New Zealand White Research Articles

A double-crosslinked nanocellulose-reinforced dexamethasone-loaded collagen hydrogel for corneal application and sustained anti-inflammatory activity

In cases of blinding disease or trauma, hydrogels have been proposed as scaffolds for corneal regeneration and vehicles for ocular drug delivery. Restoration of corneal transparency, augmenting a thin cornea and postoperative drug delivery are particularly challenging in resource-limited regions where drug availability and patient compliance may be suboptimal. Here, we report a bioengineered hydrogel based on porcine skin collagen as an alternative to human donor corneal tissue for applications where long-term stability of the hydrogel is required. The hydrogel is reinforced with cellulose nanofibers extracted from the Ciona intestinalis sea invertebrate followed by double chemical and photochemical crosslinking. The hydrogel is additionally loaded with dexamethasone to provide sustained anti-inflammatory activity. The reinforced double-crosslinked hydrogel after drug loading maintained high optical transparency with significantly improved mechanical characteristics compared to non-reinforced hydrogels, while supporting a gradual sustained drug release for 60 days in vitro. Dexamethasone, after exposure to crosslinking and sterilization procedures used in hydrogel production, inhibited tube formation and cell migration of TNFα-stimulated vascular endothelial cells. The drug-loaded hydrogels suppressed key pro-inflammatory cytokines CCL2 and CXCL5 in TNFα-stimulated human corneal epithelial cells. Eight weeks after intra-stromal implantation in the cornea of 12 New-Zealand white rabbits subjected to an inflammatory suture stimulus, the dexamethasone-releasing hydrogels suppressed TNFα, MMP-9, and leukocyte and fibroblast cell invasion, resulting in reduced corneal haze, sustained corneal thickness and stromal morphology, and reduced overall vessel invasion. This collagen-nanocellulose double-crosslinked hydrogel can be implanted to treat corneal stromal disease while suppressing inflammation and maintaining transparency after corneal transplantation. Statement of significanceTo treat blinding diseases, hydrogel scaffolds have been proposed to facilitate corneal restoration and ocular drug delivery. Here, we improve on a clinically tested collagen-based scaffold to improve mechanical robustness and enzymatic resistance by incorporating sustainably sourced nanocellulose and dual chemical-photochemical crosslinking to reinforce the scaffold, while simultaneously achieving sustained release of an incorporated anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone. Evaluated in the context of a corneal disease model with inflammation, the drug-releasing nanocellulose-reinforced collagen scaffold maintained the cornea's transparency and resisted degradation while suppressing inflammation postoperatively. This biomaterial could therefore potentially be applied in a wider range of sight-threatening diseases, overcoming suboptimal administration of postoperative medications to maintain hydrogel integrity and good vision.

Nonclinical safety assessment and immunogenicity of rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in rabbits

The worldwide health, economic, and societal consequences of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have been devastating. The primary strategy to prevent new infectious diseases is to vaccinate the majority of people worldwide. However, the significant hurdles that are faced include vaccine safety concerns and vaccine reluctance. Among the various types of vaccines, the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) is a promising candidate owing to its safety and efficacy. Therefore, we investigated the toxicity, immunogenicity, and local tolerance of the rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were administered single or three repeated intramuscular injections of rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc every 2 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period. Male and female rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: a control group and two dose-level groups (1 × 109 and 4 × 109 PFU/mL). Treatment-related changes included a temporary increase in body temperature and local inflammation at the injection site. These findings indicated recovery or a trend toward recovery, with no overt systemic toxicity. Immunogenicity analysis results suggested that rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc elicited a robust dose-dependent immune response in terms of neutralizing antibodies and IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In addition, the immune response intensity was increased by repeated vaccine administration. In conclusion, both the approximate lethal dose and the no observed adverse effect level for rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc exceeded 4 × 109 PFU/mL in NZW rabbits. Overall, rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc induced no adverse effects at the maximum dosage tested; however, its efficacy warrants further clinical evaluation.

