Laboratory Research Animals Research Articles

Use of laboratory animals and issues regarding the procurement of animals for research in Korea

BackgroundLaboratory animals remain critical to biomedical research, despite the increasing availability of alternative approaches. Indeed, scientists strive to reduce and refine and replace the use of laboratory animals, even in the face of public calls for ever-more stringent regulation for the protection and care of animals in research. This report outlines the current status and legal regulatory issues with regard to the procurement and use of animals for research in Korea.ResultsThe number of animals used for education and research purposes was increased nationwide, from 2.5 to 4.9 million in 2015 and 2021, respectively. When compared with figures from the UK, institutions in Korea were found to use more mammals such as mice and dogs. In our research, we identified three major issues concerning recent animal supply in Korea, particularly: (1) Purchase of dogs from unregistered animal supplier for a dog cloning project; (2) Purchase of dogs from an unclear source for veterinary education and training; (3) Illegal cat experiments using cats obtained from unauthorized routes.ConclusionsOur findings support the notion that alternatives to laboratory animal research should be implemented. We conclude that improvements in the regulations and guidelines for animal suppliers, together with the recent introduction of legislation will improve animal safety and wellbeing of animals in laboratory research in Korea.

Microbial Community and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Mapping in the Intestinal Tract of Quail.

Simple SummaryQuail is an economically important type of poultry, valued for its high meat quality and abundant egg nutrition. It is also an important laboratory research animal, widely used in developmental biology and toxicology tests. Since the gut microbiota plays a vital role in the host’s growth and health, we investigated the microbiota inhabiting the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colorectum of quail in the present study, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were evaluated using gas chromatography. We found that the microbiota in the cecum was different from other intestinal sections and the enriched inhabitants of SCFA-producing bacterial genera made cecum the core locations of SCFA production in quail. The results of this study will provide fundamental data for further quail microbiology and functional studies.Quail is raised throughout China for egg and meat production. To deeply understand the gastrointestinal microbial composition and metabolites of quail, the present study characterized the microbiota inhabiting five intestinal locations of eight-week-old quail using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR, and evaluated the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in each individual location using gas chromatography. The results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Deferribacteres were the five most abundant phyla in the intestinal tract of quail. Firmicutes was largely dominant (>95%) in the small intestine, whereas Bacteroidetes increased significantly in the cecum (19.19%) and colorectum (8.09%). At the genus level, Lactobacillus was predominant in almost all sections (>50%) except in the cecum (7.26%), where Megamonas, Faecalibacterium, and Bacteroides were dominant. qPCR data indicated that the population sizes of both the total bacteria and proportions of the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Bacteroides group increased going from the proximal toward the distal end of the intestine in quail. The SCFA-producing bacterial genera Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, Blautia, Parabacteroides, and Clostridium were of higher richness in the cecum and colorectum, where, accordingly, more SCFAs were produced. These findings will be helpful for the future study of quail microbiology, as well as its relationship with productive performance and health.

A meta-analysis of birth-origin effects on reproduction in diverse captive environments

Successfully establishing captive breeding programs is a priority across diverse industries to address food security, demand for ethical laboratory research animals, and prevent extinction. Differences in reproductive success due to birth origin may threaten the long-term sustainability of captive breeding. Our meta-analysis examining 115 effect sizes from 44 species of invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals shows that, overall, captive-born animals have a 42% decreased odds of reproductive success in captivity compared to their wild-born counterparts. The largest effects are seen in commercial aquaculture, relative to conservation or laboratory settings, and offspring survival and offspring quality were the most sensitive traits. Although a somewhat weaker trend, reproductive success in conservation and laboratory research breeding programs is also in a negative direction for captive-born animals. Our study provides the foundation for future investigation of non-genetic and genetic drivers of change in captivity, and reveals areas for the urgent improvement of captive breeding.

Introduction: Global Laws, Regulations, and Standards for Animals in Research.

