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Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Rodents

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Akimau, P., K. Yoshiya, H. Hosotsubo, T. Takakuwa, H. Tanaka, and H. Sugimoto (2005). New experimental model of crush injury of the hindlimbs in rats. Journal of Trauma Injury Infection and Critical Care 58(1): 51-58. ISSN: 1079-6061.
Descriptors: rats, new experimental model, crush injury, hindlimbs, muscles, repefusion, ischemia, traumatized muscle, volume.

Akita, M., K. Ishii, M. Kuwahara, and H. Tsubone (2001). The daily pattern of heart rate, body temperature, and locomotor activity in guinea pigs. Experimental Animals (Tokyo) 50(5): 409-415. ISSN: 1341-1357.
Abstract: The characteristics of the rhythmicity of heart rate (HR), body temperature (BT), and locomotor activity (LA) in conscious and unrestrained guineapigs were studied using a telemetry system. 11 male Hartley guineapigs were used in the study. HR and/or LA in some guineapigs clearly showed circadian rhythms, but in others there were no significant daily patterns. BT did not show significant daily rhythms. These results suggest that guineapigs may have different individual characteristics of rhythmicity. Therefore, one should be careful when using guineapigs in chrono-biomedical research. The results of this study may be useful for future biomedical studies using guineapigs.
Descriptors: guinea pigs, daily pattern, body temperature, heart rate, locomotor activity, biomedical studies.

Albrecht, W. and M. De Santis (2005). Innovative mouse model for postchemotherapy fertility evaluation. Journal of Andrology 26(2): 169. ISSN: 0196-3635.
Descriptors: mouse, inovative model, fertility evaluation, postchemotherapy.

Aldred, A.J., M.C. Cha, and K.A. Meckling Gill (2002). Determination of a humane endpoint in the L1210 model of murine leukemia. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 41(2): 24-27. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, experimental design, leukemia, animal models, animal welfare, posture, animal behavior, mortality, euthanasia, animal husbandry, animal testing alternatives, animal use refinement.

Anderson, D.K. (1999). Paramyid rodent taxonomy: an illustrated guide to taxonomically significant characters. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 19(Supplement 3): 29A.
Descriptors: rodent, taxonomy, illustrated guide, characters.
Notes: Meeting Information: Fifty-Ninth Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, October 20-23, 1999, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Arai, S., T. Hanaya, T. Sakurai, M. Ikeda, and M. Kurimoto (2005). A novel phenomenon predicting the entry into a state of hibernation in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 67(2): 215-217. ISSN: 0916-7250.
Abstract: When Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are bred in a cold and short-day environment, most animals go into hibernation after a certain period of time. However, to date it has not been possible to predict which hamster will enter hibernation. In this study, we subcutaneously implanted thermo-loggers in hamsters bred in the cold environment, and recorded the subcutaneous temperature at short intervals until they went into hibernation. A time series analysis of temperature disclosed that a fall of 0.4 to 0.8degreeC in subcutaneous temperature was seen 5 to 16 days before entering hibernation, and this phenomenon continued for three days or more. No hamster went into the hibernation without displaying this signal. Although the mechanism by which this phenomenon takes place is not clear, it is a sign from the body, which is useful for indicating if a hamster will enter hibernation shortly.
Descriptors: neural coordination, reproduction, telemetry, applied and field techniques, thermal recording implant, prosthetic, time series analysis, mathematical and computer techniques, breeding season, environmental temperature, hibernation, subcutaneous temperature, thermoregulation.

Arras, M., P. Autenried, A. Rettich, D. Spaeni, and T. Rulicke (2001). Optimization of intraperitoneal injection anesthesia in mice: drugs, dosages, adverse effects, and anesthesia depth. Comparative Medicine 51(5): 443-456. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Purpose: The goals of the study were to find a safe intraperitoneal injection anesthesia protocol for medium-duration surgery in mice (e.g., embryo transfer/vasectomy) coupled with a simple method to assess anesthesia depth under routine laboratory conditions. Methods: Eight anesthetic protocols consisting of combinations of dissociative anesthetics (ketamine, tiletamine), alpha2 agonists (xylazine, medetomidine), and/or sedatives (acepromazine, azaperone, zolazepam) were compared for their safety and efficacy (death rate, surgical tolerance), using observations and reflex tests. The four best protocols were further evaluated during vasectomy: physiologic measurements (respiratory rate, electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure, body temperature, blood gas tensions, and acid-base balance) were used to characterize the quality of anesthesia. The reactions of physiologic parameters to surgical stimuli were used to determine anesthesia depth, and were correlated with reflex test results. Results: The protocol with the highest safety margin and the longest time of surgical tolerance (54 min) was ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine. Three further anesthetic combinations were associated with surgical tolerance: ketamine/xylazine, ketamine/xylazine/azaperone, and tiletamine/xylazine/zolazepam (Telazol/xylazine). The protocols consisting of ketamine/medetomidine and ketamine/azaperone were not associated with clearly detectable surgical tolerance. The most reliable parameter of surgical tolerance under routine laboratory conditions was the pedal withdrawal reflex. Conclusions: The best intraperitoneal injection anesthesia regimen consisted of ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine. The dose must be. adapted to the particulars of each experimental design (mouse strain, sex, age, mutation). This is best done by measuring surgical tolerance, using the pedal withdrawal reflex.
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, anesthesia, injectable anesthetics, ketamine, xylazine, medetomidine, acepromazine, azaperone, neuroleptics, reflexes, dosage, intraperitoneal injection, electrocardiograms, respiration rate, blood pressure, adverse effects, body temperature, blood gases, animal welfare, indicators, tiletamine, zolazepam, depth of anesthesia.

Battles, A.H. (1997). The biology, care, and diseases of the Syrian hamster. In: K.L. Rosenthal (Editor), Practical Exotic Animal Medicine, Veterinary Learning Systems: Trenton, N.J. (USA), p. 145-154. ISBN: 18-842-54330.
Descriptors: hamsters, pet care, animal husbandry, animal diseases, mammals, Rodentia, biology.

Bauer, D.J., T.J. Christenson, K.R. Clark, S.K. Powell, and R.A. Swain (2003). Acetaminophen as a postsurgical analgesic in rats: a practical solution to neophobia. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(2): 20-25. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, postoperative care, acetaminophen, analgesia, oral administration, drinking water, drinking, palatability, preoperative care, preanesthetic medication, body weight, feed intake, animal use refinement, veterinary drugs, water intake.

Baumans, V. and E. Kaliste (2004). The welfare of laboratory mice. In: E. Kaliste (Editor), The Welfare of Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare, Vol. XIII, No. 2, Kluwer Academic: Dordrecht, Netherlands, p. 119-152. ISBN: 1402022700.
Descriptors: laboratory animals, mice, Mus musculus, animal welfare, animal experiments, mammals, Rodentia, useful animals.

Bearden, S.E. and S.S. Segal (2005). Neurovascular alignment in adult mouse skeletal muscles. Microcirculation (New York) 12(2): 161-167. ISSN: 1073-9688.
Abstract: Muscle blood flow increases with motor unit recruitment. The physical relationships between somatic motor nerves, which control muscle fiber contraction, and arterioles, which control microvascular perfusion, are unexplored. The authors tested the hypothesis that motor axons align with arterioles in adult skeletal muscle.Transgenic mice (C57BL/6 background, n = 5; 10 months of age) expressing yellow fluorescent protein in all motor nerves underwent vascular casting (Microfil). Excised epitrochlearis, gracilis, gluteus maximus, and spinotrapezius muscles were imaged at 380x and 760x and a computer-integrated tracing system (Neurolucida) was used to acquire 3-dimensional digital renderings of entire arteriolar and neural networks within each muscle. Arteriolar networks were typically similar to 3-fold longer than neural networks. Nerves coursed with arterioles until terminating at motor endplates. Across muscles, proximity analyses revealed that similar to 75% of total nerve length (9.8-48.8 mm) lay within 200 mu m of the nearest arteriole (diameters of 15-60 mu m).
Descriptors: mouse, adult, skeletal muscles, blood flow, neurovascular alignment, arterioles, muscle fiber contraction, nerves.

Bersztel, A., C. Johnsson, A. Bjoerkland, and G. Tufveson (2003). Pretransplant xenogeneic blood transfusions reduce the humoral response in a mouse-to-rat heart transplantation model. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology 57(3): 246-253. ISSN: 0300-9475.
Abstract: A mouse heart transplanted to a rat is rejected promptly 3 days after transplantation, independent of whether cyclosporin A (CyA) is used as an immunosuppressant or not. Adding a short course of deoxyspergualin (DSG) initially, in addition to continuous CyA treatment, results in long-term graft survival and permits retransplantation during CyA monotherapy. In this paper, we have explored the possibility of substituting the initial heart transplant with blood transfusions. Lymphocyte-enriched blood transfusions combined with CyA and an initial course of DSG proved to lower or eliminate the haemagglutinating antibody titre normally seen in acute vascular xenorejection. The therapy, however, did not prolong the mean survival of the cardiac xenograft, but the same treatment protocol could result in either hyperacute rejection or prolonged survival of up to 11 days. In conclusion, this and earlier studies propose that a humoral unresponsiveness can be induced if the recipient vascular circulation is exposed to a xenoantigen in a mouse-to-rat combination.
Descriptors: immunosuppressive agents, heart, xenografts, blood transfusion, immune response, lymphocytes, Cyclosporin A, rats, mice.

Biardi, J.E., R.G. Coss, and D.G. Smith (2000). California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) blood sera inhibits crotalid venom proteolytic activity. Toxicon 38(5): 713-21. ISSN: 0041-0101.
NAL Call Number: 391.8 T66
Abstract: Some California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) show limited necrosis following envenomation by northern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis oreganus). This study demonstrates that S. beecheyi blood sera inhibits venom proteases. Sera from rattlesnake-abundant habitats inhibited C. v. oreganus venom more effectively than venom from two allopatric rattlesnake species, C. v. viridis and C. atrox, suggesting evolutionary specialization. The pattern of inhibition among squirrel populations corresponds best with history of rattlesnake predation, in contrast to current rattlesnake density.
Descriptors: ground squirrel, antivenins physiology, crotalid venoms enzymology, Sciuridae blood, blood serum inhibits venom.

Bishnupuri, K.S. and C. Haldar (2000). Profile of organ weights and plasma concentrations of melatonin, estradiol and progesterone during gestation and post-parturition periods in female Indian palm squirrel Funambulus pennanti. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 38(10): 974-81. ISSN: 0019-5189.
Abstract: To date, report about the role of pineal gland in maintaining the normal physiology of gestation is scanty. Present study is the first of its kind giving a detail profile of organ weights and plasma concentration of melatonin, estradiol and progesterone to suggest a possible role of pineal gland in maintaining normal physiology during gestation and post-parturition periods of female Indian palm squirrel F. pennanti. Inspite of, inverse pineal-gonadal/melatonin-steroids interrelationship in adult (non-pregnant) females, the present results study suggest a direct relationship of pineal gland activity with ovarian steroids especially during the gestation period. The inverse relationship of melatonin and ovarian steroids is again established after parturition and maintained throughout the life. Thus the pineal gland (activity as judged by its weight, biochemical contents i.e. protein and cholesterol and plasma melatonin level) maintained ovarian/uterine physiology and regulated plasma concentrations of estradiol and progesterone during gestation and post-parturition periods. It is suggested that the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin play an important role to maintain the normal physiology of gestation and the post-partum recovery in Indian palm squirrel F. pennanti.
Descriptors: estradiol blood, melatonin blood, postpartum period, progesterone blood, Sciuridae physiology, organ size, pregnancy, animal blood.

Bouwknecht, J.A. and R. Paylor (2002). Behavioral and physiological mouse assays for anxiety: a survey in nine mouse strains. Behavioural Brain Research 136(2): 489-501. ISSN: 0166-4328.
Descriptors: anxiety genetics, anxiety psychology, behavior, animal physiology, body temperature physiology, darkness, exploratory behavior physiology, fever genetics, fever physiopathology, light, mice, inbred mice strains, reproducibility of results, species specificity, stress, psychological genetics, psychological physiopathology, psychological psychology.

Briese, E. (1998). Normal body temperature of rats: the setpoint controversy. NeuroScience and Biobehavioral Reviews 22(3): 427-436. ISSN: 0149-7634.
Descriptors: rats, normal body temperature, set point, controversy, thermoregulation, circadian rhythm.

Burman, O.H.P. and M. Mendl (2000). Short-term social memory in the laboratory rat: its susceptibility to disturbance. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 67(3): 241-254. ISSN: 0168-1591.
NAL Call Number: QL750.A6
Descriptors: rats, memory, duration, animal welfare, aggressive behavior, experimental design.

Chang, C.C., J.S. Hwang, C.C. Chan, P.Y. Wang, T.H. Hu, and T.J. Cheng (2004). Effects of concentrated ambient particles on heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac contractility in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Inhalation Toxicology 16(6-7): 421-429. ISSN: 0895-8378.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown that particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, especially for particles with aerodynamic diameters under 2.5 mu m (PM sub(2.5)). Recent studies have revealed an association between PM pollution and autonomic functions including heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and heart-rate variability. However, the association and linking mechanisms have not been clearly demonstrated in animal studies. Utilizing a novel approach that employs a mixed-effects model to overcome the problems of variations in diseased animals and circadian cycles, we have previously demonstrated an association between concentrated PM sub(2.5) and changes of HR and BP in pulmonary hypertensive rats. The objective of this study is to test the plausibility of this methodology and to demonstrate the particle effects under different pathophysiology. The feasibility of cardiac contractility (measured as QA interval, QAI) as an indicator for PM toxicology was also explored. Four spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats were repeatedly exposed to concentrated PM sub(2.5) during spring and summer. The mass concentration of particles during the 5 h of exposure was 202.0 plus or minus 68.8 (mean plus or minus SE) and 141.0 plus or minus 54.9 mu g/m super(3) for spring and summer experiments, respectively. During spring exposures, the maximum increase of HR and mean BP noted at the end of exposure were 51.6 bpm (p < .001) and 8.7 mm Hg (p = .002), respectively. The maximum decrease of QAI noted at the same time was 1.6 ms (p = .001). Though a similar pattern was demonstrated during summer exposures, the responses were less prominent. We conclude that concentrated PM sub(2.5) may increase HR and mean BP and decrease QAI in SH rats. Our results also show that QAI may be used as an indicator in PM toxicology.
Descriptors: air pollution, hypertension, heart rate, blood pressure, airborne particulates, rats.

Chang, F.T. and L.A. Hart (2002). Human-animal bonds in the laboratory: how animal behavior affects the perspective of caregivers. ILAR Journal 43(1): 10-18. ISSN: 1084-2020.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1I43
Descriptors: laboratory animals, dogs, mice, laboratory workers, anthropology, animal welfare, animal husbandry, training of animals, stress, enrichment, safety at work, work satisfaction, human animal relations, animal technicians, environmental enrichment.

Chickering, J.G. and A.J. Sokoloff (1996). Innervation of propatagial musculature in a flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans (Rodentia, Sciuridae). Brain, Behavior and Evolution 47(1): 1-7. ISSN: 0006-8977.
Abstract: The propatagium of gliding and flying mammals is of both functional and phylogenetic interest. The innervation of the propatagial muscle, platysma II, was studied with the axonal tracer wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) in a flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans. Injections of WGA-HRP into the proximal third of platysma II labeled motoneurons in the lateral part of the medial subdivision of the ipsilateral facial nucleus and in the ipsilateral ventral horn of the brachial enlargement. Injections into distal regions of platysma II labeled motoneurons in the ipsilateral ventral horn of spinal segments C5-C8 but not in the facial nucleus. Injections along the whole length of the muscle labeled afferent axons in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of spinal segments C4-T1. These results demonstrate a mixed facial and spinal motor innervation of propatagial musculature in the flying squirrel and indicate that this pattern of mixed innervation is more widespread among flying and gliding mammals than previously reported. Mixed facial and cervical propatagial innervation, independently derived in different flying and gliding mammals, may represent a common solution in the design of the propatagium. These findings complicate the use of propatagial muscle innervation patterns for the establishment of phylogenetic relationships among flying and gliding mammals.
Descriptors: evolution, flight, animal physiology, forelimb innervation, motor neurons ultrastructure, neck muscles innervation, phylogeny, Sciuridae anatomy and histology, afferent pathways anatomy and histology, axons ultrastructure, facial nerve anatomy and histology, ganglia, spinal anatomy and histology, laterality physiology, muscle, skeletal innervation.

Chovan, J.P., E. Yu, and S.C. Ring (2004). Comparison of metabolism between nude (athymic) and CD1 mice. Drug Metabolism Reviews 36(Supplement 1): 240. ISSN: 0360-2532.
Descriptors: biochemistry and molecular biophysics, pharmacology, drug metabolism, mouse strain comparison, nude, CD1.
Notes: Meeting Information: 7th International Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics, August 29-September 02, 2004, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Coatney, R.W. (2001). Ultrasound imaging: principles and applications in rodent research. ILAR Journal 42(3): 233-247. ISSN: 1084-2020.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1I43
Descriptors: ultrasonography, mice, rats, animal experiments, impedance, tissues, transducers, imagery, heart, animal welfare, literature reviews, ultrasound biomicroscopy, animal use refinement.

Compton, S.R. and L.K. Riley (2001). Detection of infectious agents in laboratory rodents: traditional and molecular techniques. Comparative Medicine 51(2): 113-119. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Methods to detect infectious agents in laboratory animals have traditionally been serological and culture based. Molecular methods to detect infectious agents in laboratory animals are being used more routinely. Confusion as to when and how to use molecular methods abounds. In this review, we present a guide to the weaknesses and strengths of using traditional and molecular methods for the detection of infectious agents in laboratory animals.
Descriptors: laboratory mammals, immunodiagnosis, diagnostic techniques, diagnostic value, polymerase chain reaction, mice, murine hepatitis virus, outbreaks, disease control, helicobacter, bacterial diseases, rapid methods, feces, tissue cultures, microbial contamination, pathogenicity, epidemiology, sampling, sample processing, accuracy, false positive results, specificity.

Crawley, J.N. (2003). Behavioral phenotyping of rodents. Comparative Medicine 53(2): 140-146. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Established methods for analyzing behavioral traits in mutant lines of mice allow researchers to understand the outcomes of genetic manipulations in the nervous system. A rigorous six-tiered behavioral phenotyping strategy is described. Recommendations are offered for the design of mouse behavioral testing suites in animal housing facilities.
Descriptors: mice, laboratory animals, animal behavior, phenotype, phenotypic variation, transgenic animals, knockout mutants, fearfulness, avoidance conditioning, conditioned behavior, neurophysiology, statistical analysis, experimental design, working conditions, research facilities.