Comperative Study on Anesthetic Effect of Xylazine-Ketamine And Diazepam-Ketamine In Rabbit Model

This study was conducted to investigate the anesthetic effects of Xylazine-ketamine and Diazepam-ketamine in rabbits. Twelve adult white New-Zealand rabbits weighing 1.3+0.2 kg, were divided into two groups. A (Xylazine 5mg/kg – ketamine 35mg/kg) and B (Diazepam 5mg/kg – ketamine 35mg/kg). However, the following parameters were observed: analgesic effects (onset and duration) and clinical-parameters (means of heart-rates/BPM, respiratory-rates/BPM and rectal temperature. The onset was significantly p<0.05 increased, and the duration was significantly p>0.05 decreased in A. The heart-rate and the respiratory-rate was significantly p<0.01 decreased in A. But the rectal temperature decreased non-significantly p>0.05 in both groups. General observations: in Group A, urination, nasal-discharge, salivation and lacrimation were present, in Group B, defecation, corneal-reflex and pedal-reflex were observed at their peak. It was concluded that the xylazine-ketamine is used for clinical/surgical procedures, while diazepam-ketamine may further be investigated by using other analgesics with this combination.

Identification of Glycoxidative Lesion in Isolated Low-Density Lipoproteins from Diabetes Mellitus Subjects.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a precursor for advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which have a significant role in diabetes. The present study is designed to probe the immunological response of native and glycated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in experimental animals. The second part of this study is to probe glycoxidative lesion detection in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in diabetes subjects with varying disease duration. The neo-epitopes attributed to glycation-induced glycoxidative lesion of LDL in DM patients' plasma were, analyzed by binding of native and MG-modified LDL immunized animal sera antibodies using an immunochemical assay. The plasma purified human LDL glycation with MG, which instigated modification in LDL. Further, the NewZealand-White rabbits were infused with unmodified natural LDL (N-LDL) and MG-glycatedLDL to probe its immunogenicity. The glycoxidative lesion detection in LDL of DM with disease duration (D.D.) of 5-15 years and D.D. > 15 years was found to be significantly higher as compared to normal healthy subjects (NHS) LDL. The findings support the notion that prolonged duration of diabetes can cause structural alteration in LDL protein molecules, rendering them highly immunogenic in nature. The presence of LDL lesions specific to MG-associated glycoxidation would further help in assessing the progression of diabetes mellitus.

Harnessing Oleanolic Acid and Its Derivatives as Modulators of Metabolic Nuclear Receptors.

Nuclear receptors (NRs) constitute a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors with a paramount role in ubiquitous physiological functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Owing to their physiological role and druggability, NRs are deemed attractive and valid targets for medicinal chemists. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) represent one of the most important phytochemical classes present in higher plants, where oleanolic acid (OA) is the most studied PTs representative owing to its multitude of biological activities against cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and liver injury. PTs possess a lipophilic skeleton that imitates the NRs endogenous ligands. Herein, we report a literature overview on the modulation of metabolic NRs by OA and its semi-synthetic derivatives, highlighting their health benefits and potential therapeutic applications. Indeed, OA exhibited varying pharmacological effects on FXR, PPAR, LXR, RXR, PXR, and ROR in a tissue-specific manner. Owing to these NRs modulation, OA showed prominent hepatoprotective properties comparable to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in a bile duct ligation mice model and antiatherosclerosis effect as simvastatin in a model of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. It also demonstrated a great promise in alleviating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis, attenuated alpha-naphthol isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury, and controlled blood glucose levels, making it a key player in the therapy of metabolic diseases. We also compiled OA semi-synthetic derivatives and explored their synthetic pathways and pharmacological effects on NRs, showcasing their structure-activity relationship (SAR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article to highlight OA activity in terms of NRs modulation.

Kartogenin-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/nano-hydroxyapatite composite hydrogel promotes tendon-bone healing in rabbits after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Accumulating evidence supports the role of cartilage tissue engineering in cartilage defect repair, but the biological function has yet to be fully explained. In this work, kartogenin (KGN), an emerging chondroinductive nonprotein small molecule, was incorporated into a composite hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol/nano-hydroxyapatite (PVA/n-HA) to fabricate an appropriate microenvironment for tendon-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. KGN/PVA/n-HA composite hydrogel scaffolds were prepared by in situ synthesis and physical adsorption, followed by characterization under a scanning electron microscope. The scaffolds were transplanted into healthy New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. It was confirmed that KGN/PVA/n-HA scaffolds were successfully prepared and exhibited good supporting properties and excellent biocompatibility. Unilateral ACL reconstruction was constructed with tendon autograft in NZW rabbits, and the morphology and diameter of collagen fiber were analyzed. The scaffolds were shown to promote ACL growth and collagen fiber formation. Furthermore, microcomputerized tomography analysis and bone formation histology were performed to detect new bone formation. KGN/PVA/n-HA scaffolds effectively alleviated cartilage damage and prevented the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, ligament-bone healing and bone formation were observed in the presence of KGN/PVA/n-HA scaffolds. In conclusion, these results suggest that the KGN/PVA/n-HA scaffolds can facilitate tendon-bone healing after ACL reconstruction and might be considered novel hydrogel biomaterials in cartilage tissue engineering.

