigned rat cohorts were treated as follows: control, luteolin (100 mg/kg; per os), doxorubicin alone (2mg/kg; by intraperitoneal injection), co-treated cohorts received luteolin (50 and 100 mg/kg) in addition to doxorubicin. Treatment with doxorubicin alone significantly (p < 0.05) increased biomarkers of hepatorenal toxicities in the serum. Doxorubicin also reduced relative organ weights, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukine-10. Doxorubicin also increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory-interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α-cytokine, and apoptotic caspases-3 and -9). Morphological damage accompanied these biochemical alterations in the rat's liver and kidney treated with doxorubicin alone. Luteolin co-treatment dose-dependently abated doxorubicin-mediated toxic responses, improved antioxidant capacity and interleukine-10 level. Luteolin reduced (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation, caspases-3 and -9 activities and marginally improved rats' survivability. Similarly, luteolin co-treated rats exhibited improvement in hepatorenal pathological lesions observed in rats treated with doxorubicin alone. In summary, luteolin co-treatment blocked doxorubicin-mediated hepatorenal injuries linked with pro-oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic mechanisms. Therefore, luteolin can act as a chemoprotective agent in abating toxicities associated with doxorubicin usage and improve its therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, 113092College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - D O Lewu
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, 113092College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - U O Arunsi
- School of Medicine, Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - A K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, 1372Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Owumi SE, Anaikor RA, Arunsi UO, Adaramoye OA, Oyelere AK. Chlorogenic acid co-administration abates tamoxifen-mediated reproductive toxicities in male rats: An experimental approach. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13615. [PMID: 33491243 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Reports over the years have demonstrated toxic side effect-including reproductive toxicity- of tamoxifen (TAM), a drug of choice in the management of primary breast cancer. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a dietary polyphenol, reportedly elicits beneficial pharmacological effects. However, the impact of CGA on TAM-associated reproductive toxicity is absent in the literature. We, therefore, experimented on CGA's effect and TAM-mediated reproductive toxicity in rats. Cohorts of rats were treated with TAM (50 mg/kg) or co-treated with CGA (25 or 50 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The result showed that treatment of CGA significantly increases testosterone, LH, and FSH levels compared to the TAM group. However, prolactin level was markedly decreased after pretreatment of CGA in TAM-treated rats. CGA abated TAM-induced decreases acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and antioxidant enzymes in the testis. CGA alleviated TAM-facilitated surges of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in rats epididymis and testes. Additionally, CGA increased anti-inflammatory cytokine -interleukin-10-, suppressed caspase-3 activity, and reduced pathological lesions in the examined organs of rats co-treated with CGA and TAM. CGA phytoprotective effect improved reproductive function occasioned by TAM-mediated toxicities in rats, by abating oxido-inflammatory damages and downregulating apoptotic responses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: CGA protects against the damaging oxido-inflammatory responses incumbent on TAM metabolism. As an antioxidant abundant in plant-derived foods, CGA reportedly protects against inflammatory damage, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases. We present evidence that CGA ameliorates TAM-induced reproductive dysfunction by suppressing oxidative and inflammation stress downregulate apoptosis and improve reproductive function biomarker in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ruth A Anaikor
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology Center, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Oluwatosin A Adaramoye
- Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Hao J, Dai X, Gao J, Li Y, Hou Z, Chang Z, Wang Y. Curcumin suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by downregulating Axin2. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:186. [PMID: 33574925 PMCID: PMC7816292 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. Conventional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, are extensively used for the treatment of CRC. However, patients present with adverse effects, such as toxicity, hepatic injury and drug resistance. Thus, there is an urgent requirement to identify effective and safe therapy for CRC. Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenol substrate extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been extensively studied for the treatment of CRC due to its high efficacy and fewer side effects. Previous studies have reported that several signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, are involved in the antitumor effects of CUR in vitro. However, the effect and mechanisms in vivo are not yet fully understood. The present study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism of colorectal cancer in vivo. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to determine the underlying molecular mechanism of curcumin's anti-cancer effect in azoxymethane-dextran sodium sulfate induced colorectal cancer. The results of the present study demonstrated that CUR suppressed tumorigenesis in AOM-DSS induced CRC in mice, and anticancer effects were exerted by suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and downregulating Axin2 in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, these results exhibit the potential in vivo mechanisms of the anticancer effects of CUR, and highlight Axin2 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxue Hao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education/College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Xufen Dai
- Food and Drug Technology Research Center, Shaanxi Province Food and Drug Supervision and Inspection Research, Shaanxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710065, P.R. China
| | - Juan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education/College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Yuexuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education/College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoling Hou
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education/College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Zhongman Chang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education/College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education/College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
