A novel approach to monitor glucose metabolism using stable isotopically labelled glucose in longitudinal studies in mice
The aetiology of insulin resistance is still an enigma. Mouse models are frequently employed to study the underlying pathology. The most commonly used methods to monitor insulin resistance are the HOMA-IR, glucose or insulin tolerance tests and the hyperinsulinemic euglycaemic clamp (HIEC). Unfortunately, these tests disturb steady state glucose metabolism. Here we describe a method in which blood glucose kinetics can be determined in fasted mice without noticeably perturbing glucose homeostasis. The method involves an intraperitoneal injection of a trace amount of [6,6-2H2]glucose and can be performed repeatedly in indivi...
Source: Laboratory Animals - April 5, 2013 Category: Research Authors: van Dijk, T. H., Laskewitz, A. J., Grefhorst, A., Boer, T. S., Bloks, V. W., Kuipers, F., Groen, A. K., Reijngoud, D. J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
The virus inoculum volume influences outcome of influenza A infection in mice
When establishing animal models of viral respiratory infection, the optimal dose and route of delivery are critical to ensure reproducible outcomes. The mouse model for influenza infection is widely used due to the small animal size and simplicity of viral inoculation. During establishment of a mouse model of influenza A infection we observed a marked shift in morbidity when identical influenza A inoculum doses were delivered in less than 35 μL. We show for the first time that mice challenged with a 25 μL inoculum volume readily recovered following infection with an infectious dose of influenza A virus that was fatal...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Miller, D. S., Kok, T., Li, P. Tags: Short Report Source Type: research
Detection of pinworm eggs in the dust of laboratory animals breeding facility, in the cages and on the hands of the technicians
In this study, certain transmission factors (dust, unclean cages and technicians) were proved to be significant in the distribution of pinworm infection in laboratory rodent facilities. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Lytvynets, A., Langrova, I., Lachout, J., Vadlejch, J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Intraperitoneal medetomidine: a novel analgesic strategy for postoperative pain management in pregnant sheep
The absorption of medetomidine released by continuous infusion from an osmotic pump in the abdominal cavity was studied in pregnant sheep during the 24 h postoperative period. Additionally pain and sedation was assessed. Eleven sheep were studied: six were treated with a medetomidine loaded osmotic pump delivering 10 µL/h (3 µg/kg/h medetomidine); and five with a saline loaded osmotic pump (control). Serial blood samples were taken and analysed to determine plasma medetomidine levels. Medetomidine was absorbed from the peritoneal cavity and a steady plasma concentration was achieved within 10 h, mean (SD) peak ...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Murdoch, F. R., Maker, G. L., Nitsos, I., Polglase, G. R., Musk, G. C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Cartilage repair of experimentally induced osteochondral defects in New Zealand White rabbits
In conclusion, the present study shows that neither treatment with hyaluronic gel alone, nor in combination with BMP-2, improves the healing of an induced cartilage defect in rabbits. It further shows that BMP-2 can induce ectopic bone formation, which severely affects the functionality of the joint. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Aulin, C., Jensen-Waern, M., Ekman, S., Hagglund, M., Engstrand, T., Hilborn, J., Hedenqvist, P. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Delaying embryo development by storing at 4{degrees}C for synchronization to recipients in microinjection technique in rabbits
Short-term storage of embryos at low temperature induces developmental arrest of the embryo and would appear to be a valuable aid in embryo-transfer techniques to avoid wasting embryos. Embryo storage at 4°C was examined to allow synchronization with embryo-transfer recipients using the microinjection technique. Superovulation was induced in female Japanese White donor rabbits four days before mating with males. At the same time, control recipients were injected with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to allow synchronization (R1); the hCG injections were delayed by 24 h in the experimental group (R2). DNA constructs f...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Nishijima, K., Liu, E., Yamaguchi, S., Tanaka, M., Morimoto, M., Watanabe, T., Fan, J., Kitajima, S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Gender and strain-specific differences in the development of steatosis in rats