Comparative efficacy of fixed dose combination of brinzolamide 1% and timolol 0.5% without versus with benzalkonium chloride following single ocular instillation in New Zealand white rabbits

Background: Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is the most used preservative in topical ophthalmic formulations. BAK causes dry eye and trabecular meshwork degeneration. Hence, BAK-free formulations are desirable for chronic conditions like glaucoma. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of BAK-free versus BAK-containing ophthalmic suspension of fixed dose combination (FDC) of brinzolamide and timolol on their intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect following a single ocular instillation in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Methods: Twelve normotensive NZW rabbits (male) between 9-12 months of age (3.4-4.4 kg) received a single ocular instillation (35 ml) in left eye of either ophthalmic suspension containing FDC of brinzolamide (1% w/v)/timolol (0.5% w/v) without BAK (n=6, test) or with BAK 0.01% w/v (n=6, reference). IOP was measured before ocular instillation (baseline) and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours after instillation using a pneumatonometer. Change in IOP from baseline were calculated and analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post-test for pairwise comparisons. Results: Significant IOP reduction (p<0.05) from baseline was seen in both test and reference groups, up to 6 hours after instillation. Maximum IOP reduction was 25.5% and 22.6% at 2 hours in the test and reference group respectively. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the test and reference group for the change in IOP at all time points. Conclusions: BAK-free and BAK-containing ophthalmic suspension of FDC of brinzolamide 1% and timolol 0.5% after a single ocular instillation in normotensive NZW rabbits produces similar reductions in IOP.

Trends and status of rabbit production and research in Zambia

Rabbit production has the potential to help alleviate poverty levels through job creation, income from the sales of rabbits and their products, and a supply of nutritional food, given its urban and peri-urban functionality. However, not much is known about rabbit production and productivity in Zambia. This study is a rapid survey to document rabbit production systems, management practices and provide estimates of rabbit productivity in Lusaka, Zambia. Three production systems (extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive) were determined given the following criteria: breeds and number reared, housing provided, feed supplied, management practices and marketing of rabbits and by-products. Most producers practiced extensive production system, rearing few local and crossbred rabbits fed mostly vegetables, and housing was made of locally available wood materials and or on deep litter. The intensive production system, however, involved purebreds such as New Zealand White (NZW), Chinchilla (CH), California White (CA), Dutch (DU) and Flemish Giant (FG) and their crosses, with numbers ranging between 50 and 100 breeding animals raised in individual metal cages fed hay and pelleted concentrate feed. Mortality was lower given the conducive environment and high management practices that reduced contact with faecal droppings and allowed urine to be collected for sale. The semi intensive production system lies in the middle and is pivotal to improving productivity in the rabbit industry. Mean performances reported were litter size at birth (3.3, 5.2, 6.4), litter weight at birth (105g, 225g, 410g), litter size at weaning (1.9, 4.1, 5.7), litter weaning weight (650g, 1955g, 3256g) and average mature weight (1510g, 2120g, 2825g) for the extensive, semi intensive and intensive productions systems accordingly. The two major challenges were the limited source of breeding animals, which predisposes the sector to a high level of inbreeding and inadequate veterinary care, leading to a high mortality of over 30%. The government is encouraged to develop a national rabbit development programme that will address the above-mentioned challenges.