Davis, J.A. (1999-2000). The triple A approach to ensuring animal welfare. Animal Welfare Information Center Bulletin 10(3-4): 1-2, 20-22. ISSN: 1522-7553.
Online: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/newsletters/v10n3/10n3davi.htm
NAL Call Number: aHV4701.A952
Descriptors: laboratory animals, mice, animal welfare, pain, mental stress, clinical aspects, disease course, weight losses, body weight, euthanasia, clinical examination, gait, body temperature, experimental design, animal handling, endpoints, animal use refinement.

Davisson, M.T. (1999). The future for animal models. Lab Animal 28(10): 53-56. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: mice, animal experiments, medical research, transgenic animals, genetic disorders, gene expression, genetic markers, barrier husbandry, costs, animal welfare.

De Angelis, K., V.M. Gama, V.A.M. Farah, and M.C. Irigoyen (2005). Blood flow measurements in rats using four color microspheres during blockade of different vasopressor systems. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 38(1): 119-126. ISSN: 0100-879X.
Descriptors: rats, blood flow, microspheres, four color, vasopressor systems, measurements, blockade.

De Vries, C.R., P.E. Sizemore, P.A. De Vries, and H. Xin (1998). Scanning EM and light microscopic study of normal urethral development in the rat. Pediatrics 102(3, Part 2): 846. ISSN: 0031-4005.
Descriptors: rat, normal urethral development, study, light microscope, scanning EM.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics, October 16-21, 1998, San Francisco, California, USA.

Dedja, A., L. Dall'olmo, R. Cadrobbi, N. Baldan, F. Fante, F. Calabrese, P. Rigotti, M. Ferraresso, L. Delriviere, E. Cozzi, and E. Ancona (2005). Heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation in rodents: report of a refined technique in a hamster-to-rat model. Microsurgery 25(3): 227-234. ISSN: 0738-1085.
Descriptors: methods and techniques, cardiovascular system, transport and circulation, xenotransplantation, laboratory techniques, cardiac xenotransplantation, xenograft rejection, immunosuppressive strategies, organ preservation.

Demir, S.S. (2004). Computational modeling of cardiac ventricular action potentials in rat and mouse: review. Japanese Journal of Physiology 54(6): 523-530. ISSN: 0021-521X.
Abstract: Little is known about the ionic mechanisms underlying the action potential heterogeneity in ventricle-associated healthy and disease conditions, even though five decades of histological, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and biochemical investigations exist. The computational modeling in murine ventricular myocytes can complement our knowledge of the experimental data and provide us with more quantitative descriptions in understanding different conditions related to normal and disease conditions. This paper initially reviews the theoretical modeling for cardiac ventricular action potentials of various species and the related experimental work. It then presents the progress of the computational modeling of cardiac ventricular cells for normal, diabetic, and spontaneously hypertensive rats. The paper also introduces recent modeling efforts for the action potential heterogeneity in mouse ventricular cells. The computational insights gained into the ionic mechanisms in rodents will continue to enhance our understanding of the heart and provide us with new knowledge for future studies to treat cardiac diseases in children and adults. Because the dissemination of computational models is very important, we continue to disseminate these models by iCell, the interactive cell modeling resource. iCell (http://ssd1.bme.memphis.edu/icell/) has been developed as a simulation-based teaching and learning tool for electrophysiology and contains JAVA applets that present models of various cardiac cells and neurons and simulation data of their bioelectric activities at cellular level.
Descriptors: cardiovascular system, transport and circulation, models and simulations, computational biology, computational modeling, mathematical and computer techniques, action potential, iCell.

Deng, J., M. St. Clair, C. Everett, M. Reitman, and R.A. Star (2000). Buprenorphine given after surgery does not alter renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Comparative Medicine 50(6): 628-632. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Background and Purpose: Potential drugs for human acute renal failure are often tested in an animal model of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Analgesics are often not given after surgery because of concerns that they would alter renal function. Therefore, we tested whether postoperative analgesia would alter animal health or affect the degree of renal injury. Methods: Mice were subjected to either 32 or 37 minutes of renal ischemia, given two or six doses of buprenorphine or vehicle at 12-hour intervals, and followed for 72 hours. In some animals, we measured body temperature and physical activity by use of telemetry. Results: Animals treated with buprenorphine recovered more rapidly from surgery based on postoperative activity, and had a small but not significant tendency for faster restoration of normal body temperature. Animals treated with buprenorphine had less weight loss after 37 minutes of ischemia. Buprenorphine given after surgery did not influence the degree of renal injury after ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions: Buprenorphine should be given after renal ischemia-reperfusion surgery because administration of the proper analgesic improved animal health without interfering with the renal ischemia/reperfusion model. Analgesic treatment at the time of the operation and 12 hours after was sufficient. Buprenorphine may reduce the post-surgical stress response, and thus potentially improve the specificity of testing for drugs that reduce or treat renal injury.
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, animal models, analgesics, postoperative care, kidneys, ischemia, renal function, body temperature, physical activity, body weight, pain, histopathology, animal welfare.

Dennis Jr., M.B. (2002). Welfare issues of genetically modified animals. ILAR Journal 43(2): 100-109. ISSN: 1084-2020.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1I43
Descriptors: mice, laboratory animals, transgenic animals, animal models, animal welfare, morbidity, mortality, genetic engineering, animal use alternatives, phenotype, animal use refinement, animal use reduction, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, committees.

Diven, K. (2003). Inhalation anesthetics in rodents. Lab Animal 32(3): 44-47. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, laboratory animals, general anesthetics, intranasal administration, depth of anesthesia, veterinary equipment, animal welfare, researchers.

Dong, G.H., B. Xu, C.T. Wang, J.J. Qian, H. Liu, G. Huang, and H. Jing (2005). A rat model of cardiopulmonary bypass with excellent survival. Journal of Surgical Research 123(2): 171-175. ISSN: 0022-4804.
Descriptors: methods and techniques, blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, cardiovascular system, transport and circulation, cardiopulmonary bypass, therapeutic and prophylactic techniques, clinical techniques, blood gas analysis, clinical techniques, membrane oxygenator, medical equipment, roller pump, medical equipment, hemodynamic investigation, clinical techniques, survival.

Duff, J.P., R.J. Higgins, A.W. Sainsbury, and S.K. Macgregor (2001). Zoonotic infections in red squirrels. Veterinary Record 148(4): 123-4. ISSN: 0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: rodent diseases epidemiology, Sciuridae, zoonoses epidemiology, zoonoses microbiology, zoonoses parasitology, bacterial infections epidemiology, bacterial infections veterinary, Great Britain epidemiology, helminthiasis, animal epidemiology, parapoxvirus, poxviridae infections epidemiology, poxviridae infections veterinary, rodent diseases microbiology, rodent diseases parasitology, toxoplasmosis, animal epidemiology.

Duke, J.L., T.G. Zammit, and D.M. Lawson (2001). The effects of routine cage-changing on cardiovascular and behavioral parameters in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40(1): 17-20. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory mammals, animal husbandry, cleaning, blood pressure, heart rate, telemetry, data collection, physical activity, animal behavior, duration, frequency, fearfulness, stress, arousal behavior.

Emond, M., S. Faubert, and M. Perkins (2003). Social conflict reduction program for male mice. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(5): 24-6. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Abstract: Aggression within caged groups of unfamiliar male mice can be a serious welfare problem for maintaining mice in the laboratory. At our Center, two observation periods were set aside daily in order to identify, according to previously described behaviors, dominant mice and separate these when indicated. By reducing or eliminating the number of aggressive acts between group members in the same cage, our social conflict reduction program has led to a 57% reduction of mice being reported for clinical signs, death, and euthanasia. Welfare concerns seemed to be addressed. Therefore the program we implemented to reduce social conflict was effective in decreasing injuries and loss due to fighting. Minimizing aggression will have the additional benefit of reducing the confounding effect of stress on an animal's performance in experimental situations. This simple yet humane program can be applied easily to other animal facilities where male Crl:CD-1 mice (and possibly other stocks or strains) are used and fighting is a concern.
Descriptors: aggression psychology, conflict psychology, housing, animal, sex behavior, animal, animal welfare, hostility, mice, inbred mice strains, social dominance.

Essner Jr., R.L. (2002). Three-dimensional launch kinematics in leaping, parachuting and gliding squirrels. Journal of Experimental Biology 205(Part 16): 2469-77. ISSN: 0022-0949.
Abstract: Leaping, parachuting and gliding are the primary means by which arboreal squirrels negotiate gaps in the canopy. There are notable differences among the three locomotor modes with respect to mid-air postures and aerodynamics, yet it is unclear whether variation should also be expected during the launch phase of locomotion. To address this question, launch kinematic profiles were compared in leaping (Tamias striatus), parachuting (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and gliding (Glaucomys volans) squirrels. Animals were filmed launching to the ground from a platform using high-speed video. Statistical comparisons among taxa indicated that only six out of 23 variables were significantly different among the three species. Two were associated with tail kinematics and were a consequence of tail morphology. Two were forelimb-related and discriminated gliding from non-gliding taxa. The remaining two variables were performance attributes, indicating significant variation among the species in take-off velocity and horizontal range. The absence of significant differences in hindlimb kinematics indicates that propulsion is essentially identical in leaping, parachuting and gliding squirrels.
Descriptors: flight, gliding squirrels, leaping, parachuting, three dimensional kinematics, locomotor modes, propulsion.

Farriol, M., J. Rossello, and S. Schwartz (1997). Die Messung der Koerperoberflaeche bei Sprague-Dawley Ratten. [Body surface area in Sprague-Dawley rats]. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 77(2): 61-65. ISSN: 0931-2439.
Abstract: Die Koerperoberflaeche von Sprague-Dawley Ratten wurde gemessen und mit aus vier mathematischen Formeln abgeleiteten Werten verglichen. Die Werte aus den Gleichungen der Autoren MEEH, RUBNER und SAN ROMAN unterschieden sich sign. von den gemessenen Werten. Bei der Formel von VALLOIS wurden keine sign. Unterschiede gefunden. Mit der Formel von VALLOIS wird die Koerperoberflaeche kleiner Tiere unterschaetzt und die grosser Tiere um durschnittl. 20 qcm ueberschaetzt.
Descriptors: rats, body conformation, body measurements, methods, mathematical models, mammals, models, Rodentia.
Language of Text: German summary.

Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (1996). FELASA recommendations for the health monitoring of mouse, rat, hamster, gerbil, guineapig and rabbit experimental units. Report of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Working Group on Animal Health accepted by the FELASA board of management, November 1995. Laboratornye Zhivotnye 6(3): 168-176.
Descriptors: mouse, rat, gerbil, hamster, rabbit, guinea pig, health monitoring, recommendations, FELSA, Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations.

Fehr, M. (2002). Nyulak, tengerimalacok, kisragcsalok es hullok allatvedelmi kovetelmenyeknek megfelelo eutanaziaja. [Euthanasia of rabbits, guineapigs, rodents and reptiles, respecting animal welfare requirements]. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 124(5): 307-311. ISSN: 0025-004X.
Descriptors: animal welfare, euthanasia, guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, rats, reptiles.
Language of Text: Hungarian.

Feoktistova, N.Y. and I.G. Meschersky (2005). Seasonal changes in desert hamster Phodopus roborovskii breeding activity. Acta Zoologica Sinica 51(1): 1-6. ISSN: 0001-7302.
Abstract: Data on desert hamster Phodopus roborovskii winter activity and seasonal patterns of reproduction are scarce. During 9 years we maintain a colony of desert hamsters under natural temperature and light regimes. These natural conditions suggest that the data on breeding activity may be in a good accordance with that in the wild. None of observed animals showed signs of torpor or hibernation in winter - even at about 40 degrees C below zero. The first peak of breeding (2.4 litters born per 10 pairs and 3.5 pups per litter in average) occurs in April and the second one (2.9 - 2.6 litters per 10 pairs and 3.9 - 3.6 pups per litter in average) in June - July. In autumn and early winter, the intensity of breeding declines to 0.1 - 0.4 litters per 10 pairs but does not cease completely. All adult males have visible testes and all adult females have opened vaginas entries through the year. The averaged males' plasma level of testosterone, being maximal in summer, declines in autumn and early winter, but single hamsters keep their testosterone high even under shortest photoperiod and during cold months. In spring, average testosterone level significantly increases but does not reach summer values.
Descriptors: behavior, endocrine system, chemical coordination and homeostasis, reproductive system, reproduction, seasonal change, winter activity, breeding activity.

Fernandez, M.L. (2001). Guinea pigs as models for cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism. Journal of Nutrition 131(1): 10-20. ISSN: 0022-3166.
NAL Call Number: 389.8 J82
Abstract: Guinea pigs carry the majority of their plasma cholesterol in LDL, making them a unique animal model with which to study hepatic cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism. In this review, the benefits and advantages of using this particular model are discussed. How dietary factors such as soluble fiber, cholesterol and fatty acids that vary in saturation and chain length affect hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and influence the synthesis, intravascular processing and catabolism of lipoproteins is reviewed. In addition, alterations in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and plasma lipoproteins as affected by treatment with cholestyramine or 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, exercise, marginal intake of vitamin C, ovariectomy (a model for menopause) and similarities to the human situation are addressed. A review of guinea pigs as models for early atherosclerosis development is also presented.
Descriptors: guinea pigs, animal models, cholesterol metabolism, lipoproteins, lipid metabolism, blood lipids, blood plasma, liver, nutrition research, enzyme activity, aminoacyltransferases, cholesterol 7alpha monooxygenase, low density lipoprotein, cholesteryl esters, animal proteins, receptors, high density lipoprotein, dietary fat, exercise, drug therapy, biological development, ascorbic acid, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diet related diseases, acyl coenzyme a cholesterol acyltransferase, cholesteryl ester transfer protein.

Flecknell, P. (1998). Developments in the veterinary care of rabbits and rodents. In Practice 29(6): 286-295. ISSN: 0263-841X.
Descriptors: treatment, pets, anesthesia, antibiotics, drug therapy, rabbits, rodents.

Foden, N.D., G. Lees, and R.M. Jones (1998). Effects of temperature and isoflurane GABAA receptor function in cultured rat neurones: contribution to reduced anaesthetic requirement. British Journal of Anaesthesia 80(4): 547. ISSN: 0007-0912.
Descriptors: rat neruones, temperature, isoflurane, effects, GABAA receptor function, anesthetic.
Notes: Meeting Information: Proceedings of the Anaesthetic Research Society, November 20-22, 1997, London, England, UK.

Galsworthy, M.J., I. Amrein, P.A. Kuptsov, I.I. Poletaeva, P. Zinn, A. Rau, A. Vyssotski, and H.P. Lipp (2005). A comparison of wild-caught wood mice and bank voles in the Intellicage: assessing exploration, daily activity patterns and place learning paradigms. Behavioural Brain Research 157(2): 211-217. ISSN: 0166-4328.
Abstract: Our previous work has revealed very high baseline neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of wood mice as compared particularly to bank voles; a difference which may be related to learning capacity. This study explored whether the newly-developed Intellicage system could be used to compare these species in simple spatial learning paradigms. The Intellicage is essentially a group-housing cage that also allows continuous automatic recording of each individual's behaviour. Seven wild-caught bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were compared with seven wild-caught long-tailed wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) in the Intellicage system over 9 days. During the first 90 min after entering the cage, the wood mice were substantially more exploratory than the bank voles (P = 0.003). Over subsequent days, both species showed nocturnal activity increases with voles being 3.7 times more active overall. In the spatial learning paradigms, there were significant species-by-time interactions with wood mice outperforming bank voles on both place learning (P = 0.027) and subsequent reversal (P = 0.006). Conclusions are firstly that the wood mice show superior learning abilities in this paradigm, and secondly that the Intellicage serves as a valuable cognitive testing arena for small wild rodents, or for circumstances where cognition must be compared independent of different responses to handling or novel environments.
Descriptors: wood mice, bank voles, exploration, wild caught, activity patterns, learning, Intellicage.

Gillingham, M.B., M.D. Clark, E.M. Dahly, L.A. Krugner Higby, and D.M. Ney (2001). A comparison of two opioid analgesics for relief of visceral pain induced by intestinal resection in rats. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40(1): 21-26. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory mammals, opioids, analgesics, pain, morphine, thebaine, pharmacology, intestine resection, postoperative care, animal behavior, posture, grooming, intravenous injection, infusion, urination, adverse effects, animal welfare, oxymorphone, buprenorphine, bolus injection, continuous infusion, animal use refinement.

Gos, T., R. Hauser, and M. Krzyzanowski (2002). Regional distribution of glutamate in the central nervous system of rat terminated by carbon dioxide euthanasia. Laboratory Animals 36(2): 127-133. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Carbon dioxide euthanasia is an established method for the termination of small laboratory animals. It has also been employed by the authors in neurobiological research on the postmortem glutamate concentration in the structures of rat brains. The following investigations were aimed at optimizing the termination procedure based on the CO2 saturation rate of the inhaled air. Two rates of CO2 flow were applied, and the higher one significantly augmented the glutamate level in the hippocampus and cerebellum. The relationship between this finding and signs of central fear reaction is discussed. The authors conclude that lower rather than higher CO2 flow in euthanasia procedures is gentler and is therefore preferable for use with laboratory animals.
Descriptors: rats, euthanasia, carbon dioxide, dosage, fearfulness, animal welfare, amygdala, hippocampus, cerebellum, glutamic acid, animal use refinement.

Gupta, R.P., P.C. Verma, and G.C. Chaturvedi (1999). Experimental salmonellosis in guinea-pigs: haematological and biochemical studies. Veterinary Research Communications 23(7): 415-424. ISSN: 0165-7380.
NAL Call Number: SF601.V38
Descriptors: guinea pigs, Salmonella, hematology, biochemistry, pathogenesis, blood chemistry, experimental infections, animal models, body temperature, body weight, weight losses, symptoms, depression, leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, volume, anemia, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, globulins, albumins, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, enzyme activity.

Hackbarth, H., N. Kuppers, and W. Bohnet (2000). Euthanasia of rats with carbon dioxide--animal welfare aspects. Laboratory Animals 34(1): 91-96. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Descriptors: rats, euthanasia, carbon dioxide, animal welfare, respiration rate, blood sugar, blood serum, corticosterone, corticotropin, death, distress.