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Xu M, Sun L, Wang Y, Gao S, Yang W, Li M. Different mutations at position 562 of the hepatitis E virus capsid proteins exhibit differential effects on viral neutralizing activity. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:110. [PMID: 33335573 PMCID: PMC7739852 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9542] [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: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) capsid protein pORF2 comprises three potential N-linked glycosylation sites. One site, N562, is located at the cell attachment and neutralizing antigenic regions. The present study performed detailed analyses of the effects of specific amino acid substitutions at position 562 in the homodimerization, glycosylation, antigenicity, immunogenicity and neutralization activities of HEV pORF2. Recombinant HEV pORF2 glycoprotein E1 (amino acids 439-617) and three mutant variants (N562L, N562C and N562K) were expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) and SDS-PAGE, Western blot analysis, tunicamycin assay, double-antibody sandwich ELISA and in vitro PCR-based neutralization assay were performed to characterize the different constructs. All proteins were indicated to be secreted by P. pastoris and formed homodimers. Tunicamycin assay revealed the glycosylated status of the wild-type protein, but the mutants were indicated to be non-glycosylated. All proteins were immunoreactive with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody but were not recognized by the antibody after denaturation into monomers. An in vitro PCR-based neutralization assay using mouse antibodies indicated efficient neutralization against N562L, whereas antibodies against N562C and N562K were revealed to be non-neutralizing. Collectively, the present study indicated that specific amino acid substitutions at position 562 serve crucial roles in the activity of the HEV neutralizing epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Xu
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Lizhi Sun
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Shuchun Gao
- Department of Liver Disease, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Digestive Disease, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Weihua Yang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Meng Li
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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Isoflurane and Carbon Dioxide Elicit Similar Behavioral Responses in Rats. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081431. [PMID: 32824345 PMCID: PMC7459795 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081431] [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: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Carbon dioxide and isoflurane are gases with anesthetic properties that are commonly used in laboratory rodents, especially when anesthetic overdose is used for euthanasia procedures. Concerns have been raised with the use of carbon dioxide as a euthanasia agent due to behavioral responses that indicate potential distress. This study was designed to assess aversive responses in experimentally naïve Sprague–Dawley rats when exposed to isoflurane or carbon dioxide. When placed in the forced exposure apparatus, these naïve rats were more active in the isoflurane and CO2 treatments compared to the control groups, suggesting that isoflurane and CO2 are similarly aversive. The results from the aversion-avoidance experiment supported previous work which demonstrated that while CO2 is more aversive than isoflurane on initial exposure, rats showed increased aversion when the isoflurane exposure was repeated. We also show that learned aversion to isoflurane is sustained for at least 15 days after initial exposure. Given this result, we suggest that CO2 is superior to isoflurane when euthanizing rodents with prior exposure to isoflurane. Overall, these results confirm previous studies which suggest that care should be taken when considering the serial use of isoflurane as an anesthetic. Abstract Euthanasia in rodents is an ongoing topic of debate due to concerns regarding the aversive nature of gases with anesthetic properties such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and isoflurane. The aim of this study was to expand upon previously published work evaluating the aversiveness of CO2 by introducing an isoflurane treatment group in parallel. Aversion was tested using a forced exposure setup and an aversion-avoidance setup. In the first part of the study, 12 naïve female Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed during four consecutive days, once to each of four treatments: isoflurane, fox urine, oxygen, and CO2. In the second part of the study, 24 naïve female Sprague–Dawley rats and 12 rats from the first experiment were exposed to CO2, isoflurane, or both gases. In the forced exposure study, there were no significant differences between CO2 and isoflurane treatments except in line crosses. Overall, rats were more active in the isoflurane and CO2 treatments compared to the control groups, suggesting that isoflurane and CO2 are similarly aversive. In the aversion-avoidance study, rats previously exposed to isoflurane left the dark chamber significantly earlier compared to naïve rats during exposure to isoflurane. We also show that learned aversion to isoflurane is sustained for at least 15 days after initial exposure. Given this result, we suggest that CO2 is superior to isoflurane when euthanizing rodents with prior exposure to isoflurane. Overall, these results confirm previous studies which suggest that care should be taken when considering the serial use of isoflurane as an anesthetic.
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Liu TY, Zhao LL, Chen SB, Hou BC, Huang J, Hong X, Qing L, Fang Y, Tao Z. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides prevent LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting inflammation via the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3733-3739. [PMID: 32855724 PMCID: PMC7444378 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in cases of acute lung injury (ALI), and the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) pathway, which can be regulated by Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides (PSPs), is closely related to the dynamics of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Thus, we sought to evaluate whether or not PSPs prevent LPS-induced ALI by way of inhibiting inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in rats. We established an ALI rat model by tracheal instillation of LPS, and by pre-injection of PSPs into rats to examine PSPs in the ALI rat model. We found that PSPs attenuated LPS-induced lung pathological changes in ALI rats, decreased LPS-induced myeloperoxidase (MOP) activity, and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lung tissue. However, PSPs also decreased the LPS-induced increase in the neutrophil ratio, and decreased inflammatory factor levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Moreover, PSPs decreased LPS-induced increases in inflammatory factors measured by mRNA expression, and altered the levels of expression of TLR4, medullary differentiation protein 88 (Myd88), p-IKB-α/IKB-α and p-p65/p65 proteins in lung tissue. In vitro, PSPs also reduced apoptosis induced by LPS in BEAS-2B cells by suppressing inflammation through its effect of inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that PSPs may be a potential drug for effective treatment of LPS-induced ALI, due to the ability to inhibit inflammation through effects exerted on the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yin Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Zhao