Influence of dietary chitosan supplementation on ovarian development and reproductive performance of New Zealand White rabbit does

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary chitosan supplementation on the productive and reproductive performance of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Forty healthy weaned female rabbits were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (10 females per group) and fed ad libitum for six months. A basal diet without chitosan supplementation was used as a control. The other three experimental groups were fed a basal diet plus 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 g chitosan/kg diet. After eight weeks, three females from each group were sacrificed for morphological observation of ovarian tissues. The remaining animals were used for reproductive studies by a maximum of three parities. Morphological observation of ovaries demonstrated that females fed a diet containing 0.2 g/kg chitosan had increased ovarian diameter and elevated number of mature follicles compared with the control and the other experimental groups. Receptivity, conception rate, and kindling interval were significantly (P˂0.05) higher in females fed diets containing 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg chitosan compared to the other groups. Moreover, there was a trend toward a higher average milk yield throughout the lactating period in females fed a diet containing 0.2 g/kg chitosan (P=0.904). Diets containing up to 0.4 g/kg chitosan were positively correlated with increased receptivity rate and several parities. However, diets containing up to 0.4 g/kg chitosan were negatively correlated with decreased receptivity time, kindling interval, litter size at weaning, mortality rate at weaning, bunny weight at weaning, and milk yield. The present study’s findings indicate that diets containing 0.2 g/kg chitosan improved reproductive efficiency in female NZW rabbits.

Growth, slaughter performance and selected meat quality traits of New Zealand White and Grey Flemish Giant rabbits and their crosses

The purpose of the study was to compare the growth, slaughter performance and selected meat quality traits (such as meat texture and basic chemical composition of meat) of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, Grey Flemish Giant (GFG) rabbits and their crossbreds. Pre-slaughter, slaughter and meat quality traits were analyzed for 52 (26 male and 26 female) New Zealand White rabbits, 42 (21 male and 21 female) Grey Flemish Giant rabbits and 78 (39 male and 39 female) crosses thereof. After weaning at 35 days of age, animals were fed pellets ad libitum. Rabbits were weighed weekly from birth to 12 weeks of age. Slaughter and dissection at 12 weeks of age were performed. Body weight measurements showed that GFG rabbits, up to and including week 4, were characterized by significantly higher body weights compared to NZW rabbits and their crossbreds. In the 5th and 6th weeks of rearing the differences between the kits were not significant. From the 7th to the 10th week of life, the highest body weight was characteristic of crossbred rabbits. In the last two weeks of life, the highest body weight was achieved by young rabbits of the GFG breed. Significantly the greatest slaughter weight was attained by GFG rabbits, while the lowest value of this parameter was obtained by purebred NZW rabbits. The highest warm carcass weight and cold carcass weight were achieved by animals from the crossbred group. The shear force value was identical in the NZW rabbits and the crossbred group, while it was lower in the GFG rabbits. Hardness and chewiness were lowest in the NZW rabbit. Springiness and cohesiveness were highest in NZW rabbits. The meat of the crossbreds had the highest protein content and the lowest fat content. It was also shown that crossbreds had the highest water content in their meat and consequently statistically the lowest dry matter content.

Mortality and milk yield of Burgundy Fawn, Flemish Giant and New Zealand White Rabbits and their Crosses

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of genotype on the rearing indices and milk yield of Burgundy Fawn (BF), Flemish Giant (FG) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits and their crosses. The experiment was performed according to the breeding program: FG FG = FG; NZW NZW = NZW; BF BF = BF, NZW FG = NZWFG; BF FG = BFFG; NZW BF = NZWBF. Litter size and litter weight were recorded from birth to weaning on the 35th day of life. The size of litter at birth was largest for purebred BF rabbits (9.20 kits), there were no significant differences in the size of the litter. The coefficient of milk yield of females remained on similar level for all genetic groups, and it ranged between 3.5 for purebred NZW females and 3.76 for the BF females crossed with Flemish Giant males. Rearing effectiveness was lowest for litters of purebred FG rabbits (79.12%), and highest for litters of BF females crossed with FG males (96.00%), however there were no significant differences between the groups. It was found that crossing of BF or NZW females with FG males results in a great effectiveness of rearing and high litter size, no significantly different from typical broiler breeds therefore, such crossing could be recommended for the production of rabbits.

