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Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science serves as an official communication vehicle for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The journal includes a section of refereed articles and a section of AALAS association news. All signed articles, including refereed articles and book reviews, editorials, committee reports, and news and commentary, reflect the individual views of the authors and are not official views of AALAS. The mission of the refereed section of the journal is to provide a mechanism for the publication of timely, informative, broad-based articles that are relevant to a wide cross-section of people whose work involves laboratory animals. Specifically, the article should be of interest to an audience which includes laboratory animal and research technicians and their supervisors, facility managers, clinical veterinarians, animal research scientists, and laboratory animal program directors. The journal is published six times a year: January, March, May, July, September, and November.
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Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, JAALAS
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1060-0558
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62944195
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Periodical, Internet resource
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Journal / Magazine / Newspaper, Internet Resource
Publications in this journal
Authors: Mark B St Claire, Mary J Kennett, Marvin L Thomas, John W Daly
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):8-14.
Dendrobatid frogs are studied primarily for the bioactive alkaloids found in their skin. Also known as poison-dart frogs, these animals accumulate toxic alkaloids from dietary sources. The functionDendrobatid frogs are studied primarily for the bioactive alkaloids found in their skin. Also known as poison-dart frogs, these animals accumulate toxic alkaloids from dietary sources. The function and uses of the many alkaloids, the alkaloid accumulation system, and the basic biology and physiology of the frogs themselves are of research interest. Here we overview the taxonomy of these frogs and some of the unique aspects of their natural biology and reproduction. We also describe the components of a successful laboratory housing system, including temperature, lighting, humidity, ventilation, nutrition, health considerations, and handling. A brief summary of dendrobatid research highlights is provided.
Authors: Evan M Johnson, Roger E Price, Belinda Rivera, Dianna D Cody
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):20-7.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the optimal volume of an iodine-based contrast agent to administer to mice via intraperitoneal injection and the optimal time after injection to performThe purpose of this study was to estimate the optimal volume of an iodine-based contrast agent to administer to mice via intraperitoneal injection and the optimal time after injection to perform micro-computed tomography for maximal enhancement of abdominal organs. Eight mice were paired randomly; three pairs underwent imaging after receiving intraperitoneal injections of 125, 250, or 500 microl of contrast agent, and the fourth pair underwent imaging without receiving an injection. Each mouse was scanned three consecutive times, and each scan lasted 25 min so that we could observe the clearance of the contrast agent from the abdomen. We determined that introducing 250 microl of contrast agent into the abdominal cavity of the mice and then having the mice undergo micro-computed tomography 15 min after injection provided the optimal degree of contrast enhancement needed to distinguish the abdominal organs. These results may lead to expanded use of this imaging modality to assess abdominal organ margins in small-animal studies in vivo.
Authors: Lisa B Martin, Ramaswamy M Chidambaram, Kristen E Schroeder, Sandra L McFadden
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):31-6.
Thyroid and embedded parathyroid glands were surgically removed (thyroparathyroidectomized) from adult chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger) to create an animal model of hypothyroidism. Thyroxine (T4)Thyroid and embedded parathyroid glands were surgically removed (thyroparathyroidectomized) from adult chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger) to create an animal model of hypothyroidism. Thyroxine (T4) levels were measured at the time of surgery and one or two times after surgery from 10 thyroparathyroidectomized chinchillas and five sham controls to establish baseline serum T4 levels and to assess the degree and duration of hypothyroidism in this animal model. Baseline T4 levels ranged from 3.4 to 6.4 microg/dl (mean +/- 1 standard deviation, 5.25 +/- 0.84 microg/dl), with no differences between male and female chinchillas (5.4 +/- 0.6 microg/dl versus 5.2 +/- 1.0 microg/dl, respectively). T4 levels were significantly reduced in 80% of thyroparathyroidectomized chinchillas when measured 6 to 14 days after surgery, but reductions were variable, ranging from 9 to 89% in individual animals. There was rapid regrowth of thyroid tissue and a return of T4 levels to the baseline range in five of the seven animals followed for 1 to 2 months after surgery. T4 levels increased significantly in the sham-operated chinchillas, indicating a nonspecific effect of surgery. The results establish surgical procedures for creating a model of variable, transient hypothyroidism in the chinchilla. We also summarize published basal T4 values for various laboratory animals, to provide a convenient reference.