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Biao Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Ben-Chao Hou
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiu Hong
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Lian Qing
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Tao
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Gent TC, Gebhardt-Henrich S, Schild SLA, Rahman AA, Toscano MJ. Evaluation of Poultry Stunning with Low Atmospheric Pressure, Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen Using a Single Aversion Testing Paradigm. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081308. [PMID: 32751528 PMCID: PMC7459835 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of gas stunning for poultry in the abattoir is considered preferable from a welfare and ethical perspective since it reduces the need for stressful handling and birds do not need to be separated from each other. Stunning with low atmospheric pressure is thought to be less stressful than the widely used carbon dioxide; however, there are no published studies directly comparing their aversiveness. Here we trained broiler breeders to indicate aversion to either carbon dioxide, low atmospheric pressure or the inert gas nitrogen, by relinquishing a food reward to seek a preferable environment. We found that exposure to carbon dioxide resulted in the rapid cessation of feeding, whereas with low atmospheric pressure and nitrogen, birds continued to eat for longer. We further found that carbon dioxide exposure resulted in more aversion behaviours, such as headshaking and gasping. These findings suggest that both low atmospheric pressure and nitrogen offer a welfare refinement to gas stunning with carbon dioxide in poultry. Abstract Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) has been suggested for use in poultry under 4 kg in the abattoir as a more humane alternative to carbon dioxide (CO2). However, there are currently no studies offering a direct comparison of the aversion between methods. Here, we trained adult female broiler breeders to relinquish a food reward by moving to another area of the gas chamber in response to aversive stimuli. They were then stunned and subsequently killed using single exposure to either CO2, N2, LAPS or medical air as a control. Birds exposed to CO2 relinquished the food reward the quickest and exhibited gasping and headshaking more than the other groups. LAPS resulted in the quickest time to loss of posture (LOP) and birds in the N2 group took the longest. Birds exposed to N2 displayed the longest duration of ataxia of any group; however, they did not show any wing-flapping prior to LOP, unlike the LAPS and CO2. Collectively these data demonstrate that both LAPS and N2 are less aversive to poultry than CO2 and may offer a significant welfare refinement for poultry killed for meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. Gent
- Anaesthesiology Section, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Sabine Gebhardt-Henrich
- Center of Proper Housing for Poultry and Rabbits, Division of Animal Welfare, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland; (S.G.-H.); (A.A.R.); (M.J.T.)
| | - Sarah-Lina Aagaard Schild
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
| | - Abdulsatar Abdel Rahman
- Center of Proper Housing for Poultry and Rabbits, Division of Animal Welfare, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland; (S.G.-H.); (A.A.R.); (M.J.T.)
| | - Michael J. Toscano
- Center of Proper Housing for Poultry and Rabbits, Division of Animal Welfare, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland; (S.G.-H.); (A.A.R.); (M.J.T.)
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Turner PV, Hickman DL, van Luijk J, Ritskes-Hoitinga M, Sargeant JM, Kurosawa TM, Agui T, Baumans V, Choi WS, Choi YK, Flecknell PA, Lee BH, Otaegui PJ, Pritchett-Corning KR, Shimada K. Welfare Impact of Carbon Dioxide Euthanasia on Laboratory Mice and Rats: A Systematic Review. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:411. [PMID: 32793645 PMCID: PMC7387666 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There has been increased concern about the suitability of CO2 as a method for euthanasia of laboratory mice and rats, including the potential discomfort, pain or distress that animals may experience prior to loss of consciousness; time to loss of consciousness; best methods for use of CO2; and the availability of better alternatives. These discussions have been useful in providing new information, but have resulted in significant confusion regarding the acceptability of CO2 for rodent euthanasia. In some cases, researchers and veterinarians have become uncertain as to which techniques to recommend or use for euthanasia of laboratory mice and rats. Methods: The International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine (IACLAM) convened a taskforce to examine the evidence for adverse welfare indicators in laboratory rats and mice undergoing CO2 euthanasia using a SYRCLE-registered systematic review protocol. Of 3,772 papers identified through a database search (PubMed, Web of Science, CAB Direct, Agricola, and grey literature) from 1900 to 2017, 37 studies were identified for detailed review (some including more than one species or age group), including 15 in adult mice, 21 in adult rats, and 5 in neonates of both species. Experiments or reports were excluded if they only assessed parameters other than those directly affecting animal welfare during CO2 induction and/or euthanasia. Results: Study design and outcome measures were highly variable and there was an unclear to high risk of bias in many of the published studies. Changes in the outcome measures evaluated were inconsistent or poorly differentiated. It is likely that repeated exposures to carbon dioxide inhalation are aversive to adult rats and mice, based on avoidance behavior studies; however, this effect is largely indistinguishable from aversion induced by repeated exposures to other inhalant anesthetic gasses. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to permit an unbiased assessment of the effect of CO2 inhalation during euthanasia on welfare indicators in laboratory mice and rats. Additional well-designed, unbiased, and adequately powered studies are needed to accurately assess the welfare of laboratory mice and rats undergoing euthanasia via CO2 gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V. Turner
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River, Wilmington, MA, United States
| | - Debra L. Hickman
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Judith van Luijk
