Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS最新文献

Nude mice were inoculated with a nonpathogenic Corynebacterium bovis isolate (NPI) or Corynebacterium amycolatum to assess whether either could prevent skin lesions following inoculation with a pathogenic C. bovis isolate (PI). Crl:NU(NCr)-Foxn1nu mice (n = 6/group) were randomized into 6 groups: NPI (108 colony-forming units [CFU]); C. amycolatum (108 CFU); NPI or C. amycolatum followed 2 weeks later by PI (104 CFU); and negative and positive controls receiving sterile media or the PI (104 CFU), respectively. Colonization was assessed biweekly using isolate-specific PCR assays. Skin lesions were scored 0 to 5 daily for 4 or 6 weeks, at which point skin biopsies were collected, evaluated, and scored. No mice inoculated with the NPI and subsequently infected with the PI developed clinical signs, nor was a significant amount of the PI detected by PCR. Mice inoculated with C. amycolatum before the PI developed milder, delayed skin lesions reaching a significantly lower mean peak clinical score (MPCS; 1.2 ± 0.4) as compared with the positive control (MPCS 2.5 ± 0.5). The C. amycolatum-inoculated mice with and without PI had similar total histopathology scores, both of which were significantly higher than those for the mice inoculated with the NPI followed by the PI. These results led to evaluation of a practical exposure strategy in which nude mice (n = 6/group) were housed on NPI seeded bedding (SB) for 3 or 7 days prior to PI administration; mice housed on C. bovis-free bedding served as controls. Only 1 of 12 mice housed on SB receiving the PI developed Corynebacterium-associated hyperkeratosis (peak score of 4), whereas all unvaccinated mice receiving the PI developed Corynebacterium-associated hyperkeratosis (MPCS 2.83 ± 0.69). The PI was not detected in the SB + PI groups until 21 days postinfection with the PI. There was no significant difference in total histopathology scores across groups, but the histopathology scores were lower in mice receiving the SB.

Laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) are common animal models used in biomedical, psychological, and toxicological research. Their long-established research use has driven the progressive refinement of experimental techniques so that associated pain/distress may be ameliorated. One of these refinements is the use of opioids to provide analgesia. Buprenorphine, a partial mu-opioid agonist with high affinity for mu receptors, is commonly used for rodents, as the longer duration of action compared with morphine reduces the need for direct handling during administration of supplemental doses. While conventional buprenorphine (CB) requires dosing two to four times per day to provide sufficient pain control in many mammalian species, a novel, highly concentrated formulation of buprenorphine (HCB; Simbadol) is the first FDA-approved, veterinary-specific opioid labeled for every 24-hour dosing in cats (Felis catus). We hypothesized that, at the labeled feline dose of 0.24 mg/kg SC, HCB would achieve buprenorphine serum concentrations ≥1 ng/mL in older adult female Sprague-Dawley rats for at least 12 to 24 hours. Mean peak serum concentrations of 13.79 ± 6.76 ng/mL occurred 0.5 hour after administration. Twelve hours postadministration, the mean serum concentration was 2.12 ± 0.59 ng/mL with all treated rats maintaining individual serum concentrations well above 1 ng/mL. Twenty-four hours postadministration, the mean serum concentration was 1.02 ± 0.33 ng/mL with 4 of 6 rats maintaining individual serum concentrations of greater than or equal to 0.99 ng/mL. With the exception of a minor, focal injection site reaction in one animal, none of the other known side effects of opioid administration in rats were observed. These results support that administration of HCB at 0.24 mg/kg SC to older adult female SD rats produces serum buprenorphine concentrations consistent with analgesia for at least 12 hours and for up to 24 hours in some rats.

Management of nonhuman primates (NHPs) in the laboratory setting is complex. Medical management often involves techniques aimed at minimizing the impact on the animals' welfare, while considering the species-specific characteristics, research aims, and clinical needs of the patient. The current practice, at our institution, for administration of enrofloxacin has been to employ intramuscular injection, which may require brief restraint that can result in increased stress for the animal when applied throughout the course of a therapeutic regimen. Alternatively, oral dosing of standard veterinary tablet formulations has resulted in inconsistent administration, requiring supplementation with an injectable product if the animal becomes unwilling to take the medication. This inconsistency led us to investigate alternative methods of administration. Basing our efforts on previous work performed in macaques, we aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the injectable formulation of enrofloxacin when administered orally to one species of primate, the olive baboon (Papio anubis). Our work demonstrated that injectable enrofloxacin administered orally at 10 mg/kg resulted in higher serum levels than the intramuscular administration group for both enrofloxacin and its active metabolite, ciprofloxacin. In addition, our results support oral administration of enrofloxacin injectable product at intervals of up to once every 24 to 48 h when given at a dose of 10 mg/kg.