This issue contains a collection of papers describing the state of animal laws, regulations, and standards in counties worldwide, grouped by geographic regions (i.e., North America, South America, Pacific Rim, Africa, and the Middle East). An overview of the US and Canadian legal requirements for animal welfare is provided, along with consideration of potential gaps in the US Animal Welfare Act. The EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its transposition is discussed, and challenges facing laboratory animal protection regimes in Latin America and the Pacific Rim are examined. Legislation for laboratory animal use has been enacted in India and Australia, while animal protection regimes have not yet been enacted in the Middle East and Africa. International harmonization is a particularly important challenge for the global scientific community and private accreditation by organizations such as AAALAC International, plays a key role in promoting high standards for animal care and use programs globally. This article highlights three future trends. First, international efforts at harmonization will continue, and seek to keep pace with the globalization of science. Second, nations that have not yet developed robust legal systems applicable to laboratory animal welfare will seek out the expertise of those nations that have well established regimes. Third, for countries with mature animal protection systems, animal use in research will continue to be of societal concern, and efforts to change existing laws will not abate. The opportunity to use animals in laboratory research is not an entitlement. It is a privilege accorded by society to certain members of the scientific community and along with it comes the responsibility to adhere to, and seek improvement in, applicable laws, regulations, policies and standards.

Measurement and Analysis of 8-Hour Time-Weighted Average Sound Pressure Levels in a Vivarium Decontamination Facility

ABSTRACT Occupational noise exposure is a recognized hazard for employees working near equipment and processes that generate high levels of sound pressure. High sound pressure levels have the potential to result in temporary or permanent alteration in hearing perception. The cleaning of cages used to house laboratory research animals is a process that uses equipment capable of generating high sound pressure levels. The purpose of this research study was to assess occupational exposure to sound pressure levels for employees operating cage decontamination equipment. This study reveals the potential for overexposure to hazardous noise as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit and consistent surpassing of the OSHA action level. These results emphasize the importance of evaluating equipment and room design when acquiring new cage decontamination equipment in order to minimize employee exposure to potentially hazardous noise pressure levels.

Animal models for investigating the central control of the Mammalian diving response.

Pioneering studies by Per Scholander indicated that the diving response consists of reflexly induced apnea, bradycardia and an alteration of blood flow that maintains perfusion of the heart and brain. More recently field physiological studies have shown that many marine animals can adjust cardiorespiratory aspects of their diving response depending upon the behavioral situation. This could suggest that the very labile heart rate during diving is under direct cortical control. However, the final control of autonomic nervous system functioning resides within the brainstem and not the cortex. Many physiologists regard the brain as a “black box” where important neuronal functioning occurs, but the complexity of such functioning leaves systematic investigation a daunting task. As a consequence the central control of the diving response has been under-investigated. Thus, to further advance the field of diving physiology by understanding its central neuronal control, it would be first necessary to understand the reflex circuitry that exists within the brainstem of diving animals. To do this will require an appropriate animal model. In this review, two animals, the muskrat and rat, will be offered as animal models to investigate the central aspects of the diving response. Firstly, although these rodents are not marine animals, natural histories indicate that both animals can and do exploit aquatic environments. Secondly, physiological recordings during natural and simulated diving indicate that both animals possess the same basic physiological responses to underwater submersion that occur in marine animals. Thirdly, the size and ease of housing of both animals makes them attractive laboratory research animals. Finally, the enormous amount of scientific literature regarding rodent brainstem autonomic control mechanisms, and the availability of brain atlases, makes these animals ideal choices to study the central control of the mammalian diving response.

Mutations of Japanese Quail (<I>Coturnix japonica</I>) and Recent Advances of Molecular Genetics for This Species

Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a valuable bird for both research and production. From a mainly biomedical research point of view, this article describes characteristics of mutations of Japanese quail that have been found in the last 20 years, along with the recent (10 or 15 years) advances in molecular genetics of Japanese quail. In the 50 years following the first report of a mutation in Japanese quail in 1940, approximately 50 mutations were found, and during the subsequent 20 years, approximately 25 mutations have been added to the list of mutations in Japanese quail to date. Based on advances in molecular genetics of Japanese quail, two main genetic linkage maps have been constructed, mostly using microsatellite DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, and several mutations have been solved at the molecular level for their causative genes. It is anticipated that molecular studies will further reveal the nature of Japanese quail in the near future and enhance its value as a laboratory research animal and agricultural (industrial) animal.

Attitudes in China toward the use of Animals in Laboratory Research

Public support is a strong impetus for the adoption of alternatives to laboratory animals. It is therefore important to find out what a society thinks about ethical animal use. In the case of China, a useful line of enquiry was to survey Chinese people's as their country is renowned for the deplorable conditions under which animals are kept. This report concerns an investigation into the attitudes of Chinese university students toward the use of animals in laboratory research. The survey revealed a moderate concern amongst students; for example, they agreed that the use of animals for testing cosmetics and household products is unnecessary and should be stopped, and disagreed that humans have the right to use animals as they see fit. This finding is very encouraging. Further research is needed, in order to understand Chinese views about the justification of using animals in research.