- Department of Health Evidence, SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory Experimentation (SYRCLE), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- Department of Health Evidence, SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory Experimentation (SYRCLE), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jan M. Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - T. Miki Kurosawa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Agui
- Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Vera Baumans
- Department of Animals, Science and Society, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Woo Sung Choi
- National New Drug Development Cluster, Woojung Bio, Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Yang-Kyu Choi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Paul A. Flecknell
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Byeong H. Lee
- Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Pedro J. Otaegui
- Laboratory Animal Facilities, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kathleen R. Pritchett-Corning
- Office of Animal Resources, Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Animal Resource Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Laferriere CA, Pang DS. Review of Intraperitoneal Injection of Sodium Pentobarbital as a Method of Euthanasia in Laboratory Rodents. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2020; 59:254-263. [PMID: 32156325 PMCID: PMC7210732 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Euthanasia is one of the most commonly performed procedures in biomedical research, involving tens of millions of animals in North America and Europe every year. The use of sodium pentobarbital, injected intraperitoneally, for killing rodents is described as an acceptable technique by the AVMA and CCAC euthanasia guidelines. This drug and route are recommended over inhalant anesthetics, carbon dioxide, and physical methods for ethical and aesthetic reasons as well as efficiency. However, a growing body of evidence challenges the efficacy and utility of intraperitoneal pentobarbital. This methodology has been described as inconsistent and may induce pain and stress. With these considerations in mind, a review of the literature is needed to assess the evidence surrounding this killing method, the associated welfare implications, and potential for refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Laferriere
- Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint- Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Sj Pang
- Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada;,
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Shomer NH, Allen-Worthington KH, Hickman DL, Jonnalagadda M, Newsome JT, Slate AR, Valentine H, Williams AM, Wilkinson M. Review of Rodent Euthanasia Methods. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020; 59:242-253. [PMID: 32138808 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The optimal choice of euthanasia method for laboratory rodents depends on a number of factors, including the scientific goals of the study, the need to minimize animal pain and/or distress, applicable guidelines and laws, the training and proficiency of personnel, and the safety and emotional needs of the personnel performing the euthanasia. This manuscript aims to provide guidance to researchers so they may select the method of euthanasia that results in minimal experimental confounds, such as the creation of artifact and alteration of tissues and analytes. Specific situations addressed include euthanasia of large numbers of rodents and euthanasia of neonates. Recent literature supports the notion of significant strain-dependent differences in response to euthanasia methods such as CO₂ inhalation. To assist researchers in selecting a strain-appropriate method of euthanasia, the authors present a summary of methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of euthanasia techniques, including elements and parameters for a scoring rubric to assess them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirah H Shomer
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri;,
| | | | - Debra L Hickman
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mahesh Jonnalagadda
- Laboratory Animal Medical Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Joseph T Newsome
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources and Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrea R Slate
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Helen Valentine
- Division of Animal Resources, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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36
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LaFollette MR, Riley MC, Cloutier S, Brady CM, O'Haire ME, Gaskill BN. Laboratory Animal Welfare Meets Human Welfare: A Cross-Sectional Study of Professional Quality of Life, Including Compassion Fatigue in Laboratory Animal Personnel. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:114. [PMID: 32195275 PMCID: PMC7066073 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory animal personnel may experience significant stress from working with animals in scientific research. Workplace stress can be assessed by evaluating professional quality of life, which is comprised of compassion fatigue (i.e., burnout and secondary traumatic stress) and compassion satisfaction. This research aimed to explore the associations between risk factors and professional quality of life in laboratory animal personnel. In a cross-sectional, convenience sample design, laboratory animal personnel were recruited from widespread online promotion. A total of 801 personnel in the United States or Canada completed an online survey regarding professional quality of life, social support, euthanasia, enrichment, stress/pain levels, and human-animal interactions. Participants worked in a wide range of settings (e.g., industry, academia), research types (e.g., basic, applied, regulatory), species (e.g., non-human primates, mice), and roles (e.g., animal caretaker, veterinarian). Data were analyzed using general linear models. Personnel who reported higher compassion fatigue also reported lower social support, higher animal stress/pain, higher desire to implement more enrichment, and less control over performing euthanasia (p's < 0.05). Higher burnout was associated with less diverse/frequent enrichment, using physical euthanasia methods, and longer working hours. Higher secondary traumatic stress was associated with more relationship-promoting human-animal interactions (e.g., naming animals) and working as a trainers (p's < 0.05). Higher compassion satisfaction was associated with higher social support, less animal stress/pain, and more human-animal interactions (p's < 0.05). Surprisingly, neither personnel's primary animal type (e.g., non-human primates, mice) nor frequency of euthanasia (e.g., daily, monthly) were associated with professional quality of life (p's > 0.05). Our findings show that the professional quality of life of laboratory animal personnel is associated with several factors. Personnel reporting poorer professional quality of life also reported less social support, higher animal stress/pain, less enrichment diversity/frequency and wished they could provide more enrichment, using physical euthanasia, and less control over performing euthanasia. Poorer professional quality of life was also seen in personnel working as trainers, at universities, and longer hours. This study contributes important empirical data that may provide guidance for developing interventions (e.g., improved social support, decreased animal stress, increased animal enrichment diversity/frequency, greater control over euthanasia) to improve laboratory animal personnel's professional quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R LaFollette