Harkin, A., T.J. Connor, J.M. O'Donnell, and J.P. Kelly (2002). Physiological and behavioral responses to stress: What does a rat find stressful. Lab Animal 31(4): 42-50. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, stress, animal behavior, stress factors, telemetry, transponders, responses, duration, heart rate, body temperature, locomotion, physical activity, cage density, litter, feces, subcutaneous injection, escape responses, lighting, odors, cage size, animal testing alternatives, animal handling, pair housing, confinement, stroboscopic lighting, animal use refinement.

Harris, M.B. and W.K. Milsom (2001). Vagal feedback is essential for breathing in unanesthetized ground squirrels. Respiration Physiology 125(3): 199-212. ISSN: 0034-5687.
Abstract: The roles of vagal afferent feedback in terminating inspiration and modulating breathing pattern and ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia were assessed in the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis, during wakefulness and urethane anesthesia. Hypoxia increased ventilation primarily through increases in breathing frequency (f(R)) while hypercapnia increased ventilation primarily through increases in tidal volume (V(T)) in both anesthetized and unanesthetized animals. Vagotomy resulted in an increase in tidal volume, a decrease in breathing frequency and ventilation, and depressed ventilatory responses to both hypoxia and hypercapnia in anesthetized animals. In unanesthetized animals vagotomy produced a transient 'gasp-like' breathing pattern that rapidly progressed to a non-obstructive central apnea. These data indicate that vagal feedback shapes ventilation on a breath-by-breath basis during anesthesia and is essential for ventilation in unanesthetized animals. The mechanisms that transform the influences of vagal input on breathing between anesthetized and unanesthetized states remain unclear. Changes in breathing pattern induced by the removal of vagal feedback compromise chemoreflexes.
Descriptors: ground squirrels, inspiration, breathing pattern, vagal feedback, breathing, vagotomy.

Hascoet, M. and M. Bourin (1998). A new approach to the light/dark test procedure in mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 60(3): 645-653. ISSN: 0091-3057.
Descriptors: mice, light-dark test, anxiolytic agents, diazepam, computer integrated, strain differences, locomotor activity.

Hascoet, M., M. Bourin, and B.A. Dhonnchadha (2001). The mouse light-dark paradigm: a review. Progress in Neuro Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 25(1): 141-166. ISSN: 0278-5846.
Descriptors: mouse, light, dark, behavior, nervous system, neural coordination, stressors, rodents, anxiolytic, black and white test.

Hawkins, P., M. Berdoy, R. Deacon, P. Morrison, B. Sandells, A. Peters, R. Lewis, K. Harding, D. Jones, M. Jennings, and R. Hubrecht (2001). Report of the 2000 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group meeting. Animal Technology 52(1): 29-42. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: QL55.I5
Descriptors: animal behavior, animal housing, animal welfare, environmental factors, rodent welfare, mice, rats, UFAW.

Hawkins, P., M. Heath, C. Dickson, D. Wrightson, P. Brain, G. Grant, and R. Hubrecht (1999). Report of the 1998 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group meeting. Animal Technology 50(1): 41-49. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: QL55.I5
Descriptors: animal welfare, laboratory animals, cages, housing, stress, diets, behavior, transgenic animals, rodents, rats, mice.

Hawkins, P., R. Reid, C. Nevison, M. Leach, J. Higgins, D. Eagle, S. Redrobe, D. Robertson, D. Smith, M. Jennings, and R. Hubrecht (1999). Report of the 1999 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group meeting. Animal Technology 50(3): 173-180. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: QL55.I5
Descriptors: animal welfare, laboratory animals, animal experiments, animal housing, rodents, UFAW.

Hawkins, P., J. Roughan, A. Wilson, J. Sales, K. Clarke, P. Warn, P. Thornton, M. Jennings, and R. Hubrecht (2002). Assessing rodent wellbeing: report of the 2001 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group meeting. Animal Technology and Welfare 1(1): 3-12. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: SF757.A62
Descriptors: rodent wellbeing, assessing, animal welfare, mice, rats, UFAW, report.
Language of Text: French, Spanish, and Italian summaries.

Hayes, K.E., J.A. Raucci Jr., N.M. Gades, and L.A. Toth (2000). An evaluation of analgesic regimens for abdominal surgery in mice. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 39(6): 18-23. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, laboratory animals, postoperative care, analgesics, dosage, acetaminophen, feed intake, water intake, animal experiments, animal welfare, ibuprofen, buprenorphine, animal use refinement.

Hayssen, V. (2001). Body and organ mass in agouti and non-agouti deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A, Molecular and Integrative Physiology 130(2): 311-21. ISSN: 1095-6433.
NAL Call Number: QP1.C6
Abstract: Body, adrenal, brain, heart, liver, kidney, spleen and testis masses were determined for agouti and non-agouti deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis) of both sexes. Body mass was highest for non-agouti females and lowest for agouti females; and sex differences in body mass were significant for agouti, but not non-agouti, deer mice. Adrenal, brain and liver masses were similar between color morphs; heart mass was greater in agouti males; and kidney, spleen and testis masses were all significantly greater for non-agouti deer mice. Splenomegaly in non-agouti deer mice was prominent, as spleens of non-agouti deer mice were 50% larger than those of agouti animals. Sex differences varied across organs and color morphs. For both color morphs, males had heavier adrenals and brains, whereas females had heavier livers and spleens. Kidney and heart mass was greater for female non-agouti deer mice, but for agouti animals, heart mass was greater in males and kidney mass differed little between the sexes. For both color morphs, testes and spleen mass was altered by photoperiod in 72 deer mice housed under short- or long-day conditions and the effect was stronger in non-agouti animals. This is the first report of splenomegaly and sex-specific body mass differences associated with the non-agouti allele.
Descriptors: deer mice, body weight, anatomy, agouti, non agouti, histology, organ size, body mass, organ mass, sex differences.

Hayton, S.M., A. Kriss, and D.P.R. Muller (1999). Comparison of the effects of four anaesthetic agents on somatosensory evoked potentials in the rat. Laboratory Animals 33(3): 243-251. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Electrophysiological techniques provide an objective and non-invasive measure of neurological function. In order to undertake detailed evoked potential studies in rats on repeated occasions, it is necessary to find an appropriate anaesthetic agent which has minimal and reproducible effects on the parameters to be studied and also has a minimal effect on the general welfare of the animals. In this study we compared the effects of four common anaesthetic agents (ketamine-xylazine, medetomidine, isoflurane and fentanyl/fluanisone-midazolam) on somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in rats following electrical stimulation of the fore- and hind-paw. Fentanyl/fluanisone-midazolam was found to be well tolerated by the animals and to have, in general, the least deleterious effect on SEPs. For example, the response recorded at the level of the somatosensory cortex (P1), following forelimb stimulation, appeared on average 1.80 ms earlier with fentanyl/fluanisone-midazolam than with the other agents and the peak-to-peak amplitude (CI to CII) of the response recorded at the cervical (C3) level was on average 5.86 microvolt greater with fentanyl/fluanisone-midazolam. Fentanyl/fluanisone-midazolam is, therefore, recommended as the anaesthetic of choice for longitudinal studies of SEPs in the rat.
Descriptors: rats, anesthesia, ketamine, xylazine, medetomidine, isoflurane, fentanyl, electrical stimulation, responses, injectable anesthetics, cerebral cortex, fluanisone, midazolam.

Heinrichs, S.C. (2001). Mouse feeding behavior: ethology, regulatory mechanisms and utility for mutant phenotyping. Behavioural Brain Research 125(1-2): 81-88. ISSN: 0166-4328.
Descriptors: mouse, feeding behavior, regulatory mechanisms, mutant phenotyping, ingestive behavior, genetically obese.

Hopley, R. and A. Zimmer (2001). Mousebank: a database application for managing transgenic mouse breeding programs. Biotechniques 30(1): 130-132. ISSN: 0736-6205.
Descriptors: mousebank, database, transgenic mouse, breeding programs, managing, computers, application.

Hosokawa, M., T. Abe, K. Higuchi, K. Shimakawa, Y. Omori, T. Matsushita, K. Kogishi, E. Deguchi, Y. Kishimoto, K. Yasuoka, and T. Takeda (1997). Management and design of the maintenance of SAM mouse strains: an animal model for accelerated senescence and age-associated disorders. Experimental Gerontology 32(1-2): 111-116. ISSN: 0531-5565.
Descriptors: SAM mouse, strains, management, design, animal model, maintenance, age, associated disorders, senescence.

Howroyd, P., R. Hoyle Thacker, O. Lyght, D. Williams, and E. Kleymenova (2005). Morphology of the fetal rat testis preserved in different fixatives. Toxicologic Pathology 33(2): 300-304. ISSN: 0192-6233.
Abstract: Histopathological examination of the testes of exposed fetuses and neonates is important in assessing the developmental effects of environmental toxins, including sex hormone modulators. Modified Davidson's fluid (mDF) has been suggested as a superior substitute for Bonin's fluid for fixation of adult animal testes. We compared the morphology of fetal rat testes stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or immunochemically after fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF), Boom's fluid, or mDF. Fixation in mDF resulted in more sharply defined nuclear detail and better preservation of cellular cytoplasm on H&E-stained sections of rat testes on gestation day 19. Use of Boom's fluid did not allow satisfactory detection of apoptotic cells by fluorescent terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick labeling. Staining with the immunoperoxidase system and the conventional chromogen diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride to visualize 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-positive cells demonstrated that the number of positive nuclei and intensity of staining were similar with all 3 fixatives. Immunostaining for cytoskeletal protein vimentin was more intense and provided better details of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm with formalin fixation than with mDF. Our study demonstrates that fixation in mDF provided better morphologic detail in the fetal rat testis compared with 10% NBF and Bonin's fluid and illustrates the importance of establishing the correct fixation conditions for each immunostaining protocol.
Descriptors: methods and techniques, reproduction, fluorescent terminal deoxynucleotide transferase mediated deoxy-UTP nick labeling, laboratory techniques, immunochemistry, immunologic techniques, laboratory techniques.

Ignat'ev, D.A., R.Y. Gordon, V.V. Vorob'ev, and V.V. Rogachevsky (2005). A comparative analysis of restoration of electroencephalographic and protein-synthesizing activities in neocortex and hippocampus in hibernating (ground squirrels) and nonhibernating (rats) animals during exit from hypothermia. Biofizika 50(1): 140-151. ISSN: 0006-3029.
Abstract: A similarity in the sequence of restoration of the EEG spectrum between ground squirrels arousing from torpor and rats passing out of artificial hypothermia (17-18degreeC) was shown. First of all, the low-frequency part of the EEG spectrum was restored. As animals warmed up, their breathing became hurried, cold shivering appeared, and the theta- and alpha-rhythms increased. During the exit from hypothermia, the activity of the protein-synthesizing system in both rats and ground squirrels was almost entirely restored when the animal body temperature achieved 21-22degreeC. In ground squirrel, the rate of protein synthesis in the neocortex was lower than in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 areas, whereas in rats, on the contrary, it was higher in the neocortex in comparison with the CA3 area.
Descriptors: rats, ground squirrels, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, metabolism, nervous system, neural coordination, electroencephalography, EEG, clinical techniques, diagnostic techniques, hibernation, hypothermia.

Inoue, T., Y. Adachi, S. Ninomiya, Y. Soeno, C. Tateno, H. Toru, T. Sudo, and K. Yoshizato (2004). Ultimate predictability for human drug disposition using chimera mice. Drug Metabolism Reviews 36(Supplement 1): 241. ISSN: 0360-2532.
Descriptors: chimera mice, predictability, human drug disposition, metabolism, pharmaceuticals, pharmacology.
Notes: Meeting Information: 7th International Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics, August 29-September 02, 2004, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Jablonski, P. and B.O. Howden (2002). Oral buprenorphine and aspirin analgesia in rats undergoing liver transplantation. Laboratory Animals 36(2): 134-143. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: The objective of this study was to establish effective postoperative analgesia for Dark Agouti rats undergoing liver transplantation with minimal additional stress due to handling and no adverse effect on transplant outcome. Oral administration of buprenorphine (0.5 mg/kg/dose) or aspirin (100 mg/kg/dose) in raspberry-flavoured gelatine were compared to controls receiving no treatment or plain gelatine. The drugs were presented five times: immediately on recovery from anaesthesia and at 12 h intervals thereafter. All rats underwent right nephrectomy and replacement of their liver by an arterialized liver isograft preserved optimally for 24 h. All groups had reversible hepatic damage, lost weight and demonstrated severely reduced dark cycle activity after surgery. Neither treatment appeared to ameliorate the loss of body weight that probably reflected hepatic insufficiency during the first week as well as pain and surgical stress. In the second week, when liver function was 'normal', rats began to regain weight at the pre-transplant rate. Aspirin treatment significantly increased activity during the first and second dark cycles after surgery, whereas buprenorphine significantly increased activity during the second dark cycle only. Neither drug had any apparent adverse effects on the rats or on graft function. Postoperative oral administration of aspirin should be incorporated into future programmes of liver transplantation in rodents. More effective treatment in the immediate postoperative period may require oral administration of analgesia prior to surgery or a single subcutaneous injection of an analgesic agent on completion of surgery in addition to postoperative oral. administration of aspirin.
Descriptors: rats, postoperative care, aspirin, opium alkaloids, body weight, liver, weight, blood plasma, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, enzyme activity, creatine, bilirubin, physical activity, animal welfare, animal use refinement.

Jablonski, P., B.O. Howden, and K. Baxter (2001). Influence of buprenorphine analgesia on post-operative recovery in two strains of rats. Laboratory Animals 35(3): 213-222. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: The objective of this study was to establish an effective post-operative analgesic regimen for Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Dark Agouti (DA) rats. Buprenorphine (0.01 or 0.05 mg/kg), a partial mu opioid agonist, was administered subcutaneously immediately on completion of a standardized surgical procedure, involving anaesthesia, laparotomy and visceral manipulation. Two of the four treatment groups and the saline control group received a second injection 9 h later. Behavioural observations by three independent observers provided no information in assessing pain in this model. All rats lost weight, consumed less food and water after surgery. On the first day, both SD and DA rats receiving buprenorphine lost less weight than untreated control groups. Using weight loss as an efficacy criterion, low-dose buprenorphine, given once or twice, provided effective analgesia in SD rats. A higher single dose provided no additional benefit and a second dose was detrimental, reducing body weight and food intake. In DA rats, the high dose, given twice, appeared to be more effective than the lower dose. All DA cage cohorts consumed <10% pre-operative food despite buprenorphine treatment, suggesting a higher dosage may be necessary. However, all SD and 80% DA rats who received no buprenorphine gained body weight on the second day, whereas most of the buprenorphine-treated rats continued to lose weight for another 2 days, despite increased food consumption by both strains. Buprenorphine may adversely affect intestinal function over a number of days due to its enterohepatic circulation; this effect may be more severe in DA rats. Adverse metabolic effects of buprenorphine and other opioids may preclude their use. in the future if it can be shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide equally effective analgesia.
Descriptors: rats, strain differences, laboratory mammals, postoperative care, analgesics, pain, weight losses, feed intake, water intake, dosage, adverse effects, drug effects, pharmacokinetics, animal welfare, animal testing alternatives, animal use refinement.

Jackson, R.K. (1997). Unusual laboratory rodent species: research uses, care, and associated biohazards. ILAR Journal 38(1): 13-21. ISSN: 1084-2020.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1I43
Descriptors: rodents, voles, Rodentia, squirrels, laboratory animals, animal models, experimentation, medical sciences, research, mammals, noxious animals, noxious mammals, pests, Rodentia, useful animals, Octodon degus, microtus, clethrionomys, peromyscus, Sigmodon hispidus, spermophilus, praomys, marmota.

Jankovic, J. and J.L. Noebels (2005). Genetic mouse models of essential tremor: are they essential? Journal of Clinical Investigation 115(3): 584-586. ISSN: 0021-9738.
Descriptors: mouse models, genetic, essential tremor, ET, neurological disorder, phenotype, clinical characteristics, human condition.

Jegstrup, I., R. Thon, A.K. Hansen, and M.R. Hoitinga (2003). Characterization of transgenic mice - a comparison of protocols for welfare evaluation and phenotype characterization of mice with a suggestion on a future certificate of instruction. Laboratory Animals 37(1): 1-9. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Descriptors: transgenic mice, characterization, welfare evaluation, phenotype, protocols, special needs, humane endpoints.

Jenkins, E.S. and R.D. Combes (1999). Transgenic models for prion disease: have they outlived their useful purpose. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 27(Supplement 1): 827-838. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Abstract: Prions are a recently identified class of proteinaceous pathological agents. Prion diseases are fatal neurological disorders, the importance of which is exemplified by the recent emergence of a novel variant of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) in humans. During pathogenesis, prion proteins undergo a conformational change, which converts the normal isoform to a pathogenic isoform. Several approaches are available for studying prion disease. The predominant approach has involved in vivo studies, especially involving transgenic mice. In vitro alternatives available for studying prion disease include a cell-free conversion assay, cell culture systems, and an immunoassay for the pathogenic form of the prion protein. Prion-like proteins have been identified in yeast, and therefore this constitutes another non-animal approach. Four main areas of prion research are discussed in this paper, to illustrate the potential applications and limitations of the in vivo and alternative systems. From this study, we conclude that, while current in vitro approaches can be used initially, in vivo studies are still needed to confirm data obtained in vitro. Priority should be given to the non-animal alternatives, as well as to developing new methods, and these should be given primary consideration at the outset of a project.
Descriptors: transgenic animals, animal welfare, mice, prion diseases, cell cultures, immunoassay, bioassays, yeasts, molecular conformation, host range, experimental infection, animal models, animal testing alternatives, nonanimal tests, animal use reduction, animal use replacement.

Jenkins, E.S. and R.D. Combes (1999). The welfare problems associated with using transgenic mice to bioassay for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Animal Welfare 8(4): 421-431. ISSN: 0962-7286.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.A557
Descriptors: transgenic mice, bioassay, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, welfare problems, prion disease, Porter ethical score system, evaluation method, distress, pain.

Jenkins, E.S., S. Gray, and R.D. Combes (2001). Mutagenesis screens: can they be justified. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 29(1): 63-68. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, mutagenesis, screening, animal models, phenotypes, dominance, cost benefit analysis, animal welfare, blood sampling, anesthesia, ethyl ether, animal use reduction, animal use refinement.