Authors: Alfredo González Gil, Gema Silván, Juan C Illera
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):43-5.
To assess the initial response of various plasma hepatic and renal biochemical parameters to barbiturates, we assigned 30 new Zealand White rabbits to three treatment groups (n = 10 each): controlTo assess the initial response of various plasma hepatic and renal biochemical parameters to barbiturates, we assigned 30 new Zealand White rabbits to three treatment groups (n = 10 each): control (saline solution injected intravenously), pentobarbitone (30 mg/kg intravenously), and thiopentone (20 mg/kg intravenously). Blood samples were obtained from the central ear artery at six time points: before injection injection of the anesthetics or saline and at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min and 24 h afterward. Plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamiltransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels were measured using an autoanalyzer, and those of the treatment groups were compared with control group levels. The administration of thiopentone significantly increased plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamiltransferase and blood urea nitrogen, but that of plasma alkaline phosphatase significantly decreased. Plasma alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamiltransferase levels significantly increased after pentobarbitone administration. From these results, we concluded that plasma levels of some hepatic and renal enzyme concentrations increase significantly within a short time after administration of thiopentone or pentobarbitone. Therefore, caution is required in interpreting data on plasma biochemical parameters from rabbits anesthetized with pentobarbitone or thiopentone.
Authors: Alfonso S Gozalo, Rebecca S Schwiebert, Walter Metzner, Gregory W Lawson
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):49-52.
During a routine 6-month quarantine period, 3 of 34 greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) captured in mainland China and transported to the United States for use in echolocation studiesDuring a routine 6-month quarantine period, 3 of 34 greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) captured in mainland China and transported to the United States for use in echolocation studies were found dead with no prior history of illness. All animals were in good body condition at the time of death. At necropsy, a large amount of white fat was found within the subcutis, especially in the sacrolumbar region. The liver, kidneys, and heart were diffusely tan in color. Microscopic examination revealed that hepatocytes throughout the liver were filled with lipid, and in some areas, lipid granulomas were present. renal lesions included moderate amounts of lipid in the cortical tubular epithelium and large amounts of protein and lipid within Bowman's capsules in the glomeruli. In addition, one bat had large lipid vacuoles diffusely distributed throughout the myocardium. The exact pathologic mechanism inducing the hepatic, renal, and cardiac lipidosis is unknown. The horseshoe bats were captured during hibernation and immediately transported to the United States. It is possible that the large amount of fat stored coupled with changes in photoperiod, lack of exercise, and/or the stress of captivity might have contributed to altering the normal metabolic processes, leading to anorexia and consequently lipidosis in these animals.
Authors: Bernadette M Marriott, David M Meyers
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):15-9.
We evaluated the effects of decreasing spatial density and changing substrate availability on activity, social spacing, and substrate use in a well-established, social group of 12 squirrel monkeysWe evaluated the effects of decreasing spatial density and changing substrate availability on activity, social spacing, and substrate use in a well-established, social group of 12 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus sciureus). Using instantaneous scan samples, we recorded the specific activity, distance to nearest neighbor, and substrate type for each animal at 10-min intervals during daylight hours and at three variations in spatial density and substrate availability. Decreased spatial density was accompanied by significant increases in locomotion and mean interindividual distance. Contact behavior remained constant regardless of spatial density. There were no significant differences in time spent in activities with change in substrate availability, but mean interindividual distance decreased from 0.82 m to 0.69 m when more suspended log substrates were available but spatial density was constant. These results indicate that changes in preferred substrate availability may significantly affect social spacing in a captive primate social group. The importance of species substrate preferences should be considered to enhance group cohesiveness when captive enclosures are designed for nonhuman primates.