Immune-adjuvant effect of vitamin A and probiotics supplementation on humoral response to cell culture rabies vaccine in rabbits.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin A (Vit A) and probiotic co-supplementation with rabies vaccine on humoral immune response in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. For this experiment, 54 rabbits were randomized into six experimental and three control groups. Mixed cultures of commercial probiotics supplements and a dose of Vit A were administered to each animal. Results were compared with the control group fed with only basal diet. Animals in different treatment groups showed significantly higher sero-conversions against rabies vaccine. There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the titers of rabies antibodies in all treatment groups on 14th and 35th days than control C3 group. Both commercial probiotics irrespective of brand increase the humoral immune response of rabbits against rabies vaccine. The mean titer values of all groups G1-G6 and sub-controls (C1, C2) were generally above 3.6 EU/ml on day 14th and between 3.7 and 3.9 EU/ml, showing highest sero-conversion on 35th day than mean titer of C3 control = 3.091 and 3.505 EU/ml respectively on both days. The maximum titer values were obtained with the addition of organic carrots to the daily diet. These results suggest that simple dietary interventions using probiotics and Vit A in natural form may enhance the efficacy of rabies vaccine in the host. These cost-effective strategies can be applied for getting higher yields of polyclonal antibody production in animal models, thus providing promising means of improving the final product yield and can be adopted easily by the manufacturers.

Genetic Analysis of Productive Performance in New Zealand White Rabbits

In this study, the genetic parmeters of the New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit were evaluated and clarified, including heritability and the common-litter effect, as well as genetic, common-litter, phenotypic correlations, and breeding values. For this purpose, 656 rabbits were kept at the Sakha research farm, for two years. A multi-trait animal model was used to analyze the body weights and relative growth rates data. Heritability estimations (h2a) for various body weights ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 and were low to moderate. The minimum estimate of h2a for relative growth rates at 4 to 6 weeks was 0.13, and the maximum estimate of h2a for relative growth rates at 10 to 12 weeks was 0.24. Moderate to high and positive genetic correlation (rg) between body weights, 0.36 to 0.73. rg estimates between relative growth rates ranged from moderate (0.45) to high (0.84) and positive. Common-litter correlation (rc) between body weights ranged from moderate (0.32) to high (0.71) and positive. rc estimates between relative growth rates ranged from moderate (0.43) to high (0.71) and positive. The phenotypic correlation (rp) between body weights was moderate (0.41) to high (0.80) and positive. rp estimates between the relative growth rates were high and positive. The estimated ranges of breeding values were 175.07, 263.89, 299.48, 267.78, and 279.86 for 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks, respectively. While were 24.56, 27.04, 31.80, 35.14, and 29.28 during the period of 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, and 4-12 weeks, respectively.

Evaluation on the Effectiveness of High Cholesterol Diet Feeding in Inducing Early and Established Atherosclerotic Lesions in New Zealand White Rabbits.

Various methods were used to induce atherosclerosis in rabbits. One of the most common methods used is high-cholesterol diet (HCD) feeding. However, the exact amount and duration of HCD feeding to induce early and established atherosclerosis in New Zealand white rabbits (NZWR) continue to be debated among researchers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of 1% HCD feeding in inducing early and established atherosclerosis lesions in NZWR. A total of 50 g/kg/day of 1% HCD was fed to three to four months old male rabbits weighing 1.8 to 2.0 kg for four and eight weeks to induce early and established atherosclerosis respectively. The body weight and lipid profile were measured at baseline and post-HCD intervention. Following euthanasia, the aorta was excised and prepared for histology and immunohistochemical analysis to confirm the stages of atherosclerosis. The mean body weight of the rabbits in early and established atherosclerosis groups increased significantly up to 17.5% (p = 0.026) and 19.75% (p = 0.019) respectively compared to baseline. The total cholesterol level dramatically elevated up to 13-fold (p = 0.005) and 38-fold (p = 0.013) compared to baseline, after four and eight weeks of 1% HCD feeding respectively. The low-density lipoprotein level significantly increased up to 42-fold (p = 0.006) and 128-fold (p = 0.011) compared to baseline, after four and eight weeks of 1% HCD feeding respectively. Rabbits fed with four and eight weeks 1% HCD significantly developed 5.79% (p = 0.008) and 21.52% (p = 0.008) aortic lesion areas compared to the control group. Histological evaluation in the aorta showed accumulation of foam cells in early atherosclerosis group and formation of fibrous plaque and lipid core in the established atherosclerosis group. Rabbits fed with eight weeks HCD showed higher tissue expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, e-selectin, IL-6, IL-8, NF-κBp65, and MMP-12 compared to four weeks of HCD intervention. A total of 50 g/kg/day of 1% HCD for four and eight weeks is sufficient to induce early and established atherosclerosis in NZWR respectively. The consistent results through this method could facilitate researchers in inducing early and established atherosclerosis in NZWR.