Jevtovic Todorovic, V. and L.B. Carter (2005). The anesthetics nitrous oxide and ketamine are more neurotoxic to old than to young rat brain. Neurobiology of Aging 26(6): 947-956. ISSN: 0197-4580.
Descriptors: rat, brain, anesthetics, young, aging, neurotoxic, nitrous oxide, ketamine, nervous system, pharmacology, toxicology.

Jones, G.L.A.H., E. Sang, C. Goddard, R.J. Mortishire Smith, B.C. Sweatman, J.N. Haselden, K. Davies, A.A. Grace, K. Clarke, and J.L. Griffin (2005). A functional analysis of mouse models of cardiac disease through metabolic profiling. Journal of Biological Chemistry 280(9): 7530-7539. ISSN: 0021-9258.
NAL Call Number: 381 J824
Descriptors: mouse model, cardiac disease, heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, metabolic profiling, laboratory techniques, functional analysis.

Jong, W.M.C., C.J. Zuurbier, R.J. De Winter, D.A.F. Van den Heuvel, P.H. Reitsma, and H.I.C. Ten Cate (2002). Fentanyl-fluanisone-midazolam combination results in more stable hemodynamics than does urethane-alpha-chloralose and 2,2,2-tribromoethanol in mice. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 41(3): 28-32. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, animal models, anesthesia, fentanyl, intraperitoneal injection, benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, drug combinations, urethane, chloralose, ethanol, blood pressure, heart rate, drug toxicity, cardiovascular system, animal welfare.

Khan, A., G.I. Jallo, Y.J. Liu, B.S. Carson, and M. Guarnieri (2005). Infusion rates and drug distribution in brain tumor models in rats. Journal of Neurosurgery 102(1, Supplement S): 53-58. ISSN: 0022-3085.
Descriptors: rats, brain tumor, models, drug distribution, infusion rate, cental nervous system, delivery rates, chemotherapy, toxicity.

Kimura, T., T. Yamamoto, A. Sone, A. Takenaka, and M. Fujisawa (2005). Assessment of microheterogeneity of blood flow in the rat urinary bladder by high-resolution digital radiography. BJU International 95(6): 895-897. ISSN: 1464-4096.
Abstract: To assess high-resolution digital radiography for measuring blood flow and thus examine the microheterogeneity of bladder microcirculation in a rat model. Microheterogeneity of blood flow in both mucosa and detrusor muscle of eight anaesthetized rats was investigated using an imaging technique with very high spatial resolution (0.1 x 0.1 mm2) using digital radiography combined with the deposition of 3H-labelled desmethylimipramine. The spatial pattern of blood flow was quantified by the coefficient of variation of the regional flow (CV = sd/mean). Muscle blood flow was less than mucous blood flow (muscle : mucosa, 2.9 : 5) in the empty bladder. In the muscle layer the blood flow distribution was more heterogeneous than that in the mucosa, with a mean (smallcapitals>sd/smallcapitals>) CV in muscle and mucosa of 0.33 (0.033) and 0.16 (0.019), respectively (P < 0.001) at the capillary level. There was a heterogeneous distribution of blood flow in the microcirculation to capillary vessels in the muscular layer, possibly reflecting a difference in dynamic blood flow of regional perfusion of the emptied bladder.
Descriptors: cardiovascular system, transport and circulation, methods and techniques, muscular system, movement and support, urinary system, chemical coordination and homeostasis, high resolution digital radiography, laboratory techniques, blood flow microheterogeneity.

Kittel, B., F.C. Ruehl, G. Morawietz, J. Klapwijk, M.R. Elwell, B. Lenz, M.G. O'Sullivan, D.R. Roth, and P.F. Wadsworth (2004). Revised guides for organ sampling and trimming in rats and mice. Part 2. A joint publication of the RITA and NACAD groups. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology 55(6): 413-431. ISSN: 0940-2993.
Descriptors: rats, mice, organ sampling, trimming, tissues, toxicity studies, regulatory, RITA, NACAD, revised guidelines.

Korystov, Y.N., A.V. Kulikov, L.V. Arkhipova, G.N. Smirnova, V.V. Shaposhnikova, M.K. Levitman, and L.M. Chailakhyan (2003). Social stress in groups of mice: methods for recording conflicts and their consequences. Doklady Biological Sciences Proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR 390: 271-3. ISSN: 0012-4966.
Descriptors: conflict psychology, mice, inbred strains physiology, social behavior, stress, psychological metabolism, age factors, body weight, cell count, animal housing, mice, inbred mice strains psychology, tape recording, thymus gland cytology, time factors.
Notes: Biological sciences sections translated from Russian.

Kramer, K., L. Kinter, B.P. Brockway, H.P. Voss, R. Remie, and B.L.M. Van Zutphen (2001). The use of radiotelemetry in small laboratory animals: recent advances. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40(1): 8-16. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: laboratory animals, rats, mice, telemetry, radio waves, data collection, blood pressure, electrocardiograms, heart rate, electrodes, body temperature, circadian rhythm, stress, normal values, animal welfare, literature reviews, animal use refinement, animal use reduction.

Kristan, D.M. and K.A. Hammond (1999). Body composition, nutrient transport, and resting metabolic rate of energy restricted, parasitized mice. American Zoologist 39(5): 94A. ISSN: 0003-1569.
Descriptors: mice, parasitized, body composition, metabolic rate, energy restricted, nutrient transport, resting.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, January 04-08, 2000, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Krohn, T.C., K. Hejgaard, and A.K. Hansen (2001). Methods for general assessment of the welfare of laboratory rats. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A, Animal Science 51(Supplement 30): 118-123. ISSN: 0906-4702.
Descriptors: animal welfare, behavior assessment, laboratory animals, physiology, reviews, methods, rats.

Krol, E., P. Redman, P.J. Thomson, R. Williams, C. Mayer, J.G. Mercer, and J.R. Speakman (2005). Effect of photoperiod on body mass, food intake and body composition in the field vole, Microtus agrestis. Journal of Experimental Biology 208(3): 571-584. ISSN: 0022-0949.
Abstract: Many small mammals respond to seasonal changes in photoperiod by altering body mass and adiposity. These animals may provide valuable models for understanding the regulation of energy balance. Here, we present data on the field vole (Microtus agrestis) - a previously uncharacterised example of photoperiod-induced changes in body mass. We examined the effect of increased day length on body mass, food intake, apparent digestive efficiency, body composition, de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in cold-acclimated (8degreeC) male field voles by transferring them from a short (SD, 8 hours:16 hours L:D) to long day photoperiod (LD, 16 hours:8 hours L:D). During the first 4 weeks of exposure to LD, voles underwent a substantial increase in body mass, after which the average difference between body masses of LD and SD voles stabilized at 7.5 g. This 24.8% increase in body mass reflected significant increases in absolute amounts of all body components, including dry fat mass, dry lean mass and body water mass. After correcting body composition and organ morphology data for the differences in body mass, only gonads (testes and seminal vesicles) were enlarged due to photoperiod treatment. To meet energetic demands of deposition and maintenance of extra tissue, voles adjusted their food intake to an increasing body mass and improved their apparent digestive efficiency. Consequently, although mass-corrected food intake did not differ between the photoperiod groups, the LD voles undergoing body mass increase assimilated on average 8.4 kJ day-1 more than animals maintained in SD. The majority (73-77%) of the fat accumulated as adipose tissue had dietary origin. The rate of de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue were not affected by photoperiod. The most important characteristics of the photoperiodic regulation of energy balance in the field vole are the clear delineation between phases where animals regulate body mass at two different levels and the rate at which animals are able to switch between different levels of energy homeostasis. Our data indicate that the field vole may provide an attractive novel animal model for investigation of the regulation of body mass and energy homeostasis at both organism and molecular levels.
Descriptors: field vole, biosynchronization, digestive system, ingestion, assimilation, nutrition, reproduction, body mass, daylight exposure, digestive efficiency, fat deposition, food intake, photoperiod, seasonal variation.

Krugner Higby, L., L. Smith, M. Clark, T.D. Heath, E. Dahly, B. Schiffman, S. Hubbard Van Stelle, D. Ney, and A. Wendland (2003). Liposome-encapsulated oxymorphone hydrochloride provides prolonged relief of postsurgical visceral pain in rats. Comparative Medicine 53(3): 270-279. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Adequate pain control is necessary for optimal postsurgical recovery and humane treatment of laboratory and companion animals. Opioid drugs are currently the most potent analgesic agents available in human and veterinary medicine. Long-acting formulations of opioid drugs confer several important advantages over standard pharmaceutical preparations, especially for use in animals. A long-acting formulation of oxymorphone hydrochloride was produced by encapsulation into liposomes. Liposome-encapsulated (LE) oxymorphone was tested in a rat model of visceral postoperative pain. Rats were given one subcutaneous injection of LE oxymorphone (1.2 or 1.6 mg/kg of body weight) or standard oxymorphone (0.3 mg/kg) at the time of intestinal transection or resection. A single administration of LE oxymorphone hydrochloride was as effective for relief of postoperative pain in rats (P = 0.18), as were multiple (q4 h or q8 h) injections of 0.3 mg/kg of the standard pharmaceutical preparation. The rats given LE oxymorphone prior to intestinal resection also had significantly higher body weight at three and seven days after surgery than did rats that were given standard oxymorphone. In conclusion, LE oxymorphone was effective in treating visceral pain associated with intestinal surgery in rats. On the basis of body weight gain, rats treated with LE oxymorphone had improved recovery outcome, compared with rats treated with repeated injections of standard oxymorphone.
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, postoperative care, pain, analgesia, morphine, adverse effects, liposomes artificial, drug delivery systems, weight loss, voluntary intake, dose response, animal welfare.

Krupke, D.M., D. Naf, M.J. Vincent, T. Allio, I. Mikaelian, J.P. Sundberg, C.J. Bult, and J.T. Eppig (2005). The mouse tumor biology database: integrated access to mouse cancer biology data. Experimental Lung Research 31(2): 259-270. ISSN: 0190-2148.
Descriptors: mouse, cancer biology data, tumor, neoplastic disease, tumor biology database, genetic models, human cancer, computer techniques, imaging, tumor biology.

Kudo, H., K. Fukuta, S. Imai, I. Dahlan, N. Abdullah, Y.W. Ho, and S. Jalaludin (1997). Establishment of lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus) colony for use as a new laboratory animal and/or companion animal: Behavior, hematological characteristics, reproductive physiology, rumen microbiology in relation to feed digestibility and metabolic activities. Jircas Journal for Scientific Papers (4): 79-88. ISSN: 1340-7686.
Descriptors: Cervidae, laboratory animals, behavior, reproduction, herds, pet animals, blood cells, rumen digestion, metabolism, blood, cells, digestion, mammals, physiological functions, ruminants, useful animals.
Language of Text: English and Japanese summaries.

Kunzl, C. and N. Sachser (1999). The behavioral endocrinology of domestication: A comparison between the domestic guinea pig (Cavia aperea f. porcellus) and its wild ancestor, the cavy (Cavia aperea). Hormones and Behavior 35(1): 28-37. ISSN: 0018-506X.
Descriptors: domestic animals physiology, wild animals physiology, neurosecretory systems physiology, pituitary adrenal system physiology, sympathetic nervous system physiology, adaptation, physiological physiology, adrenal glands chemistry, adrenal glands enzymology, aggression physiology, body weight, cortisone blood, epinephrine blood, guinea pigs, ovary physiology, sex behavior, animal physiology, testis physiology, testosterone blood, tyrosine 3 monooxygenase analysis.

Lawson, D.M., J.L. Duke, T.G. Zammit, H.L. Collins, and S.E. Dicarlo (2001). Recovery from carotid artery catheterization performed under various anesthetics in male, Sprague-Dawley rats. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40(4): 18-22. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory mammals, anesthesia, pentobarbital, halothane, ketamine, xylazine, acepromazine, catheterization, arteries, body weight, feed intake, water intake, physical activity, blood pressure, heart rate, circadian rhythm, animal welfare, animal use refinement.

Leach, M.C., V.A. Bowell, T.F. Allan, and D.B. Morton (2002). Aversion to gaseous euthanasia agents in rats and mice. Comparative Medicine 52(3): 249-257. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Despite euthanasia being the most common of all procedures carried out on laboratory animals, the potential distress associated with gaseous agents has received little interest until recently, with growing concern over use of carbon dioxide as a humane method of euthanasia. The distress associated with exposure to carbon dioxide, argon, and carbon dioxide-argon mixtures was investigated in rats and mice by measuring the degree of aversion on exposure to low, medium, and high concentrations of these agents. Animals were exposed to the various concentrations in a test chamber containing air or gas mixtures that they were able to enter and leave at will. Aversion was assessed, using measurements of initial withdrawal time and total dwelling time in the test chamber, as they were the most sensitive measurements of aversion. Comparisons between euthanasia agent and control (air) treatments indicated that concentrations of agents recommended for rapid and efficient induction are associated with some degree of aversion. Carbon dioxide and the carbon dioxide-argon mixtures were more aversive than was argon for rats and mice. These findings suggest that induction with carbon dioxide either alone or in combination with argon is likely to cause considerable distress before the loss of consciousness in rodents, which is unacceptable considering that effective and more humane alternatives are available.
Descriptors: rats, mice, laboratory mammals, euthanasia, hypoxia, carbon dioxide, argon, mixtures, escape responses, animal welfare, distress, animal use refinement.

Leach, M.C., V.A. Bowell, T.F. Allan, and D.B. Morton (2002). Degrees of aversion shown by rats and mice to different concentrations of inhalational anaesthetics. Veterinary Record 150(26): 808-815. ISSN: 0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: inhaled anesthetics, halothane, isoflurane, carbon dioxide, concentration, rats, mice, animal behavior, animal welfare, enflurane.

Lee, C.M., J.D. Lederman, N.E. Hofmann, and J.W. Erdman Jr. (1998). The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is an appropriate animal model for evaluation of the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. Journal of Nutrition 128(2): 280-286. ISSN: 0022-3166.
NAL Call Number: 389.8 J82
Abstract: Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is the leading cause of blindness in children in developing countries. Dietary intervention with foods rich in provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene (beta C), has been suggested as one solution to this problem. The objective of the two studies described in this paper was to examine the utilization of beta C as a source of VA at different stages of VA depletion using the Mongolian gerbil as a model. Male 4- to 5-wk-old Mongolian gerbils were fed powdered beta C-free semipurified diets either with or without VA for 26 d (Study 1), or without VA for 8-10 wk (Study 2). Gerbils were then fed diets with or without VA (20.9 nmol/g diet) and/or beta C [67.0 micromol/g diet (Study 1) and 145.9 micromol/g diet (Study 2)] for variable periods. Two (Study 1) or three (Study 2) days before termination of the study, 3-4 gerbils per group were dosed orally with 14C-beta C. Tissues were evaluated for VA and beta C content by HPLC. Liver was extracted with and without saponification to evaluate 14C-beta C and 14C-VA content. The results demonstrate the following: (1) the gerbil is an appropriate animal model to study beta C utilization; (3) the daily VA utilization rate for this species is calculated to be 3.1 micrograms/100 g body weight; (4) a highly bioavailable source of beta C at a 6:1 weight ratio of beta C:VA is sufficient to reverse marginal VA status in this model; and (5) a highly bioavailable source of beta C fed between a 6:1 and 13:1 weight ratio to VA provides equivalent VA status as preformed VA in Mongolian gerbils.
Descriptors: carotenoids, retinol, metabolism, gerbils, animal models, species, trial methods, nutrition physiology, diet, experimentation, vitamin deficiencies, bioavailability, nutritional status, vitamins, supplements, liver, blood serum, kidneys, adrenal glands, nutrients, nutrient reserves, recovery.

Leenaars, P.P.A.M., M.A. Koedam, P.W. Wester, V. Baumans, E. Claassen, and C.F.M. Hendriksen (1998). Assessment of side effects induced by injection of different adjuvant/antigen combinations in rabbits and mice. Laboratory Animals 32(4): 387-406. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: We evaluated the side effects induced by injection of Freund's adjuvant (FA) and alternative adjuvants combined with different antigens. Rabbits and mice were injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly (rabbits) and intraperitoneally (mice) with different adjuvants (FA, Specol, RIBI, TiterMax, Montanide ISA50) in combination with several types of antigens (synthetic peptides, autoantigen, glycolipid, protein, mycoplasma or viruses). The effects of treatment on the animals' well-being were assessed by clinical and behavioural changes (POT and LABORAS assays) and gross and histopathological changes. In rabbits, treatment did not appear to induce acute or prolonged pain and distress. Mice showed behavioural changes immediately after (predominantly secondary) immunization. Injection of several adjuvant/antigen mixtures resulted in severe pathological changes, depending on adjuvant, type of antigen, animal species used and route of injection. Both rabbits and mice showed pathological changes ranging from marked to severe after injection of FA, and ranging from minimal to marked after Specol and Montanide injections. Pathological changes after RIBI injections were severe in rabbits, though slight in mice. After TiterMax injections, pathological changes were moderate in rabbits, though severe in mice. In conclusion, injection of FA according to present guidelines resulted mostly in severe pathological changes, whereas only very few clinical and behavioural signs indicated prolonged severe pain. Our findings indicate that Montanide ISA50 and Specol induce acceptable antibody titres, and cause fewer pathological changes than FA. Thus they are effective alternatives to FA.
Descriptors: rabbits, mice, adverse effects, adjuvants, antigens, animal welfare, species differences, immune response, intramuscular injection, intraperitoneal injection, subcutaneous injection, pain, antibody formation, immunization, lesions, histopathology.

Liou, G.I., S.E. Nozell, and S.B. Smith (1999). Rhodopsin regeneration after 70% light bleaching in the IRBP-/- mouse, a new model for retinal degeneration. IOVS 40(4): S209.
Descriptors: mouse, new model, retinal degeneration, rhodopsin, light bleaching, IRBP, meeting abstract.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, May 9-14, 1999, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

Lorenz, J.N. (2002). A practical guide to evaluating cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary function in mice. American Journal of Physiology 282(6, Part 2): R1565-R1582. ISSN: 0002-9513.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 Am3
Descriptors: mice, guide, evaluating, cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, function, genetically altered mice, techniques.