Authors: Ellen J Elliott, Claudia MacAuley, Victor D'Addio, Robert G Rohwer
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):28-30.
Public health policy makers need quantitative scientific data to assess the risk to the blood supply posed by transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) diseases. To this end, our laboratory hasPublic health policy makers need quantitative scientific data to assess the risk to the blood supply posed by transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) diseases. To this end, our laboratory has developed a model of blood-borne TSE infectivity in hamsters infected with the 263K strain of scrapie, an experimental model of choice for quantitative studies of TSE infectivity. We report here a microsurgical method for cannulation of the carotid artery in the hamster that allows transfusion of a large fraction of the blood volume of the hamster, with virtually no blood loss to the surgical site or exposure to nervous tissue. Animals are minimally affected by the surgery, recover quickly and completely, and survive for their natural lives (as long as 3 years). This procedure has been used to obtain quantitative data on the transmissibility of the TSEs by transfusion, and these findings have informed public health policy on blood donation and blood use.
Authors: Sylvia J Singletary, Alan J Kirsch, Julie Watson, Baktiar O Karim, David L Huso, Patricia D Hurn, Stephanie J Murphy
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):37-42.
Hormone levels vary in female rats depending on estrous cycle stage. Vaginal cytology is a reliable method of staging female rats, but vaginal impedance offers an alternative depending onHormone levels vary in female rats depending on estrous cycle stage. Vaginal cytology is a reliable method of staging female rats, but vaginal impedance offers an alternative depending on application. We sought to correlate vaginal impedance in cycling female rats with hormone levels. Vaginal cytology was the standard for comparison and verification of estrous cycle stage. Female rats (n = 41) were evaluated twice daily for 15 days via vaginal cytology and impedance to evaluate two or three estrous cycles per rat. During the last 5 days of the study, selected anesthetized sampling groups (n = 3 or 4 rats per group) were bled terminally at each time point to allow hormone determinations concurrently with vaginal cytology and impedance. Rats with abnormal vaginal smears or discharges (n = 5) were evaluated for reproductive tract histology. Rats classified in estrus by vaginal cytology had significantly higher vaginal impedance values than did nonestrus rats, but vaginal impedance and estrous cycle stage as determined by vaginal cytology did not correlate. Because of small sampling size in nonproestrus groups, correlation between vaginal impedance and hormone levels was evaluated only in proestrus rats (n = 22) and was nonsignificant. No correlation occurred between vaginal impedance and hormone levels in unstaged rats (n = 41). Two animals evaluated for reproductive tract histology showed evidence of pseudopregnancy. Vaginal impedance may be useful in distinguishing estrus from nonestrus rats but may be limited for chronic estrous cycle monitoring because of the possible risk of inducing pseudopregnancy.
Authors: Cathy M Styer, William T Ferrier, Philippe Labelle, Stephen M Griffey, Lon V Kendall
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):46-8.
Superficial keratectomy was performed in a New Zealand White rabbit for a suspected limbic dermoid. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. Ocular dermoids have been reported in a variety of laboratorySuperficial keratectomy was performed in a New Zealand White rabbit for a suspected limbic dermoid. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. Ocular dermoids have been reported in a variety of laboratory animals. This is the first report of a corneal dermoid in rabbits.
Authors: Claude M Nagamine, Courtnye N Jackson, Kathy A Beck, Robert P Marini, James G Fox, Prashant R Nambiar
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(6):53-6.