Laboratory Animal Allergy: An Update

Allergic reactions are among the most common conditions affecting the health of workers involved in the care and use of research animals. Between 11 and 44% of the individuals working with laboratory animals report work-related allergic symptoms. Of those who become symptomatic, 4 to 22% may eventually develop occupational asthma that can persist even after exposure ceases. Allergic symptoms consist of rashes where animals are in contact with the skin, nasal congestion and sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma (cough, wheezing, and chest tightness). The generation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies is a prerequisite for the production of allergic symptoms. The mechanism by which IgE antibodies develop is becoming clearer. The propensity to produce IgE is genetically determined, and pre-existing allergy may be a risk factor for the development of laboratory animal allergy (LAA). However, exposure to animal allergens is the major risk factor for the development of LAA. Techniques to measure the airborne concentration of laboratory animal allergens have been developed. Research on animal allergens themselves indicates that many of the mouse and rat urinary proteins belong to a family of proteins called lipocalins, which share sequence homology with antigens of the parasitic agent that causes schistosomiasis. The fact that parasite infections also trigger IgE antibody responses may account for the development of LAA in persons who have never had any previous allergy. The prevention of LAA should be a major goal of an effective health and safety program in the animal research facility, and it can be accomplished by education and training of employees, reduction of exposure (including the use of personal protective gear), and changes in facility design. Medical surveillance programs can also play a role in improving health of individuals working with laboratory research animals. Early recognition of symptoms and evidence of sensitization can lead to interventions to reduce exposure and thereby avoid the long-term health consequences of LAA.

Water toxicity assessment using medicinal leeches

Abstract The medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is sensitive to various environmental changes. However, investigations on these leeches are restricted because of their scarcity in natural waters. Artificial of leeches makes possible the use of these animals in laboratory research. The aim of the present study to investigate changes of feeding behaviour and excretion rate following feeding in medicinal leeches exposed to different samples of water from Lake Drukshiai which provides the cooling waters for the Ignalina Power Plant (NPP). The following behavioural and physiological responses of medicinal leech exposed to of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant sampled in May and July 1997 were recorded: 1) feeding behaviour, that prolongation of the attachment process or a completely suppressed attachment reflex; 2) the size of blood meal; excretion rate after feeding. The most harmful changes of indices under study were caused by water from rain sewage: the highest percent of individuals with prolonged attachment process or completely attachment reflex; the smallest size of blood meal; the slowest excretion rate after feeding. Less severe were recorded after exposure to water from a waste water treatment plant. Water from Station 1, the remote monitoring station from Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, showed the lowest effect on the medicinal in the majority of trials. The medicinal leech, due to its sensitivity, simplicity of measured indices and ease of maintenance can be used as a test-organism in studies of toxicity of polluted water.

Sensitive assays for isolation and detection of simian foamy retroviruses.

Simian foamy viruses (SFVs) are highly prevalent in a variety of nonhuman primate species ranging from prosimians to apes. SFVs possess a broad host range, and human infections can occur by cross-species transfer (W. Heneine et al., Nat. Med. 4:403-407, 1998). Retrovirus screening of potential sources of infection, such as laboratory research animals and simian-derived biological products, could minimize human exposure to SFVs by reducing the risk of potential retrovirus infection in humans. We describe a variety of sensitive assays for SFV isolation and detection which were developed with a prototype strain of SFV serotype 2. The Mus dunni cell line (M. R. Lander and S. K. Chattopadhyay, J. Virol. 52:695-698, 1984) was found to be highly sensitive for SFV production on the basis of various general and specific retrovirus detection assays such as reverse transcriptase assay, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blotting. A highly sensitive PCR assay was developed on the basis of the sequences in primary SFV isolates obtained from pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Analysis of naturally occurring SFV infection in macaques indicated that analysis by a combination of assays, including both highly sensitive, specific assays and less sensitive, broadly reactive assays, is important for evaluation of retrovirus infection.

How and Why Animals Matter

Some years ago, the philosopher Mary Midgley wrote Animals and Why They Matter (Midgley 1983). The book speaks for itself eloquently; and despite much philosophic, theological, and ethical exploration of humans' relations to and use of animals in laboratory research and elsewhere, the central question remains: Why do animals matter? The question remains fundamentally important because we humans and the character and goodness of our lives are centrally implicated. Our attitude toward animals and wider animate life says much about who we are and about our basic human and moral stance toward the world. Moral concerns for animals in laboratory research settings are not new. Fundamental moral issues of pain, suffering, distress, death, and respect have long been recognized by animal care and use committees and researchers who have acknowledged the importance of guidelines for laboratory animal care (Donnelley and Nolan 1990; NRC 1992). Yet our basic attitudes and moral stances toward animals remain a crucial and ongoing issue, for these motivate our behavior and concern toward animals—how we follow guidelines and what standards are used. I believe it is appropriate to reopen the issue of how and why animals matter and ask again: Is it possible to agree on an overall framework of thought or world view to orient ourselves and help guide our moral decision making on animal use with respect to institutional policies and individual research protocols?