MacPherson, B.R. and R.S. Pemsingh (1997). Ground squirrel model for cholelithiasis: role of epithelial glycoproteins. Microscopy Research and Technique 39(1): 39-55. ISSN: 1059-910X.
Abstract: The cholesterol-fed Richardson's ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) has proven to be an effective animal model in which to study factors that influence cholesterol gallstone formation and associated alterations in the gallbladder epithelium. Ground squirrels of either sex, fed a 2% cholesterol-enriched diet, exhibit cholesterol monohydrate crystal precipitation within 24 hours and macroscopically visible cholesterol stones by 3 weeks. Data on bile chemistry, biliary cholesterol precipitation, and various mucosal alterations occurring prior to, during, and after stone formation were collected using sampling intervals from 6 hours to 20 weeks on the diet. The results indicate that mucin hypersecretion appears to be more closely related to the initiation of nucleation than does either bile calcium of pH. Mucus hypersecretion begins within 18 hours of diet initiation and continues throughout the 20 week experimental period. Apical excrescences became more common and were larger in size during the early stages of cholelithiasis. Administration of aspirin during the experimental period demonstrated an inhibition of mucin synthesis and release. Gallstones were not formed in these aspirin-treated animals. A lectin-binding panel for 10 epithelial glycoprotein-related sugars indicated the mucin secreted by the gallbladder epithelium of 7 day experimental animals differed from that of controls. The most obvious difference was the abolition of WGA binding in the experimental animals, suggesting an absence of sialic acid expression in the mucin during the lithogenic process. Ultrastructural histochemistry indicated that both sulphomucin and sialomucin were present in the secretory granules and within the surface mucus layer of both experimental and control animals. Experimental animals, however, exhibited a significant predominance for sulphomucin. This pattern varies from that typically seen in other regions of the gastrointestinal tract where sialomucins predominate during pathologic processes.
Descriptors: cholelithiasis metabolism, cholelithiasis pathology, glycoproteins metabolism, animal feed, anti inflammatory agents, non steroidal pharmacology, aspirin pharmacology, bile chemistry, calcium metabolism, cholelithiasis prevention and control, cholelithiasis ultrastructure, cholesterol metabolism, dietary supplements, epithelium metabolism, epithelium pathology, epithelium ultrastructure, gallbladder metabolism, gallbladder pathology, gallbladder ultrastructure, histocytochemistry, lectins metabolism, lectins ultrastructure, microscopy, electron, microscopy, electron microscopy scanning, fluorescence, mucins drug effects, mucins metabolism, mucins secretion, mucus metabolism, n acetylneuraminic acid biosynthesis, Sciuridae.

Maltais, L.J., J.A. Blake, J.T. Eppig, and M.T. Davisson (1997). Rules and guidelines for mouse gene nomenclature: a condensed version. Genomics 45(2): 471-476. ISSN: 0888-7543.
Descriptors: mouse, genes, nomenclature, DNA, loci, transgenics, chromosome aberrations, biotechnology, mice, guidelines.

Maltais, L.J., J.A. Blake, T. Chu, C.M. Lutz, J.T. Eppig, and I. Jackson (2002). Rules and guidelines for mouse gene, allele, and mutation nomenclature: a condensed version. Genomics 79(4): 471-474. ISSN: 0888-7543.
Descriptors: mouse, gene, allele, mutation nomenclature, rules, guidelines, condensed version.

Martin Caballero, J., A. Naranjo, and E. De la Cueva (2003). Genetically modified mouse health reporting: a need for global standardization. Lab Animal 32(8): 38-45. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Abstract: The distribution of GM mice between facilities has raised new problems because of variable microbiological quality. One of the most important management issues concerns the methods of reporting laboratory animal health surveillance results. The authors evaluated the format and content of 380 health reports of mice received from 55 institutions in Europe and North America. Their results suggest that a standardized rodent health form would facilitate the management of laboratory mouse distribution and infection control.
Descriptors: disease notification standards, transgenic mice, rodent diseases diagnosis, veterinary medicine standards, disease transmission prevention and control, Europe, infection control, mice, North America, population surveillance methods, quality control, rodent diseases microbiology, rodent diseases transmission, world health.

Martinic, G. (2004). Procedural guidelines for the maintenance and management of small animal surgical facilities within a research laboratory, including recommendations for the application and conduct of aseptic surgery on rodents and lagomorphs. Animal Technology and Welfare 3(1): 3-14. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: SF757.A62
Descriptors: rodents, lagomorphs, aseptic surgery, surgical facilities, procedural guidelines, management, conduct, research.

Mason, G. and K.E. Littin (2003). The humaneness of rodent pest control. Animal Welfare 12(1): 1-37. ISSN: 0962-7286.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.A557
Descriptors: rats, mice, rodent control, vermin, coumarin rodenticides, zinc phosphide, hydrogen cyanide, chloralose, bait traps, traps, electrocution, death, stickiness, ergocalciferol, poisoning of animal pests, nontarget organisms, animal welfare, anticoagulants, pain, fumigants, pesticide residues, distress, sticky boards.

Mccally, R.L. and M. Matsuzawa (2000). Technique to measure light scattering from mouse cornea. IOVS 41(4): S692.
Descriptors: mouse, cornea, light scattering, measure, technique, meeting abstract.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, April 30-May 05, 2000, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

Mertens, C. (2000). Phenotype characterization and welfare assessment of transgenic rodents (mice). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 3(2): 127-139. ISSN: 1088-8705.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.J68
Descriptors: mice, transgenic animals, progeny testing, screening, phenotypes, strain differences, animal welfare, congenital abnormalities, postnatal development, animal health, data collection.

Miki, H., K. Inoue, T. Kohda, A. Honda, N. Ogonuki, M. Yuzuriha, N. Mise, Y. Matsui, K. Abe, F. Ishino, and A. Ogura (2005). Birth of mice produced by germ cell nuclear transfer. Genesis The Journal of Genetics and Development 41(2): 81-86. ISSN: 1526-954X.
Descriptors: methods and techniques, reproductive system, reproduction, nuclear transfer, laboratory techniques, genetic techniques, DNA methylation analysis, cell differentiation, genome.

Miller, P.S., M.K. Nielsen, and H.Y. Chen (1998). Growth curves, feed intake, water intake, organ weights, and heat production of mice selected for high or low heat loss. Journal of Dairy Science 81(Supplement 1): 134.
Descriptors: mice, heat loss, growth curves, feed intake, organ weights, heat production, water intake.
Notes: Meeting Information: Joint Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and the American Society of Animal Science, July 28-31, 1998, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Moore, H.D., N.M. Jenkins, and C. Wong (1997). Immunocontraception in rodents: a review of the development of a sperm-based immunocontraceptive vaccine for the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Reproduction, Fertility, and Development 9(1): 125-9. ISSN: 1031-3613.
Abstract: The strategy for developing contraceptive vaccines for wild rodents will depend on the species. In rats and mice, high all-year birth rates, high levels of dispersal and promiscous mating systems suggest that, if immunocontraception was used alone, > 90% of the population would have to sterilized to achieve the desired control. In Britain, the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) may be a better candidate to investigate the feasibility of a contraceptive vaccine in rodents. This introduced species is a seasonal breeder with a much lower population turnover than rats or mice. As well as causing damage to woodland, it has ousted the native red squirrel (S. valgaris) from most of the UK. A human and selective method for the control of grey squirrels is therefore highly desirable. Numerous sperm-specific antigens have been identified on rodent spermatozoa. Monoclonal antibodies to particular components block sperm-egg interactions in laboratory animals and cross-react with grey squirrel spermatozoa. In vitro fertilization assays indicate that squirrel sperm-egg binding may be inhibited also. Currently, a cDNA library obtained from grey squirrel testis is being screened to identify genes encoding specific sperm antigens involved in fertilization. Methods of enhancing immunogenicity after oral immunization using microparticle carriers and immune-stimulating complexes are currently under investigation.
Descriptors: contraception, immunologic veterinary, pest control methods, Sciuridae, spermatozoa immunology, vaccines administration and dosage, administration, oral, antigens genetics, antigens immunology.

Moraes, C. and F. Diaz (2004). Mouse models of isolated cytochrome oxidase deficiency. Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta 1657: 15. ISSN: 0005-2728.
NAL Call Number: 381 B522[G]
Descriptors: neural coordination, enzymology, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, molecular genetics, myopathy, muscle disease, Leigh syndrome, nervous system disease, cytochrome oxidase deficiency, genetic disease.
Notes: Meeting Information: 6th European Meeting on Mitochondrial Pathology, July 01 -04, 2004, Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Morawietz, G., F.C. Ruehl, B. Kittel, A. Bube, K. Keane, S. Halm, A. Heuser, and J. Hellmann (2004). Revised guides for organ sampling and trimming in rats and mice. Part 3. A joint publication of the RITA and NACAD groups. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology 55(6): 433-449. ISSN: 0940-2993.
Descriptors: rats, mice, organ sampling, tissue preparation, trimming, methods, techniques, toxicology, RITA, NACAD, sample size, urinary, nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphoreticular, guidelines.

Mulder, G.B. and K. Pritchett (2003). The Morris water maze. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(2): 49-50. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, mice, laboratory animals, animal behavior, memory, test rigs, laboratory equipment, training animals, animal welfare, strain differences, inbred lines.

Nachman, M.W. (2005). The genetic basis of adaptation: lessons from concealing coloration in pocket mice. Genetica (Dordrecht) 123(1-2): 125-136. ISSN: 0016-6707.
Abstract: Recent studies on the genetics of adaptive coat-color variation in pocket mice (Chaetodipus intermedius) are reviewed in the context of several on-going debates about the genetics of adaptation. Association mapping with candidate genes was used to identify mutations responsible for melanism in four different populations of C. intermedius. Here, I review four main results (i) a single gene, the melanocortin-1-receptor (Mc1r), appears to be responsible for most of the phenotypic variation in color in one population, the Pinacate site; (ii) four or fewer nucleotide changes at Mc1r appear to be responsible for the difference in receptor function; (iii) studies of migration-selection balance suggest that the selection coefficient associated with the dark Mc1r allele at the Pinacate site is large; and (iv) different (unknown) genes underlie the evolution of melanism on three other lava flows. These findings are discussed in light of the evolution of convergent phenotypes, the average size of phenotypic effects underlying adaptation, the evolution of dominance, and the distinction between adaptations caused by changes in gene dosage versus gene structure.
Descriptors: molecular genetics, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, evolution and adaptation, association mapping, laboratory techniques, genetic techniques, adaptation, melanism, concealing coloration.

Nevo, E. (1998). Evolution of a visual system for life without light: optimization via tinkering in blind mole rats. In: Principles of Animal Design: The Optimization and Symmorphosis Debate, p. 288-298.
Descriptors: blind mole rats, visual system, evolution, light, without light, life.

Nicklas, W., P. Baneux, R. Boot, T. Decelle, A.A. Deeny, M. Fumanelli, and W.B. Illgen (2003). Recommendations for the health monitoring of rodent and rabbit colonies in breeding and experimental units: recommendations of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Working Group on Health Monitoring of Rodent and Rabbit Colonies accepted by the FELASA board of management, 9 June 2001. Baltic Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 13(4): 226-251. ISSN: 1407-0944.
Descriptors: rodent, rabbit, colonies, animal care, health monitoring, methods, techniques, breeding units, experimental units, Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations, FELASA.

Nielsen, M.K., B.A. Freking, L.D. Jones, S.M. Nelson, T.L. Vorderstrasse, and B.A. Hussey (1997). Divergent selection for heat loss in mice. II. Correlated responses in feed intake, body mass, body composition, and number born through fifteen generations. Journal of Animal Science 75(6): 1469-1476. ISSN: 0021-8812.
NAL Call Number: 49 J82
Descriptors: heat loss, mice, feed intake, body mass, generations, number born, body composition, responses.

Ninomiya, H. and T. Inomata (2005). Microvasculature of the hamster eye: scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. Veterinary Ophthalmology 8(1): 7-12. ISSN: 1463-5216.
Abstract: The architecture of the retina, choroid and anterior eye segment was investigated in 12 Syrian hamsters using scanning electron micrographs of methylmethacrylate corrosion casts. The hamster eye receives its primary blood supply from the long posterior ciliary artery, which directly enters the optic nerve head, and divides into three branches: the central retinal artery and medial and lateral long posterior ciliary arteries. In the retina the central retinal artery divides into six radiating branches. Retinal arterioles form a slender and long course to capillaries. Retinal capillaries are extremely thin in diameter and form a sparse capillary network. The choroid is supplied by the long posterior ciliary arteries. Choroidal arterioles exhibit a thick and short course to the choriocapillaris. The choriocapillaris is thick and sinusoid-like, forming a dense network in the choroid. The ciliary body, iris and bulbar conjunctiva are supplied by the anterior ciliary arteries, which are branches of the long posterior ciliary arteries. Capillaries supplying the anterior margin of the ciliary process are large in diameter with an irregular bore, forming a thoroughfare channel draining blood in the ciliary arterioles into the pars plana vessels. Blood from the retina is drained by the central retinal veins. Venules from the anterior eye segment empty into the vortex veins via the pars plana vessels. Venous blood from the choroid is drained only by vortex veins via the choroidal veins. The functional significance of the vascular architecture and species differences are discussed.
Descriptors: biochemistry and molecular biophysics, sense organs, sensory reception, transport and circulation, veterinary medicine, medical sciences, scanning electron microscopy, imaging and microscopy techniques, laboratory techniques, vascular corrosion casts.

Nishioka, K., M. Okano, Y. Ichihara, N. Ichihara, and K. Nishizaki (2005). Immunosuppressive effect of restraint stress on the initiation of allergic rhinitis in mice. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 136(2): 142-147. ISSN: 1018-2438.
Descriptors: mice, allergic rhinitis, initiation, restraint stress, immunosuppressive effect, acute stress, antibody production, inhibits.

Oh, H.S. and T. Mori (1998). Growth, development and reproduction in captive of the large Japanese field mouse, Apodemus speciosus (Rodentia, Muridae). Journal of the Faculty of Agriculture Kyushu University 42(3-4): 397-408. ISSN: 0023-6152.
Abstract: The large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus) were captured and kept in stainless cages under a constant condition at 23 degrees C and 14 L: 10 D photoperiod, and the growth. development and reproduction were investigated in this species. Modification of feeding condition and nest materials and introduction of a chamber and a running wheel apparatus into each cage first enabled this species to breed under captivity. In our breeding colony, A. speciosus produced the pups throughout the year. Concerning sexual maturation of the males, the descended testes and spermiogenesis were observed at 50 days old, copulatory behaviour was performed at about 60 days old, and active breeding started at 70-80 days old. On the other hand, in the females, the vaginas opened and mature follicle sells appeared at 60-70 days old at which active breeding began the females. The mean litter size was 4.29 (n=27), ranging from 3-6, and the gestation period was 19-21 days in this species. Significant sexual difference were detected in each increase in body weight, head and body length, tail length foot length and ear length. These growth rate constants were similar to each other among the four compared species that belong to genus Apodemus; the Korean striped field mouse, A. agrarius chejuensis, the small Japanese field mouse, A. argenteus, the Formosan wood mouse, A. semotus and the large Japanese field mouse, A. speciosus.
Descriptors: Rodentia, growth, reproduction, Japan, wild animals, animal developmental stages, captivity, growth rate, species, Asia, biological development, east Asia, mammals, physiological functions, taxa, wildlife.

Ohtsuka, H. (2004). Circadian rhythm of the electroretinogram and the control system in rats. Medical Journal of Hiroshima University 52(4-6): 47-56. ISSN: 0018-2087.
Abstract: Circadian rhythm in the electroretinogram (ERG) in continuous darkness (DD) over a long period were examined to find whether a free-running rhythm in retinal function exists in rats and if the rhythm is related to the circadian control system in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in SCN lesioned rats. ERGs were recorded every 4 hours over 48 hours under a 12-hour light/dark cycle (LD) in SCN non-lesioned or lesioned rats, and on days 61, 85, 97 and 117 in DD in SCN non-lesioned rats. Locomotor activities were examined concurrently to compare the rhythms in the ERG. The amplitudes of the a- and b-waves changed in a circadian fashion in both LD and DD in the SCN nonlesioned rats. The acrophases shifted for every measurement in DD. The mean free-running period in the ERG and locomotor activity rhythms were 24.50 hours. However, no circadian rhythm was observed in the ERG or locomotor activity in the SCN lesioned rats. These results indicated that a circadian rhythm exists in the rat retinal function, in which the rhythm free-runs with the same periodicity as that for locomotor activity, and a circadian rhythm for retinal function was confirmed to be associated with the SCN.
Descriptors: nervous system, neural coordination, sense organs, sensory reception, electroretinography, clinical techniques, diagnostic techniques, locomotor activity examination, laboratory techniques, circadian rhythm, continuous darkness.

Opitz, O.G., M. Quante, A. Von Werder, S. Heeg, and H.E. Blum (2005). A mouse model of oral-esophageal carcinogenesis. Onkologie 28(1): 44-48. ISSN: 0378-584X.
Descriptors: mouse model, oral esophageal carcinogenesis, squamous cancers, animal model, molecular changes, oral cavity.

Orme, I.M. (2005). Mouse and guinea pig models for testing new tuberculosis vaccines. Tuberculosis (Amsterdam) 85(1-2): 13-17. ISSN: 1472-9792.
Descriptors: infection, pharmacology, respiratory system, respiration, pulmonary tuberculosis, bacterial disease, respiratory system disease, prevention and control, vaccination, clinical techniques.

Patterson Kane, E.G., M. Hunt, and D. Harper (2002). Rats demand social contact. Animal Welfare 11(3): 327-332. ISSN: 0962-7286.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.A557
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, cages, cage size, animal housing, motivation, animal welfare, environmental enrichment, group housing, animal preferences.

Pecaut, M.J., A.L. Smith, T.A. Jones, and D.S. Gridley (2000). Modification of immunologic and hematologic variables by method of CO2 euthanasia. Comparative Medicine 50(6): 595-602. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Background and Purpose: The major goal was to determine whether variations in the method of CO2 euthanasia would induce significant immunologic differences. Methods: Young adult C57BL/6 mice (n = 40) were euthanized, using four regimens: 70% CO2/30% O2; 70% CO2/30% O2 leads to 100% CO2; 100% CO2-naive chamber; and 100% CO2 pre-charged chamber. Time to recumbency and euthanasia and body, liver, lung, spleen, and thymus masses were determined. Blood and spleen were further evaluated for leukocyte, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte counts, erythrocyte characteristics, distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations, spontaneous and mitogen-induced blastogenesis, complement activity, and cytokine production. Results: Time to euthanasia was five- to eightfold longer in mice exposed to 70% CO2/30% O2 than that for any other group. There were slight increases in mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) and mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH) for all groups, compared with those for the 100% CO2 pre-charged group. Circulating cytotoxic T (CD8(+)) lymphocyte percentages and numbers, and spontaneous blastogenesis of leukocytes in blood and spleen, also were affected by euthanasia method. Conclusions: The method of CO2 euthanasia can result in significant differences in immunologic/hematologic variables. Thus, consistency in euthanasia procedures may be important in accurate interpretation of research data.
Descriptors: mice, euthanasia, carbon dioxide, mixtures, oxygen, blood picture, lymphocytes, leukocyte count, spleen, lymphocyte transformation, complement activation, blood serum, blood plasma, transforming growth factor, interleukin 2, tumor necrosis factor, experimental design, animal welfare, distress.