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Megan C Riley
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Colleen M Brady
- Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Marguerite E O'Haire
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Brianna N Gaskill
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Améndola L, Ratuski A, Weary DM. Variation in the onset of CO 2-induced anxiety in female Sprague Dawley rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19007. [PMID: 31831816 PMCID: PMC6908729 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is commonly used to kill laboratory rats. Rats find CO2 aversive and aversion varies between individuals, indicating that rats vary in CO2 sensitivity. Healthy humans experience feelings of anxiety at concentrations similar to those avoided by rats, and these feelings are diminished by the administration of benzodiazepines. Our aim was to assess the effects of the benzodiazepine midazolam on individual thresholds of rat aversion to CO2. Six female Sprague Dawley rats were repeatedly exposed to CO2 gradual-fill in approach-avoidance testing. The first three exposures were to a control-treatment followed by three exposures to midazolam (0.375 mg/kg). Within each treatment aversion to CO2 was not affected by exposure number; however, tolerance increased from an average of 10.7% CO2 avoided during control sessions, to 15.5% CO2 avoided when treated with midazolam. These results indicate that rats experience anxiety when exposed to CO2, and that variation in rat CO2 sensitivity is driven by individual differences in the onset of these feelings of anxiety. No rat tolerated CO2 concentrations required to induce loss of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Améndola
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anna Ratuski
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Steiner AR, Flammer SA, Beausoleil NJ, Berg C, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Pinillos RG, Golledge HDW, Marahrens M, Meyer R, Schnitzer T, Toscano MJ, Turner PV, Weary DM, Gent TC. Humanely Ending the Life of Animals: Research Priorities to Identify Alternatives to Carbon Dioxide. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E911. [PMID: 31684044 PMCID: PMC6912382 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
: The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) for stunning and killing animals is considered to compromise welfare due to air hunger, anxiety, fear, and pain. Despite decades of research, no alternatives have so far been found that provide a safe and reliable way to induce unconsciousness in groups of animals, and also cause less distress than CO2. Here, we revisit the current and historical literature to identify key research questions that may lead to the identification and implementation of more humane alternatives to induce unconsciousness in mice, rats, poultry, and pigs. In addition to the evaluation of novel methods and agents, we identify the need to standardise the terminology and behavioural assays within the field. We further reason that more accurate measurements of consciousness state are needed and serve as a central component in the assessment of suffering. Therefore, we propose a roadmap toward improving animal welfare during end-of-life procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline R Steiner
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Shannon Axiak Flammer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Section of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Laenggassstrasse 124, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Ngaio J Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand.
| | - Charlotte Berg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 234, SE-53223 Skara, Sweden.
| | - Regula Bettschart-Wolfensberger
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Rebeca García Pinillos
- Animal and Plant Health Agency and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, UK.
| | - Huw D W Golledge
- Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire AL4 8AN, UK.
| | - Michael Marahrens
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Dörnbergstraße 25/27, 29223 Celle, Germany.
| | - Robert Meyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
| | - Tobias Schnitzer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Michael J Toscano
- Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), Animal Welfare Division, VPH Institute, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia V Turner
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada and Charles River, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA.
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Colombia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Thomas C Gent
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Alternatives to Carbon Dioxide-Taking Responsibility for Humanely Ending the Life of Animals. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080482. [PMID: 31344949 PMCID: PMC6720529 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Carbon dioxide has long been considered one of the better methods for euthanizing laboratory rodents because it allows termination of several animals at one time, does not require handling of the animal, is easy to use, is inexpensive, and is environmentally friendly. Research, though, has shown that this gas is aversive to rodents and that it may be inhumane to expose them to this gas while they are conscious. Therefore, the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office has set out to find a suitable replacement and organized a meeting that included representatives and experts of the different stakeholders involved in this process in order to find a solution. The conclusion of this meeting was that a replacement is required, and the next step would be to draft a research strategy to find a suitable replacement. Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) is commonly used to kill rodents. However, a large body of research has now established that CO2 is aversive to them. A multidisciplinary symposium organized by the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office discussed the drawbacks and alternatives to CO2 in euthanasia protocols for laboratory animals. Dialogue was facilitated by brainstorming sessions in small groups and a “World Café”. A conclusion from this process was that alternatives to CO2 were urgently required, including a program of research and extension to meet the needs for humane killing of these animals. The next step will involve gathering a group of international experts to formulate, draft, and publish a research strategy on alternatives to CO2.