Buprenorphine is an opioid used for pain management in veterinary medicine but which requires frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels. Sustained-release buprenorphine (BSR) formulations can overcome this limitation, but genera- or species-specific studies that determine the time profiles of buprenorphine after dosing are sparse for NHPs. The objective of this study was to determine the plasma buprenorphine concentrations for 72 hours after a single subcutaneous administration of 0.2 mg/kg BSR or Ethiqa XR (EXR), an FDA-indexed, extended-release buprenorphine formulation, in owl monkeys. Blood samples were taken before and at 1, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours after administering either formulation to determine plasma buprenorphine concentrations. Clinical observations were also performed. A single 0.2 mg/kg dose of BSR and EXR raised plasma buprenorphine concentrations above the hypothesized therapeutic threshold for NHPs of 0.1 ng/mL within 1 hour of administration and maintained these levels for at least 72 hours. However, this dose did not sustain buprenorphine concentrations above the human efficacy threshold of 0.5 ng/mL for 72 hours. A subsequent study evaluated a single dose of 0.3 mg/kg EXR to determine whether this dose sustained plasma buprenorphine levels >0.5 ng/mL for 72 hours. Most owl monkeys reached this threshold and maintained plasma buprenorphine concentrations >0.5 ng/mL with this dose, albeit with increased side effects, including sedation and ptyalism. Injection site reactions were not observed in any animals during any study. In sum, this work indicates that a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg BSR or EXR can maintain buprenorphine above the hypothesized therapeutic threshold for NHPs of 0.1 ng/mL for 72 hours, but the EXR dose must be increased to reach the human efficacy threshold for 72 hours in owl monkeys.

Methodological status quo is often closely guarded in animal research because changes are seen as a threat to approaches that have proven successful. Current practices are often considered within the group as "best practice." Perioperative analgesia is an important consideration in humane animal research to prevent central sensitization and can contribute to the benefits of multimodal anesthesia, but many research groups do not provide preoperative analgesia to pregnant ewes. We conducted this study to challenge the belief that preoperative buprenorphine negatively impacts the recovery of the ewe and therefore fetal health. Pregnant ewes at approximately 85 days of gestation were divided into 2 groups (each n = 6) that all had the same hysterotomy and fetal catheterization surgery performed. The first group received buprenorphine (0.3 mg, SC) preoperatively, and the second group received the buprenorphine postoperatively. Isoflurane use, time to each step of the recovery process, intraoperative maternal plasma cortisol, and fetal arterial blood values after 4 days of recovery were compared between groups. Equivalence of outcomes between groups was assessed while controlling for potential confounding variables (maternal body weight and length of isoflurane) using 2 one-sided tests with regression adjustment. Average isoflurane concentration after induction, maternal cortisol levels, fetal blood pH, and fetal blood pO2 were equivalent between the groups. The time from cessation of isoflurane to the time of spontaneous breath or extubation and the time from extubation to time of eating or standing were all shorter in the preoperative buprenorphine group. Fetal hematocrit was also lower in the preoperative buprenorphine group. Our study not only refutes that preoperative buprenorphine causes prolonged recovery of the pregnant ewe and detrimental health effects to the fetus but also describes the benefits of preoperative buprenorphine.

In laboratory mice, the 21-day weaning standard is the most commonly applied strategy across institutions. However, this strategy has numerous drawbacks, including potential for litter overlap, pup mortality, and weaning extensions. In pursuit of a more objective marker for weaning, we compared the short-term growth of C57BL/6J mice weaned at 3 different body lengths. To recapitulate various weaning scenarios, mice (n = 90) were weaned at a litter average of 5.5, 6, or 6.5 cm. Body lengths and weights of mice were measured twice weekly from weaning to 10 weeks of age. Resulting growth curves revealed no significant differences in body length or body weight found across treatment groups. Although all groups achieved similar adult body length and body weight, unexpected mortality was experienced in the 5.5-cm group (n = 11). Multiple blinded observer comparisons did not result in significant inconsistencies in body length measurements. Our findings indicate that C57BL/6J mice can be safely weaned at an average minimum litter body length of 6 cm. This body length allows for normal physical development into adulthood without the requirement for additional nutritional support. Furthermore, the use of body length is a practical and reliable tool for personnel charged with determining weaning readiness in mice.

The use of mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) to study infections, disease outcomes, and vaccine strategies in mice has greatly enhanced our understanding of human papillomavirus. However, as with other species-specific infectious agents used as models for human disease, such studies may pose a risk to facilities that house large numbers of the model agent's natural host, especially when the full natural history of the infection is uncertain. In this study, we describe our recent experience showing that containment of MmuPV1 can be difficult, and that its use in research facilities may cause unexpected, long-lasting environmental contamination. Following the identification of symptomatic index cases of MmuPV1 in nude mice, we identified widespread contamination of an ∼10,000 cage facility, including MmuPV1 infection in mice of varying strains and immunocompetencies. Concerningly, many years separated the experimental use of MmuPV1 in the facility and our subsequent identification of index cases. We report our methods to identify, survey, and eliminate MmuPV1 from the facility, and the evolution of decontamination procedures that proved successful.