Pelissier, A.L., M. Gantenbein, F. Prudian, and B. Bruguerolle (1998). Influence of general anaesthetics on circadian rhythms of heart rate, body temperature and locomotor activity in rats. STAL, Sciences Et Techniques De L' Animal De Laboratoire 23(2): 95-98. ISSN: 0339-722X.
Descriptors: rats, locomotor activity, heart rate, body temperature, circadium rhythms, general anesthetics, influence, ketamine.

Pelissier, A.L., M. Gantenbein, and B. Bruguerolle (1998). Nicotine-induced perturbations on heart rate, body temperature and locomotor activity daily rhythms in rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 50(8): 929-934. ISSN: 0022-3573.
Descriptors: rats, locomotor activity, daily rhythms, heart rate, body temperature, nicotine induced, perturbations.

Perrin, M.R. and E.J. Richardson (2005). Factors affecting average daily metabolic rate of the fat mouse Steatomys pratensis (Dendromurinae). Journal of Thermal Biology 30(2): 103-109. ISSN: 0306-4565.
NAL Call Number: QP82.2.T4J6
Descriptors: metabolism, circadian rhythm, metabolic rate, torpor, ambient temperature.

Peterson, N.C. and J.E. Peavey (1998). Comparison of in vitro monoclonal antibody production methods with an in vivo ascites production technique. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 37(5): 61-66. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, monoclonal antibodies, ascites, tissue culture, animal welfare, production costs, labor requirements, antibody formation, laboratory equipment.

Pickhardt, P.J., R.B. Halberg, A.J. Taylor, B.Y. Durkee, J. Fine, F.T.J. Lee, and J.P. Weichert (2005). Microcomputed tomography colonography for polyp detection in an in vivo mouse tumor model. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 102(9): 3419-3422. ISSN: 0027-8424.
Descriptors: mouse, tumor model, polyp detection, tomography, colonography, microcomputed.

Piersma, F.E., M.A.R.C. Daemen, A.E.J.M. Bogaard, and W.A. Buurman (1999). Interference of pain control employing opioids in in vivo immunological experiments. Laboratory Animals 33(4): 328-333. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Pain control (PC) in laboratory animals is supported by ethical as well as methodological considerations, aimed at preventing an interfering reduction in food and water intake and normalizing stress hormone levels. However, little is known about the immunomodulatory attributes of analgesics, which putatively prevents the routine implementation of PC in immunological research. In an established murine model of endotoxemia we investigated the immunomodulatory properties of common clinical analgesics (the opioids fentanyl and buprenorphine). Additionally, a literature study was conducted to investigate the frequency of PC in laboratory animals used for immunological experimentation. In line with various reports, we observed interactions between the opioid analgesics and the immune system that altered the outcome of performed in vivo immunological experiments. Of 100 evaluated publications, none mentioned the use of PC, indicating its uncommon implementation. In conclusion, more studies on the interactions between the immune system and analgesics are needed to establish better criteria for adequate implementation. Finally, we propose that methodological sections in scientific journals should clearly document whether or not PC was employed. If PC is not used, the reason for not using it should be stated.
Descriptors: laboratory animals, pain, analgesics, animal welfare, mice, lipopolysaccharides, tumor necrosis factor, fentanyl, opioids, dosage effects, immunosuppressive agents, antiinflammatory agents, experimental design, buprenorphine.

Pinkert, C.A. (2003). Transgenic animal technology: alternatives in genotyping and phenotyping. Comparative Medicine 53(2): 126-139. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Over the past decade, breakthrough technologies in transgenic animal technology and functional genomics have played a central role in the explosive growth of rodent modeling and in scientific innovation. Various noninvasive alternatives to routine surgical biopsy have been described for genotypic and phenotypic analyses of laboratory animals. A number of options are available to refine or replace potentially painful and invasive procedures ranging from tissue biopsies (including tail biopsies and toe docking) to several blood sampling techniques. Unfortunately adoption of many non- or minimally invasive alternatives has proven difficult on a number of fronts ranging from historical reservations to procedural expectations and actual experimental productivity. Similarly, a variety of phenotyping considerations have addressed throughput efficiencies and the health and well being of research animals. From an animal welfare perspective, marked increases in laboratory animal populations have accompanied rapid advancements spanning the life sciences. As described for rodent modeling, but with applications across many laboratory animal species, diverse procedural refinements are available that will readily aid in the analysis of whole animal models. Ultimately, non-invasive technologies and complementary refinements have bearing on the quality and reproducibility of data that are reported, as well as of critical importance to the well being and ethical management of animals at all developmental stages: from fetal existence, to the neonatal period, and on through adulthood.
Descriptors: transgenic animals, laboratory animals, biopsy, animal use refinement, mice, gene expression, phenotype, phenotypic variation, polymerase chain reaction, animal identification, sampling, feces, saliva, microarray technology, genomics.

Pohorecky, L.A. (1999). Testing the genetics of behavior in mice. Science 285(5436): 2067-8; Author Reply 2069-70. ISSN: 0036-8075.
Descriptors: behavior, animal, genetics, behavioral methods, housing, animal, animals, laboratory, confounding factors epidemiology, handling psychology, mice, rats.
Notes: Comment On: Science. 1999 Jun 4;284(5420):1670-2.

Prendergast, B.J., S.D. Bilbo, and R.J. Nelson (2005). Short day lengths enhance skin immune responses in gonadectomised Siberian hamsters. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 17(1): 18-21. ISSN: 0953-8194.
Abstract: In Siberian hamsters and other photoperiodic rodents, exposure to short photoperiods simultaneously inhibits gonadal hormone secretion and enhances some measures of immune function. The present study tested whether gonadal hormones mediate the effects of short days on skin immune function (delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions) in male Siberian hamsters. The magnitude of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions was greater in hamsters exposed to short days relative to those in long days. Comparable effects of photoperiod were obtained in castrated hamsters bearing empty or testosterone-filled implants. The data suggest that contemporary gonadal hormone secretion is neither necessary, nor sufficient to mediate the effects of short photoperiods on skin immune function.
Descriptors: Siberian hamsters, endocrine system, chemical coordination, homeostasis, immune system, integumentary system, gonadectomy, testosterone implant, delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, immune function, photoperiodic rodents, short days, skin immune function.

Pribenszky, C., M. Molnar, S. Cseh, and L. Solti (2004). Survival of mouse blastocysts after low-temperature preservation under high pressure. Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52(4): 479-487. ISSN: 0236-6290.
Descriptors: mouse, blastocytes, survival, low temperature preservation, high pressure, cryoinjuries, embryos, hydrostatic pressure.

Price, H. (2002). Veterinary role in laboratory mouse welfare. Veterinary Times 32(33): 14. ISSN: 1352-9374.
Descriptors: mouse, welfare, laboratory animals, veterinary role.

Prostran, M., Z. Nesic, S. Vuckovic, Z. Todorovic, R. Stojanovic, and M. Ivanovic (2003). Acute exposure to higher ambient temperature potentiates cataleptic and hyperthermic effects of fentanyl in female rats. European Neuropsychopharmacology 13(Supplement 4): S442. ISSN: 0924-977X.
Descriptors: female rats, acute exposure, higher ambient temperature, potentiates, hyperthermic, cataleptic, effects, fentanyl.
Notes: Meeting Information: 16th Congress of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, September 20-24, 2003, Prague, Czech Republic.

Pulawa, L.K. and G.L. Florant (2000). The effects of caloric restriction on the body composition and hibernation of the golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis). Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 73(5): 538-46. ISSN: 1522-2152.
Abstract: In preparation for hibernation, golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) must deposit sufficient amounts of lipid during the summer to survive winter hibernation. We conducted an experiment from May 1998 to February 1999 to examine the effects of caloric restriction on the body composition (lipid and fat-free mass) and hibernation of golden-mantled ground squirrels. Ground squirrels were either provided with food ad lib. (controls) or with only enough food to maintain a constant body mass throughout the experiment (calorically restricted). Changes in body composition were followed using total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC). Implanted data loggers that recorded body temperature were used to determine when ground squirrels entered their first torpor bout and the lengths of torpor bouts. Body composition did not change in the calorically restricted ground squirrels between May and September, while both lipid and fat-free mass increased in the controls. However, from September to February, calorically restricted ground squirrels lost only fat-free mass, not lipid mass, but controls lost both lipid and fat-free mass. Calorically restricted ground squirrels entered their first torpor bout about 4 wk after controls, but the torpor bout duration (or length) during hibernation did not differ between the two groups. These results show that ground squirrels maintain body composition during caloric restriction, and the limited quantities of stored lipid have an effect on when hibernation begins but not on torpor bout length.
Descriptors: body composition, physiology, eating, hibernation physiology, Sciuridae, diet, dietary fats, lipids blood, seasons.

Pullinger, V.J. and N. Dawson (2003). Animal welfare dentistry: modernising dental care in rodents 'a cut in the right direction'. Animal Technology and Welfare 2(3): 189-191. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: SF757.A62
Descriptors: animal welfare, dental care, laboratory animals, techniques, teeth, rodents.

Rabehl, N., P. Wolf, and J. Kamphues (1998). Basic data for feeding hamsters. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 80(2-5): 220-225. ISSN: 0931-2439.
Descriptors: hamsters, feeding, nutrition, physiology, digestive system, feed intake, water uptake, behavior, excreta, physiological functions, Rodentia.

Rastan, S., T. Hough, A. Kierman, R. Hardisty, A. Erven, I.C. Gray, S. Voeling, A. Isaacs, H. Tsai, M. Strivens, R. Washbourne, C. Thornton, S. Greenaway, M. Hewitt, S. McCormick, R. Selley, C. Wells, Z. Tymowska Lalanne, P. Roby, P. Mburu, D. Rogers, J. Hagan, C. Reavill, K. Davies, P. Glenister, E.M. Fisher, J. Martin, L. Vizor, M. Bouzyk, D. Kelsell, J.L. Guenet, K.P. Steel, S. Sheardown, N. Spurr, I. Gray, J. Peters, P.M. Nolan, and A.J. Hunter (2004). Towards a mutant map of the mouse - new models of neurological, behavioural, deafness, bone, renal and blood disorders. Genetica 122(1): 47-49. ISSN: 0016-6707.
Abstract: With the completion of the first draft of the human genome sequence, the next major challenge is assigning function to genes. One approach is genome-wide random chemical mutagenesis, followed by screening for mutant phenotypes of interest and subsequent mapping and identification of the mutated genes in question. We (a consortium made up of GlaxoSmithKline, the MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mouse Genome Centre, Harwell, Imperial College, London, and the Royal London Hospital) have used ENU mutagenesis in the mouse for the rapid generation of novel mutant phenotypes for use as animal models of human disease and for gene function assignment (Nolan et al., 2000). As of 2003, 35,000 mice have been produced to date in a genome-wide screen for dominant mutations and screened using a variety of screening protocols. Nearly 200 mutants have been confirmed as heritable and added to the mouse mutant catalogue and, overall, we can extrapolate that we have recovered over 700 mutants from the screening programme. For further information on the project and details of the data, see http://www.mgu.har.mrc.ac.uk.
Descriptors: mouse, animal models, blood, gene mapping, deafness, bone dysplasia, kidney diseases, bone, renal, blood, disorders.

Rocchetti, M., I. Poggesi, M. Germani, F. Fiorentini, C. Pellizzoni, P. Zugnoni, E. Pesenti, M. Simeoni, and G. De Nicolao (2005). A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for predicting tumour growth inhibition in mice: a useful tool in oncology drug development. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology 96(3): 265-268. ISSN: 1742-7835.
Descriptors: mice, model, tumor growth, inhibition, pharmcokinetic, pharmacodynamic, predicting, tool, drug development, oncology.

Rollo, C.D., L.J. Kajiura, B. Wylie, and S. D'Souza (1999). The growth hormone axis, feeding, and central allocative regulation: lessons from giant transgenic growth hormone mice. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77(12): 1861-1873. ISSN: 0008-4301.
Descriptors: mice, giant transgenic growth hormone axis, feeding, alocative regulation.

Roughan, J.V. and P.A. Flecknell (2002). Buprenorphine: a reappraisal of its antinociceptive effects and therapeutic use in alleviating post-operative pain in animals. Laboratory Animals 36(3): 322-343. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Buprenorphine has been widely used for post-operative analgesia in laboratory animals. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in both subjective and objective pain assessment schemes, however doubts have been expressed as to its value as an analgesic. Initial dosage recommendations were based on analgesiometric studies. It is unlikely, however, that the pain elicited in analgesiometric tests is comparable to post-operative pain. This has resulted in recommendations of excessive dose rates and inappropriate clinical indications. Studies involving tests of the efficacy of buprenorphine for alleviating behavioural or other signs of tonic (post-surgical) pain provide a more appropriate estimation of the analgesic capabilities of the drug. However, buprenorphine also has major effects upon the behaviour of normal (unoperated) animals, and this makes assessments of efficacy difficult with some of the systems used for scoring clinical pain. Nevertheless, our most recent studies of the effects of buprenorphine upon pain-related behaviours in rats support the view that it is an effective post-operative analgesic. This short review critically reappraises the role of buprenorphine in this capacity and discusses a rational approach to the relief of pain in laboratory animals. We conclude that buprenorphine remains a valuable agent for pain relief in a wide range of animal species when used in an appropriate manner.
Descriptors: laboratory animals, rats, mice, postoperative care, analgesics, opium alkaloids, dosage, pain, animal behavior, drug effects, pica, animal welfare, literature reviews, animal use refinement.

Russell, W.H.S. (2004). Transgenesis, welfare and humane technique. Animal Welfare Information Center Bulletin 12(1-2): 3-4. ISSN: 1522-7553.
Online: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/bulletin.shtml
NAL Call Number: aHV4701.A952
Descriptors: laboratory animals, transgenic animals, mice, phenotype, animal welfare, animal use replacement, animal genetic resources.

Salas, S.P., A. Giacaman, and C.P. Vio (2004). Renal and hormonal effects of water deprivation in late-term pregnant rats. Hypertension (Baltimore) 44(3): 334-339. ISSN: 0194-911X.
Descriptors: pregnant rats, late term, water deprivation, renal effects, hormonal efects, plasma volume, food intake, body weight.

Salemi, V.M., A.M. Bilate, F.J. Ramires, M.H. Picard, D.M. Gregio, J. Kalil, E.C. Neto, and C. Mady (2005). Reference values from M-mode and Doppler echocardiography for normal Syrian hamsters. European Journal of Echocardiography 6(1): 41-6. ISSN: 1525-2167.
Abstract: Echocardiography has recently been introduced to small animal research, allowing serial measurements of cardiac diseases. In addition, the hamster model has been increasingly used, as it mimics many human heart conditions. However, no reference range of echocardiographic values reflecting normal left ventricular (LV) function exists for hamsters. The purpose of this study was to provide one. The study group consisted of 118 10-week-old, female, Syrian golden hamsters, which underwent high-resolution echocardiography. LV mass was calculated using the corrected cube formula, and LV systolic and diastolic function were assessed by fractional shortening and mitral inflow pulsed-wave Doppler, respectively. The myocardial performance index (MPI) measured the time spent in isovolumic activity and reflected both systolic and diastolic function. The mean+/-SD LV mass, fractional shortening, and MPI were 0.19+/-0.04 g, 44.7+/-6.6%, and 0.39+/-0.1, respectively. E and A waves were differentiated in 52% of all animals. Logistic regression adjusted with a cutoff of 378 bpm revealed that the risk of E/A wave fusion was 35 times greater (95% CI: 12.6; 98.4) in animals with a heart rate >378 bpm. This study documents echocardiographic characteristics in normal Syrian hamsters, which can be used as control values for future studies.
Descriptors: echocardiography standards, Mesocricetus, animal models, ventricular function, diastole physiology, echocardiography, Doppler standards, hamsters, heart rate, heart ventricles anatomy and histology, heart ventricles ultrasonography, reference values, systole physiology.

Salmon, P.L., E.G.G. Buelens, and A. Sasov (2003). Performance and limits of in vivo micro-CT imaging of trabecular bone in rats and mice, with consideration of animal welfare and tissue-weighted dosimetry. Calcified Tissue International 72(4): 410. ISSN: 0171-967X.
Descriptors: rats, mice, skeletal system, movement, imaging, trabecular bone, micro computed tomography, animal welfare.
Notes: Meeting Information: 30th European Symposium on Calcified Tissues, May 8-12, 2003, Rome, Italy.

Salomon, L.J., N. Siauve, D. Balvay, C.A. Cuenod, C. Vayssettes, A. Luciani, G. Frija, Y. Ville, and O. Clement (2005). Placental perfusion MR imaging with contrast agents in a mouse model. Radiology 235(1): 73-80. ISSN: 0033-8419.
Descriptors: biochemistry and molecular biophysics, radiology, reproductive system, reproduction, 1.5 T single section T1 weighted two dimensional fast spoiled gradient echo sequential magnetic resonance imaging, imaging and microscopy techniques, diagnostic techniques, clinical techniques, placental perfusion.