A Rabbit Aortic Valve Stenosis Model Induced by Direct Balloon Injury

Animal models are emerging as an important tool to understand the pathologic mechanisms underlying aortic valve stenosis (AVS) because of the lack of access to reliable sources of diseased human aortic valves. Among the various animal models, AVS rabbit models are one of the most commonly used in large animal studies. However, traditional AVS rabbit models require a long-term period of dietary supplementation and genetic manipulation to induce significant stenosis in the aortic valve, limiting their use in experimental studies. To address these limitations, a new AVS rabbit model is proposed, in which stenosis is induced by a direct balloon injury to the aortic valve. The present protocol describes a successful technique for inducing AVS in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits, with step-by-step procedures for the preparation, the surgical procedure, and the post-operative care. This simple and reproducible model offers a promising approach for studying the initiation and progression of AVS and provides a valuable tool for investigating the underlying pathological mechanisms of the disease.

The Safety of Adiponectin Receptor Agonist AdipoRon in a Rabbit Model of Arthrofibrosis.

AdipoRon is an adiponectin receptor 1, 2 (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) agonist with numerous reported physiological benefits in murine models of human disease, including a proposed reduction in fibrosis. However, AdipoRon has never been investigated in rabbits, which provide a robust model for orthopedic conditions. We examined the safety of intravenous (IV) AdipoRon in New Zealand White (NZW) female rabbits surgically stressed by a procedure that mimics human arthrofibrosis. Fifteen female NZW rabbits were prospectively studied using increasing AdipoRon doses based on established literature. AdipoRon was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), diluted in normal saline, and administered IV preoperatively and for 5 subsequent days postoperatively. The primary outcome was overall toxicity to rabbits, whereas secondary outcomes were change in rabbit weights and hemodynamics and defining acid-base characteristics of the drug formulation. Two rabbits expired during preoperative drug administration at 25 mg/kg. Remaining rabbits received preoperative doses of DMSO (vehicle), 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg of AdipoRon without complications. On postoperative day 1, one rabbit sustained a tonic-clonic seizure after their second dose of 10 mg/kg AdipoRon. The remaining 12 rabbits (4 in each group) received six serial doses of vehicle, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg of AdipoRon without adverse effects. All formulations of AdipoRon were within safe physiological pH ranges (4-5). We are the first to report the use of IV AdipoRon in a surgically stressed rabbit model of orthopedic disease. AdipoRon doses of 5 mg/kg or less appear to be well-tolerated in female NZW rabbits. Impact statement We provided the first in vivo toxicity assessment and dose optimization of a new antifibrotic experimental medication, AdipoRon, in a surgically stressed rabbit model of knee arthrofibrosis.

Green Tea extrat Effect on number of blood Criteria of lab rabbits Afflicted whith Entamoeba histolytica parasite

The study includes the effect of alcoholic extract of green tea on the Newzealand white male rabbits putrefied by Entamoeba histolytica parasite which causes Amoebic dysentery disease. The study dependes on several criteria including the examination of variations in complete blood picture (C.B.P) presented by the whole and differential account of white and red blood cells, pressed red cells volume (P.C.V), hemoglobin (Hb) rate, and blood platelets number. The study concludes that variations in blood component occur when parasites enter and after the treatment with green tea alcoholic extract; where significant decrease result at level (P&lt;0.01) in the total amount of white cells and granular cells and insignificant decrease in lymphatic cells, and single cells and red blood cells. hemoglobin rate also increased as well These results show the efficiency of green tea alcoholic extract in improving blood standards through variations occurring in blood proportion.