We describe an unusual case of acute paraplegia in a young adult (7.5-month-old) Long-Evans rat that resulted from a spontaneous T-cell lymphoma. At presentation, a neurologic exam revealed normalWe describe an unusual case of acute paraplegia in a young adult (7.5-month-old) Long-Evans rat that resulted from a spontaneous T-cell lymphoma. At presentation, a neurologic exam revealed normal pelvic limb flexor reflexes, the absence of an anal reflex, and deep pain recognition. Radiographs did not identify any obvious spinal abnormality or osseous trauma, although the liver and spleen were prominent. Hematologic analysis disclosed leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytes. At necropsy, red, friable to gelatinous masses were found associated with the ventral aspect of the vertebral column at the levels of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Impression smears of the mass revealed a monocytic cell population with cells averaging 7 to 10 microm in diameter and having scant cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei, characteristics consistent with a lymphoid neoplasm. Histologically, the neoplasm was unencapsulated, poorly demarcated and highly infiltrative, invading and effacing the bone marrow and epidural space of the vertebral column. Neoplastic cells also were identified in the femoral bone marrow, spleen, liver, iliac and sacral lymph nodes, and lung. Immunophenotyping showed the neoplasm to be of T-cell origin. Although the lymphoma did not invade the meninges of the spinal cord, its impingement on the central and peripheral nervous systems resulted in foci of Wallerian degeneration that contributed to the paraplegia. This case report highlights the importance of having lymphoma and leukemia among the differential diagnoses in cases of acute paralysis in rodents.
Authors: Sheila J Roberts, Michael L Platt
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):13-8.
Social housing has been shown to contribute to the psychological well-being and physical health of captive primates, and this factor has led to United States Department of Agriculture guidelinesSocial housing has been shown to contribute to the psychological well-being and physical health of captive primates, and this factor has led to United States Department of Agriculture guidelines requiring facilities to address the social needs of primate species known to live socially in nature as long as doing so does not endanger the animals or interfere with research goals. Although pair-housing is the best way to provide social enrichment, many researchers and facilities are hesitant to implement it, particularly in biomedical research contexts where implanted devices or behavioral performance might be compromised. In order to study the effects of pair-housing on biomedical implants and study participation, we collected data from a group of isosexually pair-housed male macaques (adult and subadult) with 1) cranial and eye implants and 2) controlled access to water as means of motivating subjects to participate in psychophysical studies. Implants, study participation, and weight gain were not adversely affected by pair-housing. Our results support the use of pair-housing as social enrichment for macaques with biomedical implants and controlled access to water.
Authors: Alfred J Lamperez, Thomas J Rowell
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):25-6.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is used widely as an indicator of infections and recovery from infections in human medicine. It is an acute-phase serum protein, and its concentration increases in responseC-reactive protein (CRP) is used widely as an indicator of infections and recovery from infections in human medicine. It is an acute-phase serum protein, and its concentration increases in response to infection, trauma, and inflammation. In efficacy and safety studies involving chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) as an animal model to evaluate therapeutic drugs targeting the human population, CRP may be used as a diagnostic tool in assessing animal health. Establishing normal values in healthy populations of chimpanzees is crucial to interpreting changes in CRP serum levels and how they relate to drug safety and animal health.
Authors: William A Hill, Mildred M Randolph, Keli L Boyd, Timothy D Mandrell
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):31-4.
The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti, was identified in a colony of mutagenized and transgenic mice at a large academic institution. O. bacoti is an obligate, blood-feeding ectoparasite withThe tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti, was identified in a colony of mutagenized and transgenic mice at a large academic institution. O. bacoti is an obligate, blood-feeding ectoparasite with an extensive host range. Although the source of the infestation was likely feral rodents, none were found in the room housing infested mice. We hypothesize that construction on the floor above the vivarium and compromised ceiling integrity within the animal room provided for vermin entry and subsequent O. bacoti infestation. O. bacoti infestation was eliminated by environmental decontamination with synthetic pyrethroids and weekly application of 7.4% permethrin-impregnated cotton balls to mouse caging for five consecutive weeks. Visual examination of the macroenvironment, microenvironment, and colony for 38 days confirmed the efficacy of treatment. We noted no treatment-related toxicities or effects on colony production.
Authors: Zhiqiang Wang, John L Vandeberg
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):39-42.