Sankai, T., H. Tsuchiya, and N. Ogonuki (2001). Short-term nonfrozen storage of mouse epididymal spermatozoa. Theriogenology 55(8): 1759-1768. ISSN: 0093-691X.
NAL Call Number: QP251.A1T5
Abstract: Six simple methods for short-term (up to 8 d), nonfrozen (5 to 20 degrees C) storage of mouse epididymides were compared with respect to the motility and fertility of spermatozoa. A high percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa was obtained from epididymis stored for 8 d at 5 degrees C in mineral oil (78.3%), covered with body fat (80.0%), or stored in the intact body of the euthanized donor animal (77.5%). Fertilized eggs (6.4% fertilization rate) were obtained by IVF using spermatozoa that had been stored in mineral oil at 5 degrees C for at least 8 d, and offspring were obtained from 77.5% of transferred eggs that were fertilized by spermatozoa stored for 2 d. These methods inhibited moisture loss from the preserved epididymal spermatozoa, thereby allowing spermatozoa to be stored for a few days without loss of either motility or fertility. These methods make possible such wide-ranging applications as the long-distance transport of epididymis spermatozoa. While in storage at 5 degrees C, the tail of each recovered spermatozoon was bent midway along the tail, possibly owing to damage to the plasma membranes and due to the spermatozoa's hardening in the phospholipid by exposure to the low temperature.
Descriptors: mice, spermatozoa, cold storage, duration, epididymis, motility, fertility, fecundity, body fat, mineral oils, postmortem changes, ova, moisture content, plasma membranes, phospholipids, techniques, evaluation.

Sato, J., H. Morimae, K. Takanari, Y. Seino, T. Okada, M. Suzuki, and K. Mizumura (2000). Effects of lowering ambient temperature on pain-related behaviors in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Experimental Brain Research 133(4): 442-449. ISSN: 0014-4819.
Descriptors: rat model, neuropathic pain, pain related behaviors, ambient temperature, lowering, effects, aggravated pain related behaviors.

Schwab, C.L., R. Fan, Q. Zheng, L.P. Myers, P. Hebert, and S.B. Pruett (2005). Modeling and predicting stress-induced immunosuppression in mice using blood parameters. Toxicological Sciences 83(1): 101-113. ISSN: 1096-6080.
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that the area under the corticosterone concentration vs. time curve (AUC) can be used to model and predict the effects of restraint stress and chemical stressors on a variety of immunological parameters in the mouse spleen and thymus. In order to complete a risk assessment parallelogram, similar data are needed with blood as the source of immune system cells, because this is the only tissue routinely available from human subjects. Therefore, studies were conducted using treatments for which the corticosterone AUC values are already known: exogenous corticosterone, restraint, propanil, atrazine, and ethanol. Immunological parameters were measured using peripheral blood from mice treated with a series of dosages of each of these agents. Flow cytometry was used to quantify MHC II, B220, CD4, and CD8 cells. Leukocyte and differential counts were done. Spleen cell number and NK cell activity were evaluated to confirm similarity to previous studies. Immune parameter data from mouse blood indicate that MHC II expression has consistent quantitative relationships to corticosterone AUC values, similar to but less consistent than those observed in the spleen. Other immune parameters tended to have greater variability in the blood than in the spleen. The pattern observed in the spleen in which the chemical stressors generally produced very similar effects as noted for restraint stress (at the same corticosterone AUC values) was not observed for blood leukocytes. Nevertheless, MHC class II expression seems to provide a reasonably consistent indication of stress exposure in blood and spleen.
Descriptors: spleen, corticosterone, stress, major histocompatibility complex, CD4 antigen, propanil, flow cytometry, peripheral blood, ethanol, atrazine, CD8 antigen, natural killer cells, cell number, immunosuppression, animal models, B220 antigen, risk assessment, immune system, mice.

Sharp, J., T. Azar, and D. Lawson (2005). Selective adaptation of male rats to repeated social encounters and experimental manipulations. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 44(2): 28-31. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to determine how rats adapt to repeated encounters with an unfamiliar male or group of males and to experimental manipulations. Male rats were instrumented with radiotelemetry transmitters to monitor heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and movements in the home cage as indices of arousal and stress. Groups of eight singly housed rats were exposed in their home cages to encounters with an unfamiliar rat or a group of three rats of the same strain, age, and sex for a period of 18 h (1600 to 1000 h) on four consecutive days. On separate occasions, the instrumented rats were given a subcutaneous injection of sterile saline in the animal room or were transported from the animal room to the laboratory and then injected at 1000 h on four consecutive days. Exposure to an unfamiliar rat or a group of 3 rats induced significant (P < 0.05) increases in HR, MAP, and movement in the first 30 min of exposure, and these responses partially but significantly (P < 0.05) adapted by the second or third day. Nocturnal movement in the home cage also was significantly (P < 0.05) increased on the first night and partially reduced on subsequent nights, but nocturnal HR responses were absent or significantly blunted. Nocturnal MAP was not increased. Subcutaneous injection in the animal room or after transport to the laboratory produced significant (P < 0.05) increases in HR, MAP, and movement in the cage 30 min after the injection, and these responses did not adapt over the four days of the experiment. We concluded that male Sprague-Dawley rats adapted quickly, albeit partially, to social encounters but did not adapt to repeated injections, suggesting selective adaptation depending on the type of stimulus used.
Descriptors: social encounters, male rats, adaptation, experimental manipulations, radiotelemetry, Sprague Dawley rats.

Sharp, J., T. Zammit, T. Azar, and D. Lawson (2003). Are "by-stander" female Sprague-Dawley rats affected by experimental procedures. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(1): 19-27. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, female animals, laboratory animals, animal stress, animal welfare, gender differences, group housing, animal behavior, euthanasia, animal use refinement, heart rate, animal handling, animal physiology, individual housing.

Sharp, J., T. Zammit, T. Azar, and D. Lawson (2003). Stress-like responses to common procedures in individually and group-housed female rats. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(1): 9-18. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, animal stress, animal welfare, animal handling, group housing, gender differences, cages, heart rate, blood pressure, female animals, circadian rhythm, animal use refinement, restraint of animals, subcutaneous injection, odors, intravenous injection, animal behavior, animal physiology, individual housing.

Sharp, J.J., C.C. Linder, and L.E. Mobraaten (2001). Genetically engineered mice. Husbandry and resources. Methods in Molecular Biology 158: 381-96. ISSN: 1064-3745.
Descriptors: mice, mutant strains, animal husbandry, genetic engineering, mice, resources.

Sharp, J.L., T.G. Zammit, T.A. Azar, and D.M. Lawson (2002). Stress-like responses to common procedures in male rats housed alone or with other rats. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 41(4): 8-14. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory mammals, male animals, stress, stress factors, heart rate, blood pressure, group size, stocking density, cages, physical activity, restraint of animals, injection, odors, animal welfare, animal husbandry, telemetry, data collection, group housing, cage changing.

Shipp, K. and B.D. Woodward (1998). A simple exsanguination method that minimizes acute pre-anesthesia stress in the mouse: evidence based on serum corticosterone concentrations. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 37(5): 73-77. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, blood sampling, blood serum, hydrocortisone, anesthesia, carbon dioxide, normal values, stress response, transport of animals, methoxyflurane, animal welfare, inhaled anesthetics, circadian rhythm, communication between animals.

Sluyter, F. and G.A. Van Oortmerssen (2000). A mouse is not just a mouse. Animal Welfare 9(2): 193-205. ISSN: 0962-7286.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.A557
Descriptors: mice, inbred lines, line differences, aggressive behavior, adaptability, genetic variation, nesting, biotopes, testing, wild animals, natural selection, genetic effects, age differences, experimental design, animal welfare, animal preferences.

Solomon, N.G. and T. Rumbaugh (1997). Odor preferences of weanling and mature male and female pine voles. Journal of Chemical Ecology 23(9): 2133-2143. ISSN: 0098-0331.
NAL Call Number: QD415.A1J6
Abstract: Olfactory cues from conspecifics have strong influences on behavior. Both female and male juveniles are attracted to familiar odors while adults show preferences for odors of opposite-sex conspecifics. Females show an increased preference for male odors as they mature, but no study has examined whether change with age is seen in males. In this experiment, responses of weanling and mature male and female pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) to familiar odor cues from their family versus those of an unfamiliar, opposite-sex conspecific were examined. Voles were tested in a three-chambered cage with end chambers containing the stimuli. There was a significant difference in odor preference between weanling and mature females. Weanling females preferred odor cues from their families, and mature females preferred the odors of unfamiliar mature males. The pattern was similar in males but the effect was not as strong. The results support the hypothesis that responses to odor cues change with age in pine voles. At least for females, the change in response to odor cues may be involved in the timing of reproduction and thus dispersal.
Descriptors: voles, odors, olfactory stimulation, sex differences, age differences, sexual maturity.

Stewart, L.S.A. and W.J. Martin (2003). Evaluation of postoperative analgesia in a rat model of incisional pain. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(1): 28-34. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, postoperative care, pain, analgesia, flunixin, acetaminophen, fentanyl, opioid peptides, dosage, dose response, liveweight gain, distress, animal use refinement, animal welfare, buprenorphine.

Suzuki, H., N. Nakagata, M. Anzai, K. Tsuchiya, M. Nakura, S. Yamaguchi, and Y. Toyoda (1996). Transport of wild mice genetic material by in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer. Laboratory Animal Science 46(6): 687-8. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Descriptors: cryopreservation, embryo transfer, fertilization in vitro, gene transfer techniques, mice genetics, mice microbiology, specific pathogen free organisms.

Swain, R.A., A.B. Harris, E.C. Wiener, M.V. Dutka, H.D. Morris, B.E. Theien, S. Konda, K. Engberg, P.C. Lauterbur, and W.T. Greenough (2003). Prolonged exercise induces angiogenesis and increases cerebral blood volume in primary motor cortex of the rat. Neuroscience 117(4): 1037-1046. ISSN: 0306-4522.
Abstract: Plastic changes in motor cortex capillary structure and function were examined in three separate experiments in adult rats following prolonged exercise. The first two experiments employed T-two-star (T sub(2)*)-weighted and flow-alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess chronic changes in blood volume and flow as a result of exercise. The third experiment used an antibody against the CD61 integrin expressed on developing capillaries to determine if motor cortex capillaries undergo structural modifications. In experiment 1, T sub(2)*-weighted images of forelimb regions of motor cortex were obtained following 30 days of either repetitive activity on a running wheel or relative inactivity. The proton signal intensity was markedly reduced in the motor cortex of exercised animals compared with that of controls. This reduction was not attributable to alterations of vascular iron levels. These results are therefore most consistent with increased capillary perfusion or blood volume of forelimb regions of motor cortex. FAIR images acquired during experiment 2 under normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions indicated that resting cerebral blood flow was not altered under normal conditions but was elevated in response to high levels of CO sub(2), suggesting that prolonged exercise increases the size of a capillary reserve. Finally, the immunohistological data indicated that exercise induces robust growth of capillaries (angiogenesis) within 30 days from the onset of the exercise regimen. Analysis of other regions failed to find any changes in perfusion or capillary structure suggesting that this motor activity-induced plasticity may be specific to motor cortex. These data indicate that capillary growth occurs in motor areas of the cerebral cortex as a robust adaptation to prolonged motor activity. In addition to capillary growth, the vascular system also experiences heightened flow under conditions of activation. These changes are chronic and observable even in the anesthetized animal and are measurable using noninvasive techniques.
Descriptors: rat, motor cortex, cerebral blood flow, prolonged exercise, angiogenesis, brain, exercise, blood volume, blood flow.

Takahashi, M., N. Saka, H. Takahashi, Y. Kanai, R.M. Schultz, and A. Okano (1999). Assessment of DNA damage in individual hamster embryos by comet assay. Molecular Reproduction and Development 54(1): 1-7. ISSN: 1040-452X.
NAL Call Number: QP251.M64
Descriptors: hamsters, embryos, DNA, damage, assays, embryo culture, preimplantation period, ultraviolet radiation, hydrogen peroxide, light, visible light.

Tanaka, S., N. Tamaya, K. Matsuzawa, and O. Miyaishi (2000). Differences in survivability among F344 rats. Experimental Animals (Tokyo) 49(2): 141-5. ISSN: 1341-1357.
Abstract: Important parameters to identify and develop appropriate animal models for longevity science include survivability, age-related disorders, and easy handling of aged individuals. It is found that F334/Du and F344/N have distinctive strain difference in these parameters. The finding suggests F334/Du and F344/N, even though they are historically siblings, need clearly separate identification when used as animal models for aging science, in particular, longevity science.
Descriptors: aging physiology, inbred F344 rats physiology, survival rate, rats, species specificity.

Tankersley, C.G., R. Irizarry, S. Flanders, and R. Frank (2000). Variations in circadian regulation of body temperature and heart rate among inbred mouse strains. FASEB Journal 14(4): A610. ISSN: 0892-6638.
Descriptors: mouse, inbred strains, heart rate, body temperature, circadian regulation, variations, thermoregulation.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of Professional Research Scientists: Experimental Biology, April 11-15, 2003, San Diego, CA, USA.

Tasker, R.A.R., B.J. Connell, S.J. Ross, and C.M. Elson (1998). Development of an injectable sustained-release formulation of morphine: antinociceptive properties in rats. Laboratory Animals 32(3): 270-275. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Descriptors: rats, drug formulations, controlled release, morphine, chitosan, gels, adverse effects, analgesics, pain, animal welfare.

Terrell, S.P. (2004). Handling, diagnosis, and treatment of a "lumpy squirrel". Small Animal and Exotics. Book Two: Pain Management Zoonosis. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, Vol. 18, p. 1430-1431.
Descriptors: lumpy squirrel, case reports, diagnosis, handling, clinical aspects, parasites, drug therapy.

Tesh, R.B., D.M. Watts, E. Sbrana, M. Siirin, V.L. Popov, and S.Y. Xiao (2004). Experimental infection of ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) with monkeypox virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases 10(9): 1563-7. ISSN: 1080-6040.
Abstract: A proposed new small-animal (rodent) model for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of severe orthopoxvirus infections is described. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) were infected intraperitoneally and intranasally with monkeypox virus (MPXV). A fulminant illness developed in all animals, and they died 6-9 days after infection. Virus was cultured from the blood and oropharynx several days before death; at necropsy, all of the organs tested contained relatively high titers of MPXV. The major pathologic findings were in the liver, which showed centrilobular necrosis, steatosis, and basophilic inclusion bodies in hepatocytes. Splenic necrosis was also observed, as well as interstitial inflammation in the lungs. The pathologic features of MPXV in ground squirrels are similar to that described with MPXV in macaques and severe variola (smallpox) virus infection in humans.
Descriptors: monkeypox virus, Sciuridae virology, disease models, animal, disease susceptibility veterinary, hepatocytes pathology, hepatocytes ultrastructure, hepatocytes virology, liver pathology, liver virology, monkeypox immunology, monkeypox pathology, rodent diseases virology, spleen pathology, spleen virology.

Thompson, J.S., S.A. Brown, V. Khurdayan, A. Zeynalzadedan, P.G. Sullivan, and S.W. Scheff (2002). Early effects of tribromoethanol, ketamine/xylazine, pentobarbitol, and isoflurane anesthesia on hepatic and lymphoid tissue in ICR mice. Comparative Medicine 52(1): 63-67. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: We investigated the effects of various anesthetic agents on hepatic and splenic injury in mice. Three and six hours after intraperitoneal injection of TBE, intramuscular injection of ketamine/xylazine combination (K/X), intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital (PB), and inhalation of isoflurane (IF), or intraperitoneal and intramuscular injection of control saline, mice were exsanguinated and serum was obtained for measurement of hepatic aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The spleen and liver also were obtained, and sections were examined by use of routine light microscopy for pathologic changes and for apoptosis, as determined by use of the in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUPT nick-end-labeling (TUNEL) histochemical analysis. Three hours after TBE or K/X administration, AST activity increased three- to fourfold above that in untreated and saline-injected control animals, and remained high at six hours. Administration of PB did not effect AST activity at three hours, but there was a significant increase at six hours. Activity of ALT was non-significantly increased three hours after TBE and K/X, but not PB administration. Administration of IF had no effect on hepatic enzyme activities, and GET was not increased after administration of any of the agents. Markedly increased apoptosis was observed in splenic follicles and in hepatic Kupffer and endothelial cells at three hours after TBE and K/X administration, but apoptosis decreased to control levels by six hours. Increased apoptosis was not observed after IF administration. Administration of TBE and K/X causes injury to lymphocytes and to hepatic Kupffer and endothelial. cells within three hours, and PB administration induces changes within six hours. Thus, use of these anesthetic agents should be avoided when experiments are being designed to test short-term effects of an experimental intervention on the spleen and possibly on all lymphoid tissues. In addition, they also should be avoided in experiments testing effects on hepatic tissue.
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, injectable anesthetics, ketamine, xylazine, analgesics, pentobarbital, isoflurane, inhaled anesthetics, ethanol, intraperitoneal injection, intramuscular injection, liver function, spleen, drug effects, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, enzyme activity, apoptosis, drug combinations, adverse effects.

Thorington Jr., R.W. and K. Darrow (1996). Jaw muscles of Old World squirrels. Journal of Morphology 230(2): 145-65. ISSN: 0362-2525.
Abstract: The jaw, suprahyoid, and extrinsic tongue muscles were studied in 11 genera, belonging to five tribes, of Old World squirrels. Significant variation in most of the adductor muscles is evident. The most primitive state of sciuromorphy is seen in the African tree squirrels Paraxerus and Funisciurus, especially as reflected in the anterior deep masseter. A derived state of sciuromorphy is found in five genera of Old World squirrels and perhaps evolved independently in each. Reduction of the temporalis muscle was observed in three genera, distantly related to one another. A unique arrangement of the superficial masseter is reported in the Asian giant tree squirrels, Ratufa. The arrangement of the masseter in the African pygmy squirrel, Myosciurus, is very similar to that of the South American pygmy squirrel, Sciurillus. We present hypotheses about the functional significance of these differences. In the derived state of sciuromorphy, which is found in three cases in squirrels that feed extensively on hard fruits, the anterior deep masseter is well positioned to increase the strength of the power stroke of the incisor bite. Among the pygmy squirrels, the position of the anterior deep masseter suggests that it plays a more significant role in molar chewing.
Descriptors: masticatory muscles anatomy and histology, Sciuridae anatomy and histology, anatomy, artistic, masseter muscle anatomy and histology, medical illustration, temporal muscle anatomy and histology, tongue anatomy and histology.

Thorington, R.W.J. and K. Darrow (2000). Anatomy of the squirrel wrist: bones, ligaments, and muscles. Journal of Morphology 246(2): 85-102. ISSN: 0362-2525.
Descriptors: carpal bones anatomy and histology, ligaments, articular anatomy and histology, muscle, skeletal anatomy and histology, Sciuridae anatomy and histology, wrist anatomy and histology, comparative anatomy, phylogeny, radius anatomy and histology, ulna anatomy and histology.