Cell therapy is a promising field of study for a range of diseases for which traditional therapies have failed. A primary problem for this therapy type in human medicine is failure of treatment efficacy due to the first pass trapping effect of the lung. Consequently, in rodents where these therapies are trialed, animals can be significantly affected by pulmonary thromboembolism due to the inherently smaller vessel sizes. Several different mechanisms for this have been demonstrated for rodent models, and several pharmacologic treatments have been proposed. In a C57BL/6J mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture, significant mortality was observed immediately after intravenous adoptive transfer of cultured fibrocytes. Antemortem clinical signs consisted of peracute dyspnea and lateral recumbency. Necropsy was performed on 3 affected mice, and heart and lung tissue were evaluated histologically. Cause of death was identified as acute thromboembolism of pulmonary arterioles. Special staining supported that the thromboemboli were caused by reticular fibers produced in culture by the transferred fibrocytes that were not removed by pretransfer cell isolation techniques. Prior literature describes either de novo thrombus formation or mechanical occlusion of pulmonary capillaries by transferred cells as the primary causes for pulmonary thromboembolism in rodent models of intravenous cell transfer. We present a novel mechanism in this case series and describe refinement steps such as the use of enhanced filtration steps during cell isolation and decreased cell concentration for administration. These refinements significantly reduced mortality in follow-up intravenous adoptive transfer experiments with C57BL/6J mice, improving animal welfare and enhancing research productivity.

Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) with lemon frost morphologies are predisposed to iridophoroma, attributed to a tumor suppressor gene mutation also associated with melanoma in humans. In this case series, we describe the clinical presentation, diagnostics, complications, and pathology of iridophoroma in 4 adult leopard geckos, including 2 super lemon frost females and 2 lemon frost males. All animals presented with hyporexia, intermittent lethargy, weight loss, submandibular masses, and oral plaques. In addition, females demonstrated asymmetric coelomic distension, and one male developed altered mentation. Initial differential diagnoses included metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal infectious diseases, and neoplasia. During clinical management of these cases, ultrasonography revealed hyperechoic hepatic nodules in all animals. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the subcutaneous submandibular masses found clusters of mesenchymal cells with abundant cytoplasm containing fine birefringent granules. Due to continued decline and poor prognosis, animals were euthanized and submitted for necropsy. Gross examination of all 4 geckos demonstrated skin thickening by white masses throughout the body and multifocal white hepatic plaques. Two females showed yellow, enlarged ovaries, and one of the males had hard intraluminal debris in the urinary bladder. Histopathology of the skin throughout the body showed the dermis and subcutis were infiltrated by myriad pleomorphic, ovoid to fusiform, brown-pigmented neoplastic cells characterized by abundant birefringent intra- and extracellular granules. FNA, ultrasound, necropsy, and histopathology results were consistent with diagnosis of malignant iridophoroma with metastasis to multiple visceral organs including the brain and ovary. In addition, both females developed preovulatory follicular stasis (POFS)-associated oophoritis, and one of the males demonstrated urolithiasis; all of which were considered as metabolic imbalance-related pathology due to hyporexia or tumor invasion. This report illustrates the diagnostic features of FNA, ultrasound, and histopathology of malignant iridophoroma in leopard geckos. It also discusses POFS and urolithiasis as multisystemic sequelae to malignant tumors in geckos.

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and affects approximately half of adults over the age of 65. Many osteoarthritis patients take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on a long-term basis, often concurrently with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, to prevent gastric ulceration. Mice (Mus musculus) are a commonly used animal model of osteoarthritis. There are little data regarding long-term administration of NSAIDs or coadministration of PPIs and NSAIDs in mice. This study sought to determine if administration of carprofen, a commonly used veterinary NSAID, has adverse effects when administered for 21 days and if coadministration of omeprazole reduces the incidence of adverse effects. Four groups of C57BL/6J male (n = 5/group) and female (n = 5/group) mice were weighed daily and administered 10 mg/kg carprofen and 8.2 mg/kg omeprazole, 10 mg/kg carprofen, 8.2 mg/kg omeprazole, or control suspension once daily by oral gavage for 21 days. All mice were euthanized, and complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, fecal occult blood, and pyloric histopathology and gastritis scoring were conducted. All animals remained clinically healthy for the duration of the study. White blood cell counts (WBCs) and platelets were significantly lower in the carprofen and omeprazole group. Neutrophil counts were significantly lower in the carprofen and omeprazole and the carprofen groups. Compared with the control group, albumin was significantly higher in the carprofen group. Fecal occult blood tests were negative for all animals. No animals had pyloric mucosal ulceration, and gastritis scores were not significantly different between groups. Body weight significantly decreased for all groups over time, with no significant differences among treatment groups. Carprofen and omeprazole may be safely administered to C57BL/6J mice for 21 days but may induce significant changes in CBC and serum chemistry.