Monodelphis domestica, a South American marsupial, has been developed as a laboratory animal model for allogeneic and xenogeneic cancer research by taking advantage of its underdeveloped immuneMonodelphis domestica, a South American marsupial, has been developed as a laboratory animal model for allogeneic and xenogeneic cancer research by taking advantage of its underdeveloped immune system in the early days of life. The limited immunological capability during this period provides an opportunity to induce tolerance to grafted tumor tissue in juvenile and adult opossums. In this study, we injected multiple doses of mouse B16 melanoma cells into opossums at different developmental ages (i.e., suckling young, juveniles, and adults) to determine whether immunotolerance could develop as a result of repeated "desensitizing" injections. We found that establishment and growth of xenografted mouse melanoma cells could be established after full immune capability of the animals had been achieved. The tumors thus produced could sustain their growth for as long as 6 weeks before beginning to regress. Our results highlight the potential of the laboratory opossum as a natural mammalian model to study host immunotolerance to xenografted tumor cells.
Authors: Norman C Peterson
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):47-50.
To remain at the forefront of scientific discovery, investigators continually are challenged to apply new approaches, instruments, and models to their work. Research institutions work to foster theTo remain at the forefront of scientific discovery, investigators continually are challenged to apply new approaches, instruments, and models to their work. Research institutions work to foster the exchange of ideas and resources, but this objective becomes more difficult to meet as the organization's size and complexity increase. To facilitate communication among researchers that use mice in their work and to provide increased opportunities for resource sharing, an electronic discussion group was formed at The Johns Hopkins University. The discussion group (jhu-mousers) is restricted to individuals within the institution's three campuses, and its 145 subscribers comprise faculty (including veterinarians), postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technicians. During its beginning 2 1/2-year period, jhu-mousers has received 207 postings that include seminar announcements; resource information; requests for mice, equipment, biological reagents, and technical assistance; and responses to these requests. The value of the electronic mailing list is evidenced by the fact that 70% of requests for resources or technical help have received at least one response, and this figure is likely to be underestimated because off-line responses are not included. Because the mailing list provides opportunities for tissue sharing and is conducive to refining experimental procedures used in mice, its application promotes the use of alternatives in animal research. To promote and assist the development of animal-user discussion groups at other institutions, the administration, applications, and benefits of an electronic mailing list for mouse users are discussed here.
Authors: Sander O Hacker, Charles E White, Ian H Black
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):7-12.
We conducted this study to determine whether heart rate, respiratory rate, and recovery time differed significantly between rats receiving target-controlled infusion (TCI) and those under volatileWe conducted this study to determine whether heart rate, respiratory rate, and recovery time differed significantly between rats receiving target-controlled infusion (TCI) and those under volatile inhalant anesthesia. TCI rats received intravenous propofol at an average effect site concentration of 11.3 microg/ml or propofol plus ketamine (5 mg/ml of propofol) at an average effect site concentration of 8.7 microg/ml. Inhalant anesthesia rats received isoflurane (average, 1.8%) delivered in medical-grade air. We used a tail-clamp response test to determine when a surgical plane of anesthesia was attained. Anesthesia was continued for 1 h from the first negative tail-clamp test. During this time the test was repeated every 10 min to confirm that a surgical plane of anesthesia was being maintained. Anesthesia then was discontinued, and the animals were monitored continuously until they recovered. Average heart rate was higher for rats during anesthesia with isoflurane compared with TCI propofol-ketamine (P =0.0053). Average respiratory rate was higher for TCI regimens compared with isoflurane anesthesia, with male rats having consistently faster respiratory rates than females (P <0.001). Recovery time was longer for both TCI regimens compared with isoflurane (P <0.001). Once venous access was accomplished, TCI anesthesia with propofol or propofol combined with a low dose of ketamine was comparable to an isoflurane inhalant regimen in ease of administration and control of the anesthetic event when used in rats for procedures of 1-h duration. Respiratory rate was increased and recovery time was longer for rats receiving the TCI regimens.
Authors: Katsuhiko Yoshizawa, Yuji Oishi, Masahiro Matsumoto, Abraham Nyska
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):19-24.