In conclusion, strain and gender served major roles in disease progression. These differences should be considered when designing studies and may offer new ways to advance therapeutic strategies. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Stoppeler, S., Palmes, D., Fehr, M., Holzen, J. P., Zibert, A., Siaj, R., Schmidt, H. H.-J., Spiegel, H.-U., Bahde, R. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Monitoring chronic physical stress using biomarkers, performance protocols and mathematical functions to identify physiological adaptations in rats
This study was undertaken to characterize the effects of monotonous training at lactate minimum (LM) intensity on aerobic and anaerobic performances; glycogen concentrations in the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius muscle and the liver; and creatine kinase (CK), free fatty acids and glucose concentrations in rats. The rats were separated into trained (n = 10), baseline (n = 10) and sedentary (n = 10) groups. The trained group was submitted to the following: 60 min/day, 6 day/week and intensity equivalent to LM during the 12-week training period. The training volume was reduced after four weeks according to a sigmoid functio...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: de Araujo, G. G., Papoti, M., Manchado-Gobatto, F. d. B., de Mello, M. A. R., Gobatto, C. A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Light rhythm and diet differently influence facets of the metabolic syndrome in WOKW rats
In conclusion, the results provide evidence that light conditions influence diet induced changes in phenotypic traits like body weight gain, lipids as well as hormone levels (insulin and leptin) in WOKW rats. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Kloting, I., Bahr, J., Wilke, B., Lange, J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Treatment of male mice with gonadotropins to improve the fertilization rate and reproduction
The possibility of modifying the genome in mice has led to an exponential increase in the number of strains that have been developed for biomedical research. This will continue during the next few decades because international programmes plan to develop genetically-modified strains for every known mouse gene. Due to our own experiences and that of colleagues we know that the reproductive performance of many of these modified stains is impeded, despite that the modification is independent from genes that control reproduction. In some cases the spermatogenesis might be disturbed. The reason presumably lies in a defective end...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Glage, S., Wittur, I., Elfers, C., Hedrich, H. J., Dorsch, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
The anaesthetic combination of ketamine/midazolam does not alter the acquisition of spatial and motor tasks in adult mice
In conclusion, the learning process of spatial and motor tasks was not disrupted by the anaesthetic combination of ketamine/midazolam. These results suggest its safe use in adult mice in projects where acquisition of a spatial and motor task is necessary. (Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Valentim, A. M., Olsson, I. A. S., Antunes, L. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Anaesthesia for positron emission tomography scanning of animal brains
Positron emission tomography (PET) provides a means of studying physiological and pharmacological processes as they occur in the living brain. Mice, rats, dogs, cats, pigs and non-human primates are often used in studies using PET. They are commonly anaesthetized with ketamine, propofol or isoflurane in order to prevent them from moving during the imaging procedure. The use of anaesthesia in PET studies suffers, however, from the drawback of possibly altering central neuromolecular mechanisms. As a result, PET findings obtained in anaesthetized animals may fail to correctly represent normal properties of the awake brain. H...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Alstrup, A. K. O., Smith, D. F. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Report of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations Working Group on animal identification
The primary aim of this report is to assist scientists in selecting more reliable/suitable identification (ID) methods for their studies. This is especially true for genetically altered (GA) animals where individual identification is strictly necessary to link samples, research design and genotype. The aim of this Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations working group was to provide an update of the methods used to identify rodents in different situations and to assess their implications for animal welfare. ID procedures are an indispensable prerequisite for conducting good science but the degree of in...
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Dahlborn, K., Bugnon, P., Nevalainen, T., Raspa, M., Verbost, P., Spangenberg, E. Tags: Working Party Report Source Type: research
Changing times!
(Source: Laboratory Animals)
Source: Laboratory Animals - March 6, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Riederer, B. Tags: Editorial Source Type: research