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40
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Améndola L, Weary DM. Evidence for consistent individual differences in rat sensitivity to carbon dioxide. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215808. [PMID: 31017958 PMCID: PMC6481838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) gradual-fill is commonly used to kill laboratory rats, but this use remains controversial due to a lack of agreement between studies. Inconsistencies may arise from differences in behaviors measured (e.g. active versus passive behaviors), in how rats cope with threats, or in rat sensitivity to CO2. The aims of the current study were to 1) describe active and passive responses during CO2 forced exposure, 2) determine if these responses are consistent within individuals and across aversive stimuli, 3) assess individual differences in aversion to CO2 in aversion-avoidance and approach-avoidance tests and 4) determine how responses in aversion tests relate to individual differences in behavior during forced exposure. Twelve Sprague Dawley female rats were exposed twice to three treatments: CO2, oxygen (O2), and fox scent, and were exposed to CO2 twice in each aversion test. The change in behavior from baseline was higher for rearing and locomotion when rats were exposed to CO2 than when exposed to O2 and fox scent. Responses varied among rats but were consistent across multiple tests within rats. For example, rearing was consistent within individuals between two exposures to CO2. Similarly, the strength of aversion was consistent within individuals across multiple exposures to CO2 in aversion-avoidance and approach-avoidance testing. Latency to avoid CO2 in aversion-avoidance tests was negatively correlated with rearing during CO2 forced exposure. Collectively, these results indicate that rat responses to CO2 vary between (but are consistent within) individuals, suggesting that rats vary in CO2 sensitivity. However, even the less responsive rats avoided CO2 concentrations far below those necessary to achieve unconsciousness, indicating that all rats likely experience negative states when euthanized with CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Améndola
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel M. Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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41
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Sloman KA, Bouyoucos IA, Brooks EJ, Sneddon LU. Ethical considerations in fish research. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:556-577. [PMID: 30838660 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fishes are used in a wide range of scientific studies, from conservation research with potential benefits to the species used to biomedical research with potential human benefits. Fish research can take place in both laboratories and field environments and methods used represent a continuum from non-invasive observations, handling, through to experimental manipulation. While some countries have legislation or guidance regarding the use of fish in research, many do not and there exists a diversity of scientific opinions on the sentience of fish and how we determine welfare. Nevertheless, there is a growing pressure on the scientific community to take more responsibility for the animals they work with through maximising the benefits of their research to humans or animals while minimising welfare or survival costs to their study animals. In this review, we focus primarily on the refinement of common methods used in fish research based on emerging knowledge with the aim of improving the welfare of fish used in scientific studies. We consider the use of anaesthetics and analgesics and how we mark individuals for identification purposes. We highlight the main ethical concerns facing researchers in both laboratory and field environments and identify areas that need urgent future research. We hope that this review will help inform those who wish to refine their ethical practices and stimulate thought among fish researchers for further avenues of refinement. Improved ethics and welfare of fishes will inevitably lead to increased scientific rigour and is in the best interests of both fishes and scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Sloman
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Ian A Bouyoucos
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Edward J Brooks
- Cape Eleuthera Island School, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
| | - Lynne U Sneddon
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Wang JL, Liu B, Zhang C, Wang XM, Zhen D, Huang XM, Chen W, Gao JM. Effects of icariin on ovarian function in d-galactose-induced aging mice. Theriogenology 2019; 125:157-167. [PMID: 30447495 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, effects of icariin (Ica) on were examined in a mouse model of d-galactose (D-gal)-induced ovarian aging. Kunming white mice were divided into three groups: aging group induced with D-gal, experiment group treated with Ica at low (50 mg/kg), middle (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) concentrations, and control group with no treatment. Ovarian histomorphology, serum FSH, LH and E2 levels, and reproductive function were compared among the groups. Ovarian expression of Amh, Bax and Bcl-2 was examined by qPCR and western blotting. Our results showed that diameters of secondary and tertiary follicles were significantly reduced in the aging group when compared with control group (P < 0.01), and were restored to normal in Ica 100 and Ica 200 treatment groups. The diameter of atretic follicles was significantly smaller in the aging group compared with control group and Ica 200 treatment group (P < 0.05). The proportion of secondary and atretic follicles was higher in the aging group compared with control group, Ica 100 and 200 treatment groups, whereas the proportion of tertiary and mature follicles was reduced in the aging group versus control, Ica 100 and 200 groups. The aging group lacked mature follicles, whereas Ica treatment induced mature follicle development. Primary and secondary follicles exhibited similar theca cell numbers and theca interna and externa cell layers in all groups examined, whereas theca interna and externa cell layers were decreased and increased, respectively, in tertiary follicles of aging group compared with control and I 200 groups. In the aging group, FSH and LH levels were significantly higher than those in control and Ica 200 groups (P < 0.05), and the E2 level was significantly reduced compared with control (P < 0.01), Ica 200 (P < 0.01), and Ica 100 (P < 0.05) groups. Serum hormone levels were equivalent in the control, Ica 100 and Ica 200 groups. The pregnancy rate was reduced in the aging group compared with other groups. The average litter size per birth, birth litter weight, and weaning weight of litters were all significantly lower in the aging group compared with control, Ica 100 and 200 groups (P < 0.05). The ovarian expression of AMH and Bcl-2 mRNA was significantly reduced in the aging group compared with those in control and Ica-treated groups (P < 0.01). In contrast, Bax expression was significantly higher in the aging group compared with all other groups (P < 0.01), and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was markedly reduced in aging group compared with control, Ica 100 and 200 groups (P < 0.01), and Ica 50 group (P < 0.05). Ovarian expression of AMH protein was elevated in the Ica 100 group compared with the aging, control and Ica 50 groups (P < 0.01) and Ica 200 group (P < 0.05). Ovarian Bcl-2 protein levels and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were significantly higher in the Ica 100 group than those in the Ica 50, 200 and aging groups (P < 0.05), and were similar or reduced (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to those in control group. Ovarian Bax expression was similar in each group. These findings suggest that Ica can improve ovarian follicular development, inhibit follicular atresia, decrease FSH and LH levels and increase E2, upregulate ovarian AMH expression and increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in aging mice. Therefore, Ica can partially restore ovarian function of aging mice and enhance their fertility. Optimal reproductive effects were obtained with the Ica 100 group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Mei Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhen
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Huang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wu Chen
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian-Ming Gao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
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Detotto C, Isler S, Wehrle M, Vyssotski AL, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Gent TC. Nitrogen gas produces less behavioural and neurophysiological excitation than carbon dioxide in mice undergoing euthanasia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210818. [PMID: 30703117 PMCID: PMC6354991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most commonly used gas euthanasia agents in mice, despite reports of aversion and nociception. Inert gases such as nitrogen (N2) may be a viable alternative to carbon dioxide. Here we compared behavioural and electrophysiological reactions to CO2 or N2 at either slow fill or rapid fill in C57Bl/6 mice undergoing gas euthanasia. We found that mice euthanised with CO2 increased locomotor activity compared to baseline, whereas mice exposed to N2 decreased locomotion. Furthermore, mice exposed to CO2 showed significantly more vertical jumps and freezing episodes than mice exposed to N2. We further found that CO2 exposure resulted in increased theta:delta of the EEG, a measure of excitation, whereas the N2 decreased theta:delta. Differences in responses were not oxygen-concentration dependent. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CO2 increases both behavioural and electrophysiological excitation as well as producing a fear response, whereas N2 reduces behavioural activity and central neurological depression and may be less aversive although still produces a fear response. Further studies are required to evaluate N2 as a suitable euthanasia agent for mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Detotto
- Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Isler
- Natur- und Tierpark Goldau, Goldau, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Thomas C. Gent
- Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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44
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Hickman DL. Wellbeing of Alcohol-preferring Rats Euthanized with Carbon Dioxide at Very Low and Low Volume Displacement Rates. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019; 58:78-82. [PMID: 30526731 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-18-000004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The 2013 AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia recommend the use of very-low or low flow rates of 100% carbon dioxide to euthanize small rodents. Although inhalation of high concentrations of carbon dioxide are generally recognized as painful in humans, whether the use of these low-flow methods of euthanasia increase potential distress for rats is unclear. This study compared physiologic and behavioral markers of animal wellbeing for rats euthanized by using 10% volume displacement per minute (VD/min), 30% VD/min, and 70% VD/min of 100% carbon dioxide. Rats were recorded during euthanasia for subsequent behavioral scoring, and blood samples were taken after euthanasia for assessment of blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels. In this study, rats euthanized with 10% or 30% VD/min of 100% carbon dioxide demonstrated increases in various behaviors, such as rearing and standing, concurrent with increases in serum corticosterone. Rats euthanized with 70% VD/min of 100% carbon dioxide did not exhibit these changes. The results suggest that a euthanasia method of 70% VD/min of 100% carbon dioxide may minimize potential pain and distress and thus be more humane for rats, as compared with very-low- and low-flow methods of carbon dioxide euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra L Hickman
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Illinois;,
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45
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Nattrass N, Stephens J, Loubser JJ. Animal welfare and ecology in the contested ethics of rodent control in Cape Town. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juz008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThere is growing concern globally about the inhumane treatment of ‘pest’ animals, including rodents, and about the ecological consequences of rodenticides, notably the poisoning of non-target wildlife like raptors and scavengers. Recent contestation between Environmental Health (EH) officials in Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest African township, and the National Council for Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) illustrates the tension that can arise between innovative ecologically-focused strategies and existing legislation and animal protection practices. In 2013/14 EH officials introduced a job-creation project to trap and drown rats, describing it as ‘humane’ because it avoided poison thereby posing no danger to wildlife such as owls. The NSPCA, however, halted the project, arguing that drowning was both inhumane and illegal. Death by poison is also inhumane but the South Africa’s Animals Protection Act (1962) allows it (and trapping and hunting) to be used against ‘pests’/‘vermin’. The NSPCA, which has never challenged the Act for allowing the inhumane treatment of these animals, used it to trump local preferences. A representative survey from Khayelitsha showed that there was some support for an NSPCA-like position (14% thought that drowning was cruel and that workers should not be allowed to trap and drown rats) but that the majority (70%) indicated that they were both concerned about the poisoning of non-target animals and supported the continuation of the trapping and drowning project. This was not a contestation over whether animals should be protected, but over how to do this, and which animals to include.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoli Nattrass
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research (CSSR), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jed Stephens
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research (CSSR), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jorich Johann Loubser
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research (CSSR), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
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Hickman DL. Home Cage Compared with Induction Chamber for Euthanasia of Laboratory Rats. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2018; 57. [PMID: 30305198 PMCID: PMC6241385 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-17-000160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study compared behavioral and physiologic changes in Sprague-Dawley and Brown Norway rats that were euthanizedby using a 30% volume displacement rate of CO2 in either their home cage or an induction chamber; rats euthanized in thehome cage were hypothesized to demonstrate a higher level of animal wellbeing. No significant differences were detectedin the physiologic responses to home cage versus induction chamber euthanasia groups. A few strain-related behavioraldifferences occurred. The number of digs per second was higher in Brown Norway compared with Sprague-Dawley rats when in the home cage, where a digging substrate was present. Rearing frequency was higher in both Brown Norway and Sprague-Dawley rats in the induction chamber compared with the home cage. This study demonstrated that although strainspecific differences were associated with the process of euthanasia, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups of home cage compared with induction chamber. This finding suggests that-from the perspective of a rat-either the home cage or an induction chamber can be used for euthanasia, with likely extension of this conclusion to use of either method to the induction of anesthesia.