Comparative evaluation of voluntary feed intake (VFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of Flemish Giant, New Zealand White and California black growing rabbit breeds fed soya bean (Glycine max), Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan

Voluntary Feed Intake (VFI) and Average Daily Gain (ADG) of three rabbit breeds fed on pigeon pea (PP), cowpea (CoP) and soybean (SB) as sources of protein for growing rabbits were determined. Flemish Giant (FG), California Black (CB) and New Zealand White (NZW)) were fed soybean (Glycine max), pigeon pea (Cajunus cajan) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as protein sources in the ration. Eighteen rabbits weaned at six weeks of age were used for each breed (a total of 54 rabbits) out of which six of them were assigned to Ration 1 (containing 31.6% SB), six rabbits to ration 2 (containing 72% CoP) and the last six to Ration 3 (containing 70.18% PP). The rabbits were randomly assigned to fifty four cages in a 3 x 3 factorial experiment. The three legume grains were roasted before rations were compounded. Raw Legume Grains (RaLG), Roasted Legume Grains (RoLG) and the three Rations (1, 2 and 3) were analyzed for tannin content (TC). TC was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in CoP and Ration 3. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for FG. Rabbits fed SB based ration had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher growth rate than rabbits fed either CoP or PP based rations. Rabbits offered PP based ration demonstrated a significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher growth rate than rabbits consuming the CoP based ration. Dressing-out percentage was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for the FG than for either NZW or CB. The study revealed that SB and FG were superior legume and breed in terms of VFI and ADG, respectively. The study also showed that PP could successfully replace SB in rabbit rations without adversely affecting the VFI and ADG of rabbits.

Anatomical Variations of the Common Carotid Arteries and Neck Structures of the New Zealand White Rabbit and Their Implications for the Development of Preclinical Extracranial Aneurysm Models

Rabbit models involving neck arteries are of growing importance for the development of preclinical aneurysm models. An optimal understanding of the anatomy is primordial to allow the conception of models while minimizing mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to give reliable anatomical landmarks to allow a standardized approach to the neck vessels. We performed a necropsy on nine specimens from ongoing experimental studies. We measured the distance between the origins of the right and left common carotid artery (rCCA/lCCA) and between the rCCA and the manubrium sterni (MS). The structures at risk were described. Female New Zealand White rabbits (NZWR) weighing 3.7 ± 0.3 kg and aged 25 ± 5 weeks were included. The rCCA origin was located 9.6 ± 1.2 mm laterally and 10.1 ± 3.3 mm caudally to the MS. In all specimens, the lCCA originated from the aortic arch, together with the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), and 6.2 ± 3.1 mm proximally to the rCCA origin. The external and internal jugular veins, trachea and laryngeal nerve were the main structures at risk. The data help to localize both CCAs and their origin to guide surgical approaches with the manubrium sterni as a main landmark. Special attention has to be paid to the trachea, jugular veins and laryngeal nerves.

Effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) on productive performance, nutrients value and digestibility, blood lipid profile, antioxidant status and immune response of growing rabbits

The current study evaluated the effect of feeding clove (Syzygium aromaticum) as a natural additive on productive performance, digestibility and nutritive value, antioxidant enzymes activities, and immune response of growing rabbits. A total of 48 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits aged 6 weeks were randomly allocated to 4 groups (12 rabbits/group). Clove buds powder (CLP) was supplemented at 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of basal diet. Four tested diets formulated to contain basal diet without CLP (treatment 1, T1), 0.5% CLP (T2), 1% CLP (T3), and 1.5% CLP (T4). The animals were provided pelleted diets and fresh water ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The rabbits fed diets containing CLP improved FCR (P=0.007) and consumed (P&lt;0.0001) less than those fed control group. The diet containing 1.5% CLP had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) value (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences were observed among experimental groups in all nutrients digestibility except CP digestibility significantly (P=0.0261) increased with 0.5 and 1% CLP groups compared to control group. Blood total lipid (TL) was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.009) with increasing the dietary level of CLP, (being 379.17 and 361.11 mg/dl for 1% and 1.5% CLP groups vs. 470.84 for control group). The catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) concentrations significantly (P&lt;0.0001) increased with CLP groups compared to control group. The immunoglobulins titres (IgG and IgM) improved (P&gt;0.05) with rabbits fed CLP diets when compared to those fed the control diet. In conclusion, using CLP as an alternative feed additive in rabbit’s diets up to 1.5% without any adverse effect on productive performance and vital activities. The CLP inclusion in rabbit diets decreased feed intake (FI), improved FCR and increased profitability, moreover, had a positive effect on antioxidant enzyme activity and immunity (IgG and IgM) titres.