A novel postoperative immobilization model for murine Achilles tendon sutures
In this study we have developed an easy Achilles tendon suture and postoperative ankle fixation model in a mouse. Right Achilles tendons were incised and 10-0 nylons were passed through the proximal and distal ends using a modified Kessler method. Subsequently, the right ankle was immobilized in a plantarflexed position with novel splints, which were made from readily available extension tubes. Restriction of the tendon using handmade splints reduced swelling, as opposed to fixating with the usual plaster of Paris. Using this method, the usage of the right Achilles tendons began on postoperative days 13.5 ± 4.6, whi...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Shibuya, Y., Takayama, Y., Kushige, H., Jacinto, S., Sekido, M., Kida, Y. S. Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research
The effect of handling method on the mouse grimace scale in two strains of laboratory mice
Pain assessment in laboratory animals is an ethical and legal requirement. The mouse grimace scale (MGS) is a new method of pain assessment deemed to be both accurate and reliable, and observers can be rapidly trained to use it. In order for a new pain assessment technique to be effective, we must ensure that the score awarded by the technique is only influenced by pain and not by other husbandry or non-painful but integral aspects of research protocols. Here, we studied 16 male mice, housed under standard laboratory conditions. Eight mice were randomly assigned to tail handling and eight to tube handling on arrival at the...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Miller, A. L., Leach, M. C. Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research
The vest-collar as a rodent collar to prevent licking and scratching during experiments
In conclusion, the V-collar, in contrast to the E-collar, does not cause skin injuries in animals and is thus beneficial for animals and investigators. Investigators can effectively use the V-collar to enhance laboratory animal welfare. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Jang, Y., Park, Y. E., Yun, C.-W., Kim, D.-H., Chung, H. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Olfactory variation in mouse husbandry and its implications for refinement and standardization: UK survey of non-animal scents
With their highly sensitive olfactory system, the behaviour and physiology of mice are not only influenced by the scents of conspecifics and other species, but also by many other chemicals in the environment. The constraints of laboratory housing limit a mouse’s capacity to avoid aversive odours that could be present in the environment. Potentially odorous items routinely used for husbandry procedures, such as sanitizing products and gloves, could be perceived by mice as aversive or attractive, and affect their behaviour, physiology and experimental results. A survey was sent to research institutions in the UK to enq...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Lopez-Salesansky, N., Mazlan, N. H., Whitfield, L. E., Wells, D. J., Burn, C. C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Sex differences between APPswePS1dE9 mice in A-beta accumulation and pancreatic islet function during the development of Alzheimers disease
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a type of neurodegenerative disease characterized by learning and memory impairment, is often associated with pathological features, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and insulin resistance. The transgenic mouse, APPswePS1dE9 (APP/PS1), is one of the most commonly used animal models in pathogenesis studies of AD. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sex differences between APP/PS1 mice in the pathogenesis of AD. The impairment of glucose and insulin tolerance was found to develop earlier in male APP/PS1 mice than in females. Plasma insulin levels were...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Li, X., Feng, Y., Wu, W., Zhao, J., Fu, C., Li, Y., Ding, Y., Wu, B., Gong, Y., Yang, G., Zhou, X. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Injection anaesthesia with fentanyl-midazolam-medetomidine in adult female mice: importance of antagonization and perioperative care
Injection anaesthesia is commonly used in laboratory mice; however, a disadvantage is that post-anaesthesia recovery phases are long. Here, we investigated the potential for shortening the recovery phase after injection anaesthesia with fentanyl–midazolam–medetomidine by antagonization with naloxone–flumazenil–atipamezole. In order to monitor side-effects, the depth of anaesthesia, heart rate (HR), core body temperature (BT) and concentration of blood gases, as well as reflex responses, were assessed during a 50 min anaesthesia. Mice were allowed to recover from the anaesthesia in their home cages e...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Fleischmann, T., Jirkof, P., Henke, J., Arras, M., Cesarovic, N. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Mouse reproductive fitness is maintained up to an ambient temperature of 28℃ when housed in individually-ventilated cages
Production of genetically-modified mice is strongly dependent on environmental conditions. Mice are commonly housed at 22℃, which is significantly lower than their thermoneutral zone. But, when given a choice, mice often seem to prefer higher ambient temperatures. In the current study we investigated the effect of higher ambient temperature on the production of transgenic mice, with emphasis on embryo and sperm yield and quality. Mice (C57BL/6JOlaHsd) were housed under four different ambient temperatures (22, 25, 28 and 30℃). Female mice were superovulated, and mated with males. As indicators for reproductive...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Helppi, J., Schreier, D., Naumann, R., Zierau, O. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Euthanasia using gaseous agents in laboratory rodents
Several questions have been raised in recent years about the euthanasia of laboratory rodents. Euthanasia using inhaled agents is considered to be a suitable aesthetic method for use with a large number of animals simultaneously. Nevertheless, its aversive potential has been criticized in terms of animal welfare. The data available regarding the use of carbon dioxide (CO2), inhaled anaesthetics (such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, halothane and enflurane), as well as carbon monoxide and inert gases are discussed throughout this review. Euthanasia of fetuses and neonates is also addressed. A table listing currently available i...
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Valentim, A. M., Guedes, S. R., Pereira, A. M., Antunes, L. M. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Translated abstracts, in French, German and Spanish
(Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - August 4, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Translated abstracts Source Type: research
Recommendations for Addressing Harm-Benefit Analysis and Implementation in Ethical Evaluation - Report from the AALAS-FELASA Working Group on Harm-Benefit Analysis - Part 2
International regulations and guidelines strongly suggest that the use of animal models in scientific research should be initiated only after the authority responsible for the review of animal studies has concluded a well-thought-out harm–benefit analysis (HBA) and deemed the project to be appropriate. The AALAS–FELASA working group on HBA has performed a literature review and based on this review, proposed a method for HBA. Examples of the working group’s approach are included in this report. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - May 16, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Laber, K., Newcomer, C. E., Decelle, T., Everitt, J. I., Guillen, J., Bronstad, A. Tags: Working Party Report Source Type: research
Current concepts of Harm-Benefit Analysis of Animal Experiments - Report from the AALAS-FELASA Working Group on Harm-Benefit Analysis - Part 1
International regulations and guidelines strongly suggest that the use of animal models in scientific research should be initiated only after the authority responsible for the review of animal studies has concluded a well-thought-out harm–benefit analysis (HBA) and deemed the project to be appropriate. Although the process for conducting HBAs may not be new, the relevant factors and algorithms used in conducting them during the review process are deemed to be poorly defined or lacking by committees in many institutions. This paper presents the current concept of HBAs based on a literature review. References on cost o...
Source: Laboratory Animals - May 16, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Bronstad, A., Newcomer, C. E., Decelle, T., Everitt, J. I., Guillen, J., Laber, K. Tags: Working Party Report Source Type: research
PROYECTO Decides
(Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - May 11, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Campos, A. P. Tags: News Source Type: research
Aiding mutual recognition of laboratory animal science courses through the ETPLAS initiative, the Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science
(Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - May 11, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Smith, D. Tags: News Source Type: research
SGV 2016 meeting
(Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - May 11, 2016 Category: Research Tags: News Source Type: research
New 2nd Edition available in May!
(Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - May 11, 2016 Category: Research Tags: News Source Type: research