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Gent TC, Detotto C, Vyssotski AL, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R. Epileptiform activity during inert gas euthanasia of mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195872. [PMID: 29672545 PMCID: PMC5908136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most commonly used euthanasia agents for mice, yet it is highly aversive and nociceptive. Inert gases are a possible alternative, however there are qualitative reports of seizures resulting from exposure. Here we evaluate epileptiform activity caused by inert gases (N2, He, Ar and Xe) and CO2 in mice chronically instrumented for EEG/EMG undergoing single-gas euthanasia. We found that N2, He and Ar caused epileptiform activity in all animals, CO2 in half of animals and no epileptiform activity produced by Xe. Atmospheric O2 concentrations at epileptiform activity onset were significantly higher for CO2 than for all other gases and occurred soon after loss of motion, whereas N2 and Ar epileptiform activity occurred at cessation of neocortical activity. Helium caused the longest epileptiform activity and these commenced significantly before isoelectric EEG. We did not detect any epileptiform activity during active behaviour. Taken together, these results demonstrate that whilst epileptiform activity from inert gases and particularly Ar and N2 are more prevalent than for CO2, their occurrence at the onset of an isoelectric EEG is unlikely to impact on the welfare of the animal. Epileptiform activity from these gases should not preclude them from further investigation as euthanasia agents. The genesis of epileptiform activity from CO2 is unlikely to result from hypoxia as with the inert gases. Helium caused epileptiform activity before cessation of neocortical activity and for a longer duration and is therefore less suitable as an alternative to CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. Gent
- Anaesthesiology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Carlotta Detotto
- Anaesthesiology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Baker BA, Hickman DL. Bias in Rating of Rodent Distress during Anesthesia Induction for Anesthesia Compared with Euthanasia. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2018; 57:143-156. [PMID: 29555004 PMCID: PMC5868381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Selection of an appropriate method of euthanasia involves balancing the wellbeing of the animal during the procedure with the intended use of the animal after death and the physical and psychologic safety of the observer or operator. The recommended practices for anesthesia as compared with euthanasia are very disparate, despite the fact that all chemical methods of euthanasia are anesthetic overdoses. To explain this disparity, this study sought to determine whether perception bias is inherent in the discussion of euthanasia compared with anesthesia. In this study, participants viewed videorecordings of the anesthesia of either 4 rats or 4 mice, from induction to loss of consciousness. Half of the participants were told that they were observing anesthesia; the other half understood that they were observing euthanasia. Participants were asked to rate the distress of the animals by scoring escape behaviors, fear behaviors, respiratory distress, and other distress markers. For mice, the participants generally rated the distress as high when they were told that the mouse was being euthanized, as compared with the participants who were told that the mouse was being anesthetized. For rats, the effect was not as strong, and the distress was generally rated higher when participants were told they were watching anesthesia. Because the interpretation of distress showed bias in both species-even though the bias differed regarding the procedure that interpreted as distressing-this study demonstrates that laboratory animal professionals must consider the influence of potential perception bias when developing policies for euthanasia and anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Baker
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis
| | - Debra L Hickman
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis;,
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Guillén J, Prins JB, Howard B, Degryse AD, Gyger M. The European Framework on Research Animal Welfare Regulations and Guidelines. Lab Anim 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-849880-4.00005-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Rock EM, Moreno-Sanz G, Limebeer CL, Petrie GN, Angelini R, Piomelli D, Parker LA. Suppression of acute and anticipatory nausea by peripherally restricted fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor in animal models: role of PPARα and CB 1 receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3837-3847. [PMID: 28805944 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Effective treatments of nausea are limited. In this study we evaluated the ability of the peripherally restricted fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, URB937, to suppress acute and anticipatory nausea in rats and examined the pharmacological mechanism of this effect. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the potential of URB937 (administered i.p.) to reduce the establishment of lithium chloride-induced conditioned gaping (model of acute nausea) and to reduce the expression of contextually-elicited conditioned gaping (model of anticipatory nausea) in rats. The role of CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors and PPARα in the anti-nausea effect of URB937 was examined. The potential of URB937 to suppress FAAH activity in tissue collected from the area postrema (AP), prefrontal cortex (PFC), liver and duodenum and to elevate levels of FAAH substrates - anandamide (AEA), N-oleoylethanolamide (OEO) and N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) - in the AP was also evaluated. KEY RESULTS URB937 reduced acute nausea by a PPARα-dependent mechanism and reduced anticipatory nausea by a CB1 receptor-dependent mechanism. The PPARα agonist, GW7647, similarly attenuated acute nausea. URB937 reduced FAAH activity in the liver and the duodenum but not in the PFC. In addition, URB937 reduced FAAH activity and elevated levels of fatty-acid ethanolamides in the AP, a brain region that is not protected by the blood-brain barrier. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The anti-nausea action of URB937 may occur in the AP and may involve PPARα to suppress acute nausea and CB1 receptors to suppress anticipatory nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl L Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Gavin N Petrie
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Roberto Angelini
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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