After a 4-year-old female laboratory cynomolgus monkey manifested neurological abnormalities, including tetanic spasm, after intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg ketamine, we administered 2 mg/kgAfter a 4-year-old female laboratory cynomolgus monkey manifested neurological abnormalities, including tetanic spasm, after intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg ketamine, we administered 2 mg/kg xylazine in an attempt to control the seizure. However, the animal continued to display opisthotonus, nystagmus, and symptomatic epilepsia. Analysis of blood chemistry revealed a dramatically increased creatine phosphokinase level. Abnormal histopathological findings included acute neuronal necrosis or glial reaction or both in the cerebral cortex, nucleus lentiformis, hippocampus, cerebellar cortex and nucleus, and medulla oblongata; severe myocardial hemorrhagic necrosis; and hepatic subcapsular hematoma. Although the mechanism of this neuronal damage has not been clarified, it may be attributable to an ischemic condition in the brain, probably due to temporal cardiac arrest or hemorrhagic change in the liver and heart, with subsequent decreased blood pressure, after ketamine and/or xylazine treatment. Because both drugs often are used as general anesthetics in veterinary medicine, attention should be paid to this rare case with neural damage.
Authors: Joan S Cole, Michelle Sabol-Jones, Brian Karolewski, Tracylea Byford
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):27-30.
Skin lesions, consisting of nonspecific bites with intense pruritis and excoriation of the skin, were found on personnel working in an animal colony primarily housing mice. The tropical rat mite,Skin lesions, consisting of nonspecific bites with intense pruritis and excoriation of the skin, were found on personnel working in an animal colony primarily housing mice. The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti, was diagnosed from mites trapped on insect-monitoring sticky traps and collected from mouse cages in the colony. Because these mites do not live on mice but only come to feed when the animals are in their nest, an initial attempt was made to eliminate the mites with a thorough cleaning of the facility. Clidox foam was applied to the entire room with a foaming machine. Then the mice were transferred into the sanitized cages in the cleaned room. The numbers of mites were reduced to the point that they were no longer noticed in the colony, but the mites returned within 2 weeks. The mites were successfully eliminated with the use of permethrin-impregnated cotton balls in the mouse cages for 8 weeks and treatment of the premises. Treatment of the premises included spraying floors and walls of all rooms housing mice and adjacent hallways in the colony with pyrethrin spray by a commercial pest control company. To prevent one room of rabbits from maintaining the infestation, they were treated weekly with an organic pyrethrin dust. Insect sticky traps have remained negative for mites for more than 3 years after treatment.
Authors: Julie M Stephens Devalle
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):35-8.
The purpose of this experiment was to assess the practicality, ease, and reliability of using tympanic, transponder, and noncontact infrared laser thermometry versus rectal thermometry in strain 13The purpose of this experiment was to assess the practicality, ease, and reliability of using tympanic, transponder, and noncontact infrared laser thermometry versus rectal thermometry in strain 13 guinea pigs. Body temperatures were measured by all four methods within each animal over 10 min, and three sets of measurements were taken over 2 days. Each method was compared for agreement over time and agreement with the rectal temperature of each animal. Over time the transponder temperatures were the most reliable and had the closest agreement with the rectal temperatures. There was an overall difference in mean temperatures among methods but not between times, indicating that the guinea pigs had stable body temperatures over different time periods. Although the mean temperatures from the transponder and tympanic thermometers were not significantly different from the rectal temperatures, only the transponder method was in close agreement with the rectal method. The tympanic and noncontact infrared laser methods had poor agreement with the rectal method. These study results suggest that transponder thermometry is an easy and accurate alternative to rectal thermometry in strain 13 guinea pigs.
Authors: John R Hagaman, Simon John, Lonquan Xu, Oliver Smithies, Nobuyo Maeda
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(5):43-6.