Thorington, R.W.J., K. Darrow, and A.D. Betts (1997). Comparative myology of the forelimb of squirrels (Sciuridae). Journal of Morphology 234(2): 155-82. ISSN: 0362-2525.
Abstract: The musculature of the shoulder, arm, and forearm was studied in 19 genera of squirrels, representing the Pteromyinae (flying squirrels) and all 7 tribes of the Sciurinae (tree and ground squirrels). The objective was to locate derived anatomical features of functional or phylogenetic significance and to determine how much morphological variation underlies the diverse locomotor behavior of squirrels, which includes terrestrial and arboreal bounding, climbing, digging, and gliding. The fossil evidence suggests that arboreality is primitive for squirrels, and in fact tree squirrels appear to represent the primitive sciurid morphology. Ground squirrels are less uniform and exhibit a few derived features, including a clavobrachialis muscle not seen in other squirrels. Pygmy tree squirrels, which have evolved independently in three tribes, exhibit convergence of forelimb anatomy, including the loss or reduction of several muscles in the shoulder and forearm. The forelimb anatomy of flying squirrels is the most derived and differs from that of tree squirrels in details of shoulder, arm, and forearm musculature. Some of these muscular differences among squirrels have phylogenetic significance, being shared by closely related genera, but none has significance above the tribal level. Many of the differences suggest a variety of changes in function that are amenable to further study.
Descriptors: forelimb anatomy and histology, muscle, skeletal anatomy and histology, Sciuridae anatomy and histology, back anatomy and histology, humerus anatomy and histology, neck muscles anatomy and histology, radius anatomy and histology, scapula anatomy and histology, shoulder anatomy and histology, species specificity, spine anatomy and histology, ulna anatomy and histology.

Tichias, K., J. Fentem, D. Basketter, P. Botham, P. Brooker, L. Bruner, P. Evans, S. Fairhurst, E. Rassold, and R. Fielder (1998). Progress in toxicological testing: reduction and refinement issues. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 26(5): 619-627. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Descriptors: rabbits, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, screening, guinea pigs, skin tests, animal welfare.

Torbati, D., J. Ramirez, E. Hon, M.T. Camacho, J.A. Sussmane, A. Raszynski, and J. Wolfsdorf (1998). Ventilation and gas exchange in a rat model of critical care: gender differences. FASEB Journal 12(4): A499. ISSN: 0892-6638.
Descriptors: rat model, critical care, ventilation, gas exchange, gender differences.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Professional Research Scientists on Experimental Biology 98, Part 1, April 18-22, 1998, San Francisco, California, USA.

Trentini III, J.F., B. Thompson, and J.S. Erlichman (2005). The antinociceptive effect of acupressure in rats. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 33(1): 143-150. ISSN: 0192-415X.
Abstract: Acupuncture and acupressure points correlate well with sites on the body that have low transcutaneous electrical resistance (TER). Using lightly sedated, adult Sprague-Dawley rats, we identified an acupoint (i.e. site with low TER) located on the hind limb of the rat and compared the effects of acupressure at this site on the nociceptive threshold to an adjacent, non-acupoint site (i.e. site with high TER). Focal pressure (55.42 +/- 2.2 g) was applied to the site for 10 minutes and the tail flick response (TFR) was determined by draping the distal portion of the tail over a heated wire (75 +/- 5 degrees C). Three trials were performed during each of three randomized conditions (i.e. acupoint, placebo and control) and the trials were averaged. All rats tested (515) showed a statistically significant increase in TFR following 10 minutes of acupressure at the acupoint compared to placebo or control trials (p = 0.007). Acupressure at the placebo point resulted in a TFR that was not statistically different from the control. Systemic administration of naloxone completely abolished the tail-flick inhibition induced by acupressure at the acupoint. These data suggest that acupressure elicits an antinociceptive effect in rats that is mediated by the endogenous release of opioids.
Descriptors: behavior, nervous system, neural coordination, acupressure, therapeutic and prophylactic techniques, clinical techniques, tail flick response, laboratory techniques, acupuncture, antinociceptive effect, transcutaneous electrical resistance.

Van der Meer, M., P. Costa, V. Baumans, B. Olivier, and B. Van Zutphen (1999). Welfare assessment of transgenic animals: behavioural responses and morphological development of newborn mice. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 27(Supplement 1): 857-868. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Abstract: Four groups of mice of the same inbred strain, but with different transgenic backgrounds (no treatment; integration of a functional corticotrophin-releasing factor [CRF] gene construct; integration of a non-functional CRF gene construct; transgenic technique without integration of a DNA construct) were compared, in order to identify and quantify indicators of discomfort in transgenic animals. This approach enables us to differentiate between the effects of the technique of transgenesis and the effects caused by the expression of the transgene. This paper emphasises the search for differences in the early post-natal development of the animals. To this end, newborn mice have been subjected to various behavioural tests; moreover, their growth and morphological characteristics were measured from birth up to the age of 3 weeks. The results indicate that the presence of the microinjected DNA-construct influences the survival rate during the first 2-3 days after birth. The average loss of pups was about 10%, in contrast to the groups without the DNA construct, in which none of the pups died. The increase in the relative body weight of pups with a functional CRF construct was significantly lower than in the other groups, but only during the first 11 days. No significant differences in morphological characteristics or behavioural development were observed between the four groups. This approach was found to be adequate for detecting a broad variety of behavioural and morphological characteristics. Before general conclusions about the extent to which the technique of transgenesis affects animal welfare can be drawn, more transgenic lines should be studied in this way.
Descriptors: mice, transgenic animals, animal welfare, inbred strains, gene expression, postnatal development, perinatal mortality, liveweight gain, body weight, animal behavior, locomotion, strength.

Van der Meer, M., A. Rolls, V. Baumans, B. Olivier, and L.F.M. Van Zutphen (2001). Use of score sheets for welfare assessment of transgenic mice. Laboratory Animals 35(4): 379-389. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: The use of transgenic mice has increased dramatically in recent years and continues to increase further. However, because transgenesis may alter a balanced genotype and produce unpredictable effects, careful monitoring of health and welfare of the transgenic animal is advised. The present study assessed the feasibility of the use of score sheets for monitoring transgenic mice, as part of daily routine, in a transgenic unit. The score sheets used were based on parameters which are sensitive and easy to determine. The score sheets were used by two animal technicians and a thorough evaluation showed that the score sheets, as described in this paper, are useful for routine monitoring in a transgenic unit and may result in the early detection of animal welfare problems. However, notwithstanding the limited number of parameters included and the restricted age-span covered by the screening, the monitoring system was considered to be time consuming. Large-scale implementation of such a scoring system during the first weeks of life would increase daily care time by at least 15-20 min for an average litter of 4-6 pups. Nevertheless, the use of score sheets seems to be a prerequisite for monitoring the animal's welfare in the course of producing transgenic lines.
Descriptors: mice, transgenic animals, laboratory mammals, animal welfare, monitoring, mortality, morbidity, postnatal development, young animals, weaning, postweaning interval, animal husbandry, animal care, welfare assessment, score sheets, animal welfare problems, daily routine.

Van der Velde, P. and H.S. Koopmans (1998). Regulation of gastric emptying in free-feeding Lewis rats. FASEB Journal 12(5): A735. ISSN: 0892-6638.
Descriptors: gastric emptying, regulation, free feeding, Lewis rats.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Professional Research Scientists on Experimental Biology 98, Part II, April 18-22, 1998, San Francisco, California, USA.

Van der Velde, P., I. Koslowsky, and H.S. Koopmans (1999). Measurement of gastric emptying during and between meal intake in free-feeding Lewis rats. American Journal of Physiology 276(2, Part 1): R597-R605. ISSN: 0002-9513.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 Am3
Descriptors: gastric emptying, meal intake, free feeding, Lewis rats, measurement.

Van Loo, P.L.P., A.C. De Groot, B.F.M. Van Zutphen, and V. Baumans (2001). Do male mice prefer or avoid each other's company? influence of hierarchy, kinship, and familiarity. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 4(2): 91-103. ISSN: 1088-8705.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.J68
Descriptors: mice, male animals, laboratory mammals, social dominance, animal welfare, cages, group size, aggressive behavior, feed intake, water intake, nests, animal preferences.

Waggie, K.S. and P.L. Marion (1997). Demodex sp. in California ground squirrels. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 33(2): 368-70. ISSN: 0090-3558.
Abstract: An undescribed species of Demodex (Acari: Demodecidae) was observed in hair follicles and ducts of sebaceous glands in the ear canals of seven California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) from Santa Clara County, California (USA). The animals had died of unrelated causes and were submitted for necropsy between September 1994 and February 1996. Similar mites were observed in the lumens of hair follicles and ducts of Meibomian glands in the eyelids of two of these squirrels. Microscopic changes in the epithelium and surrounding dermis, when present, were minimal. No associated clinical signs of disease or macroscopic lesions were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Demodex sp. in a ground squirrel.
Descriptors: mite infestations veterinary, rodent diseases parasitology, Sciuridae parasitology, California epidemiology, ear canal parasitology, eyelids parasitology, hair parasitology, meibomian glands parasitology, mite infestations epidemiology, mite infestations parasitology, mites, rodent diseases epidemiology, sebaceous glands parasitology, skin parasitology.

Warburton, H.J. and C.J. Nicol (2001). The relationship between behavioural priorities and animal welfare: a test using the laboratory mouse Mus musculus. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A, Animal Science 51(Supplement 30): 124-130. ISSN: 0906-4702.
Descriptors: mouse, behavioral priorities, animal welfare, relationship, test.

Wright, A.J. and R.J. Phillpotts (1998). Humane endpoints are an objective measure of morbidity in Venezuelan encephalomyelitis virus infection of mice. Archives of Virology 143(6): 1155-1162. ISSN: 0304-8608.
NAL Call Number: 448.3 Ar23
Descriptors: acute course, symptoms, clinical aspects, animal welfare, equine encephalomyelitis virus.

Yasumura, S., I.E. Stamatelatos, C.N. Boozer, R. Moore, and R. Ma (1998). In vivo body composition studies in rats: assessment of total body protein. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 49(5-6): 731-2. ISSN: 0969-8043.
Abstract: The precision and accuracy of a prompt-gamma neutron activation facility developed to assess total body protein in rats is estimated. The coefficient of variation of nitrogen measurement, as estimated by repeated measurements on 15 rats, was 5.5% for an equivalent dose of 60 mSv (Q = 20). Good agreement was observed in comparing the results of in vivo neutron activation analysis and chemical carcass analysis performed by the Kjeldahl method. The application of the technique in comparing the effect of a low-fat and a high-fat diet on body protein in rats is demonstrated.
Descriptors: body composition, phantoms, imaging, proteins analysis, analysis of variance, diet, fat restricted, dietary fats, gamma rays, Monte Carlo method, neutron activation analysis methods, nitrogen analysis, rats, reproducibility of results.

Yigit, N., E. Colak, M. Sozen, S. Ozkurt, and R. Verimli (2001). Observations on the feeding biology and behaviour of the fat dormouse, Glis glis orientalis nehring, 1903 (Mammalia: Rodentia) in captivity. Zoology in the Middle East 22: 17-24. ISSN: 0939-7140.
Descriptors: fat dormouse, feeding biology, behavior, observations, captivity, gnawing patterns, hibernation, Rodentia.

Yoon, H., W.S. Chung, Y.Y. Park, and I.H. Cho (2005). Effects of stress on female rat sexual function. International Journal of Impotence Research 17(1): 33-8. ISSN: 0955-9930.
Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate whether prolonged stress interferes with sexual behavior and changes biochemical and physiologic mechanisms. Experiments were repeated three times with different rats in each period. In all, 63 female Sprague-Dawley rats were employed, with 21 rats in each period, and the control group was maintained at room temperature with free access to food and water. The stress group was maintained under a scheduled stress condition for 10 days, and seven rats from the group were randomly selected and exposed to the control environment for 10 days as the recovery group. Sexual behavior, hormonal values, and neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and eNOS) expressions of vaginal tissue were analyzed and compared. Serum testosterone levels were significantly elevated in the stress and recovery groups (P<0.05). Female rats in the stress group showed reduced receptivity to their male mates (P<0.05). Western blot analysis demonstrated that nNOS and eNOS expressions were significantly lower in the stress group (P<0.05) than in the other groups. We conclude that chronic physical stress modifies the sexual behavior of female rats through a mechanism believed to involve complex changes in sex hormones, endocrine factors, and neurotransmitters.
Descriptors: sex behavior, animal physiology, stress, psychological psychology, western blotting, cold, gonadal steroid hormones blood, hormones blood, muscle relaxation physiology, muscle, smooth physiology, nerve tissue proteins metabolism, nitric oxide synthase metabolism, rats, Sprague Dawley rats, restraint, physical, starvation psychology, vagina enzymology.

Yoshioka, M., H. Togashi, T. Yamaguchi, and M. Matsumoto (2005). Emotional stress and functional development of the rat brain. Folia Pharmacologica Japonica 125(2): 77-82. ISSN: 0015-5691.
Descriptors: rat, brain, functional development, emotional stress, behavior, nervous system, neural coordination, behavioral and mental disorders, fear conditioning, fear response.

Zeller, W., G. Meier, K. Burki, and B. Panoussis (1998). Adverse effects of tribromoethanol as used in the production of transgenic mice. Laboratory Animals 32(4): 407-413. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Tribromoethanol is widely used as an anaesthetic agent for embryo-transfer surgery for the generation of transgenic mice. Potential side effects such as local irritation, fibrous adhesions in the abdominal cavity, and mortalities of unknown cause have been reported. Mice of three different strains (CD-1, OF-1, NMRI) received intraperitoneal injections of pentobarbiturate (60 mg/kg, 0.4%), tribromoethanol (240 mg/kg, 1.2%), tribromoethanol (450 mg/kg, 2.5%), ketamine/xylazine (120 mg/kg, 1.2%/16 mg/kg, 0.16%) or saline (NaCl, 0.9%). After 24 h the animals were sacrificed and blinded histopathological examination of abdominal organs was performed by light microscopy. Tribromoethanol caused focal to diffuse necrosis primarily of subperitoneal muscle fibres of the abdominal wall, and, occasionally, necrotic changes on the surface of abdominal organs. These changes were associated with acute peritoneal inflammation and fibrinous serositis of the abdominal organs. The severity of the findings increased with the concentration of tribromoethanol. The use of ketamine/xylazine yielded a comparable success rate in embryo transfer without undesirable side effects. Further use of tribromoethanol is not recommended.
Descriptors: mice, transgenic animals, ethanol, injectable anesthetics, pentobarbital, ketamine, xylazine, serositis, necrosis, inflammation, embryo transfer.

Zhang, S., T. Amsteint, J. Shen, F.R. Brush, and H.K. Gershenfeldt (2005). Molecular correlates of emotional learning using genetically selected rat lines. Genes Brain and Behavior 4(2): 99-109. ISSN: 1601-1848.
Abstract: The genetic contributions to active avoidance learning in rodents have been well established, yet the molecular basis for genetically selected line differences remains poorly understood. To identify candidate genes influencing this active avoidance paradigm, we utilized the bidirectionally selected Syracuse high- and low-avoidance (SHA and SLA) rat lines that markedly differ in their two-way active avoidance behavior. Rats were phenotyped, rested to allow recovery from testing stress and then hippocampi were dissected for gene expression profiling (Affymetrix U34A chips; approximately 7000 known genes), comparing SLA to SHA. Next, a subset of differentially expressed genes was confirmed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) in hippocampi. Additional studies at the protein level were performed for some genes. Using triplicate arrays on pooled hippocampal samples, differentially expressed genes were identified by MICROARRAY SUITE 5.0 and robust multi-array average analyses. By RT-PCR analysis in hippocampi, eight genes were nominated as potential candidate genes consistent with the differential expression from the microarray data. Four genes, Veli1 (mlin-7B), SLC3a1, Ptpro and Ykt6p, showed higher expression in SHA hippocampi than SLA. Four genes, SLC6A4, Aldh1a4, Id3a, and Cd74, showed higher expression in SLA hippocampi than SHA. The active avoidance behavioral difference between lines probably emerges from 'many small things'. These potential candidate genes generate hypotheses for future testing in human association and rodent studies. Differences in levels of a pleiotropic gene like Ptpro and SLC6A4 suggest that small differences over a lifespan may contribute to large behavioral differences.
Descriptors: behavior, nervous system, neural coordination, molecular genetics, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, gene expression profiling, laboratory techniques, genetic techniques, real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, affymetriix U34A chip, laboratory equipment, microarray suite 5.0, computer software, emotional learning.

Zhu, M., D. Nehra, J.J.H. Ackerman, and D.A. Yablonskiy (2004). On the role of anesthesia on the body/brain temperature differential in rats. Journal of Thermal Biology 29(7-8): 599-603. ISSN: 0306-4565.
NAL Call Number: QP82.2.T4J6
Descriptors: rats, body, brain, temperature, anesthesia, role, blood flow, oxygen consumption, anesthetics, temperature gradients.

Zivkovic, I.P., A.K. Rakin, D.M. Petrovic Djergovic, D.J. Kosec, and M.V. Micic (2005). Exposure to forced swim stress alters morphofunctional characteristics of the rat thymus. Journal of Neuroimmunology 160(1-2): 77-86. ISSN: 0165-5728.
Descriptors: biochemistry and molecular biophysics, blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, immune system, chemical coordination and homeostasis, endocrine system, chronic stress, behavioral and mental disorders, apoptosis.

Zolotareva, N.N., T.M. Agapkina, and A.N. Severtsov (2002). Biochemical and physiological status of Mongolian gerbils under low temperature conditions. Advances in Ethology 37: 177. ISSN: 0931-4202.
Descriptors: Mongolian gerbils, biochemical status, physiological status, low temperature conditions.
Notes: Meeting Information: 4th International Symposium on Physiology and Behaviour of Wild and Zoo Animals, September 29-October 02, 2002, Berlin, Germany.

Zwicker, G.M., J.D. Fikes, J.D. Thurman, B.A. Rogers, T.J. Bucci, A. Turturro, and R. Hart (1998). Survival, body weight, and neoplastic lesions in brown Norway and F1BNF rats. A lifetime study of the effects of ad libitum and dietary restriction feeding. Toxicologic Pathology 26(1): 169-170. ISSN: 0192-6233.
Descriptors: Norway rat, F1BNF rat, feeding, restriction, ad libitum, study, body weight, survival, neoplastic lesions, dietary.
Notes: Meeting Information: XVI International Symposium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists.

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