Animal models in pain research

To describe the various models of acute and chronic pain used in animal research and to assist the clinical nurse to understand specific terminology in interpreting the research findings. Review articles, book chapters, research studies, and research guidelines and handbooks pertaining to use of animals in laboratory research. The value of pain research in animals is the testing of new drugs and treatments that may one day be used to relieve pain. Additional benefits include a greater understanding of the physiology of pain and the reflexive and complex pain behaviors that can be used to increase awareness of the human pain experience. Understanding the models used in animal research allows greater communication between nurses and scientists, fostering the development of clinically based research questions. Patients with benefit from animal research when nurses and other health care providers appropriately interpret and apply this valuable information in the clinical setting.

Excalfactoria Quail as a New Laboratory Research Animal

Chinese painted quail (Excalfactoria chinensis), which is sometimes reared as a bird for pleasure, appears to be an excellent candidate for a laboratory research animal. Handling and general care of this species are very easy because of its small body size and hardiness. The body weight (mean ± SEM) of the newly hatched chick, adult male, and adult female is 3.93 ± .05, 47.66 ± .52, and 55.89 ± .75 g, respectively; that is, approximately half the size of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Furthermore, Chinese painted quail shows excellent reproductive performance. It reaches sexual maturity around 8 to 9 wk of age. Laying ability, fertility, hatchability, and viability up to maturity are 60 to 80, 91, 84, and 78%, respectively. These values are equal or superior to those of Japanese quail, which has been widely used for biological research. In the future, Chinese painted quail may be an alternative to Japanese quail or might surpass Japanese quail as a laboratory research animal because of its smaller body size and excellent reproductive performance.

Interspecies analysis of corneal phosphate metabolites

Phosphate metabolite profiles of corneas were determined for human, baboon, monkey, cat, guinea-pig, pig, dog, rabbit, and cow using 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Metabolites quantitatively measured included the low-energy metabolites: hexose 6-phosphates, alpha-glycerophosphate, unassigned phosphorus compound(s) at 4.26-3.91 delta, ethanolamine phosphate, nucleoside monophosphates, choline phosphate, inorganic orthophosphate, phosphodiesters (glycerol 3-phosphoethanolamine and glycerol 3-phosphocholine), and the high-energy metabolites: phosphocreatine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), nucleoside diphosphosugars and dinucleotides. The number of significant differences in metabolites among the species studied, relative to humans, increased in the following order: baboon less than monkey approximately pig approximately cow less than cat approximately guinea-pig less than rabbit less than dog. The 31P energy modulus (human, 1.3 +/- 0.20 S.D.). ATP:Pi ratio (human, 0.5 +/- 0.05 S.D.). ATP:ADP ratio (human, 0.38 +/- 0.34 S.D.). ATP:ADP plus Pi ratio (human, 0.43 +/- 0.04 S.D.) and SP:Pi ratio (human, 0.37 +/- 0.04 S.D.) were determined for each species. All these ratios are indicators of corneal metabolic status, and their values suggest that, of the common laboratory research animals examined, the baboon and monkey are the most like man, and the rabbit and cow the least like man.

Animals in Research

To the Editor.— As a physician in an academic institution, I feel compelled to offer a different perspective on animals in research from that of the commentary by Drs Smith and Hendee. 1 I want to clarify the pound seizure issue and to respond to the article's stated objective of organizing everyone from members of medical societies to patients to thwart animal protectionists' efforts before they jeopardize the health of mankind. Ninety percent of laboratory research animals are rodents, rabbits, and other small animals. Since dogs and cats make up less than 1% of research animals, the fate of animal research clearly doesn't hinge on their use. That research would be curtailed because of the much higher expense of buying dogs from breeders instead of from the pound is false. Pound-seizure advocates purposely underestimate the price of a pound animal and overestimate that of a dog bought from a dealer

Coturnix Quail as a Laboratory Research Animal

The Coturnix quail is recommended to interested investigators, especially to embryologists and physiologists, for use in research because of its hardiness, ease of handling, precociousness, and great laying ability.