Study of the genetics of hypertension has been facilitated greatly by the use of mice with modified genes that affect blood pressure. A current successful method for measuring blood pressure in miceStudy of the genetics of hypertension has been facilitated greatly by the use of mice with modified genes that affect blood pressure. A current successful method for measuring blood pressure in mice relies on detection of light passing through the tail to determine the pressure in a tail-cuff necessary to stop pulsed flow. Success in obtaining reliable blood pressure measurements in light-tailed strains of mice (e.g., C57BL/6J) has been excellent. However, in our and others' experience, mice having highly pigmented tails (e.g., 129S6/SvEvTac) have yielded less consistent measurements. We report here that simple modifications to the channel containing the pulse detection sensor can greatly improve the pulse detection of dark-tailed mice. The first modification--lining the sensor channel with four layers of clear plastic wrap--increased the frequency of successful blood pressure measurements of 129S6/SvEvTac mice twofold and reduced variability by one-third. The second modification--lining the sides of the channel with reflective foil--also improved the success rate with dark-tailed mice. Mean blood pressures were unaffected by these modifications, which enhance detection of the pulse wave and likely will be helpful in diverse applications in which blood pressure is measured in rodent strains with pigmented tails.
Authors: Michael J Huerkamp, Lois A Zitzow, Sonji Webb, Jennifer K Pullium
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(4):12-6.
A colony of mutant mice with sickle cell anemia was infested with the fur mites Myocoptes musculinus and Myobia musculi. Pups of sickle-cell phenotype obtained by cesarean section prior to naturalA colony of mutant mice with sickle cell anemia was infested with the fur mites Myocoptes musculinus and Myobia musculi. Pups of sickle-cell phenotype obtained by cesarean section prior to natural birth were of such poor vigor that none survived the combined insults of delivery by hysterectomy and cross-fostering. Consequently, surgical rederivation, the most reliable means of mite eradication, was not an option. Because furless mice are not susceptible to mite infestation and because neonates putatively remain free of mites until 4 to 5 days after birth, pups born by natural delivery were cross-fostered within 0 to 36 h to outbred lactating females treated once with ivermectin (2 mg/kg topically) at the time of transfer and housed in filter-top cages. Cross-fostering in conjunction with topical ivermectin administered to weaned mice one or more times at approximate 9-day intervals beginning on the day of weaning was successful in reliably eradicating mites. In addition, the 58% postnatal survivability of pups cross-fostered to dams given ivermectin was equivalent to that of natural-born pups that were reared by their untreated biological mothers.
Authors: Jon D Reuter, Krista J Fowles, Gordon A Terwilliger, Carmen J Booth
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(4):22-5.
The following case report describes a complication after accidental overinflation of the lungs in an anesthetized rabbit. After anesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation, and preparation forThe following case report describes a complication after accidental overinflation of the lungs in an anesthetized rabbit. After anesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation, and preparation for surgery, the rabbit's arterial oxygen saturation dropped. Positive-pressure ventilation was administered using manual compression on the reservoir bag. The rabbit's condition rapidly deteriorated, and emergency treatment including oxygen, anesthetic reversal, and thoracocentesis was initiated. The rabbit failed to respond to therapy. A focal, acute, alveolar, vascular, and pleural rupture of the right caudal medial lung lobe with secondary pulmonary tension pneumothorax and atelectasis was identified postmortem. The etiology and pathophysiology of the clinical signs are reviewed. Pulmonary pressure overload after manual or assisted ventilation and subsequent stress failure occurs when pulmonary pressures approach 40 mm Hg. Close attention to the animal's size, tidal volume, and potentially altered pulmonary elasticity from pre-existing lung disease may help reduce the incidence of failure. Successful therapy of iatrogenic pneumothorax may necessitate both medical and surgical intervention.
Authors: Joanne M Smith, Srinivas S Rao, Kyle C Stump, Cinzia Benazzi, Giuseppe Sarli, Louis J DeTolla
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(4):29-33.
A 23-year-old female rhesus macaque presented with a 2.5-cm diameter, firm, moveable, lobulated subcutaneous mass associated with a supranummary teat on the right side of the chest. This animal was aA 23-year-old female rhesus macaque presented with a 2.5-cm diameter, firm, moveable, lobulated subcutaneous mass associated with a supranummary teat on the right side of the chest. This animal was a retired breeder, currently in an aging study. No exogenous hormone treatments were noted in the animal's history. Chest radiographs were within normal limits. Blood screens showed no noteworthy variations from normal. Needle aspirate cytology showed clusters of neoplastic cells. Grossly the mass was well circumscribed, firm, and homogeneously tan, with a glandular appearance. Differential diagnoses included sebaceous or mammary adenoma, carcinoma in situ, and lobular or ductular carcinoma. Histopathology was consistent with a mammary ductal carcinoma with comedo pattern. Subsequent needle aspirate cytology from an adjacent right axillary lymph node showed tumor cells with a few lymphoid cells, interpreted as lymphatic spread. Chest radiographs 2 and 6 weeks postbiopsy showed no evidence of pulmonary metastasis. After 1 year, there was no marked change on chest radiographs, but a small cluster of new nodules was palpable in the right axillary region. Histopathology of an excisional biopsy of the new nodules indicated tumor growth subjacent to regional lymph nodes. Further treatment was not performed and the animal remained clinically normal five years after the initial diagnosis. Spontaneous mammary neoplasia is a major concern in human medicine, yet it rarely has been reported to occur in nonhuman primates. This case is important in documenting an additional case of spontaneous mammary tumor development.
Authors: William R Shek, Kathleen R Pritchett, Charles B Clifford, William J White
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(4):37-42.
A recent article in Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science by Pullium and colleagues expressed the opinion that because no other source could be found for a parvoviral contaminationA recent article in Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science by Pullium and colleagues expressed the opinion that because no other source could be found for a parvoviral contamination detected in sentinel mice prior to deployment, the infection apparently came from the unspecified vendor, even though no antibodies were ever detected in mice within 3 weeks of arrival. As this opinion may be shared by others and expresses some of the deep frustration in trying to detect the source of parvoviral infection in facilities using cage-level bioexclusion housing, Charles River Laboratories (CRL) feels it important to contribute to scientific dialogue by claiming to be the unnamed vendor in the Pullium article and discussing why a parvoviral contamination in a CRL barrier room would be detected rapidly. We show that viral infections in CRL barrier rooms rapidly reach high prevalence and that such contaminations historically have been detected quickly, and we describe why we feel enhancements in current monitoring methods provide for even more rapid detection of parvoviruses. Furthermore, we present substantial evidence that the barrier rooms that served as the source of the customer-suspect sentinel mice remain free of all parvoviruses, in light of monitoring of hundreds of mice by all available techniques. Therefore, although an initial list of all possible sources of contamination prudently should include vendors, the evidence is overwhelming that this vendor was not the source of the parvoviral contamination discussed in the Pullium paper.
Authors: Andrew K Hotchkiss, John G Vandenbergh
Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 44(4):46-8.
The anogenital distance (AGD) is sexually dimorphic in Mus musculus domesticus, with the male AGD approximately twice as long as that in female mice. Among female mice, the AGD varies as a functionThe anogenital distance (AGD) is sexually dimorphic in Mus musculus domesticus, with the male AGD approximately twice as long as that in female mice. Among female mice, the AGD varies as a function of prenatal androgen exposure. The anogenital distance index (AGDI) has been developed to serve as an indicator of prior androgen exposure due to intrauterine position (IUP). Concerns have been raised that the AGDI may not be an appropriate indicator of female IUP in mice. To further refine the AGDI, we have applied some commonly used and suggested transformations to the original data set of female CD-1 mice of known IUP, weaning body mass, and AGD. Our analysis suggests that the residual log transformation and untransformed body mass AGDIs are the most accurate means to predict the IUP of the pup. However, the IUP is only one mechanism by which a fetus may be exposed to hormonal variations in utero. Additional analyses revealed that the AGDI is influenced not only by the IUP of the female fetus but also by the identity of the dam (indicative of maternal influences) and the number of male fetuses found in the particular uterine horn. Therefore, the AGDI is not strictly a predictor of female IUP but of the intrauterine androgen environment in mice.
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