Animal Welfare Information Center United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library
Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Rodents

Return to Contents

Blood/Bleeding/Biology

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.

Al Sarraf, H. and L. Philip (2003). Effect of hypertension on the integrity of blood brain and blood CSF barriers, cerebral blood flow and CSF secretion in the rat. Brain Research 975(1-2): 179-188. ISSN: 0006-8993.
Abstract: Hypertension has been related to the development of brain damage, dementia and other CNS dysfunctions. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is thought to contribute to these disorders. In this study, the integrity of both blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers during chronic hypertension was investigated. For this, the entry of [super(14)C]sucrose and of lanthanum into brain tissue, choroid plexus, and CSF was studied. Also brain regional blood flow and brain [super(14)C]sucrose volume of distribution were measured using indicator fractionation and ventriculo-cisternal perfusion methods, respectively. The above measurements were performed in normotensive (WKY) rats and in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Choroid plexus and CSF uptakes of [super(14)C]sucrose were found to be significantly greater in SHR compared to WKY rats (P0.05). Intercellular entry of lanthanum was observed in choroidal tissue of SHR but not in that of WKY rats and at the BBB. Choroid plexus blood flow was significantly greater in SHR, 2.82 plus or minus 0.21 ml g super(-1) min super(-1), compared to 2.4 plus or minus 0.08 ml g super(-1) min super(-1) in WKY (P0.05). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in brain % water content and extracellular fluid [super(14)C]sucrose volume of distribution between SHR and WKY rats. However, choroid plexus showed greater % water content in SHR (85.7 plus or minus 1.9%) compared to the WKY rats (81.5 plus or minus 1.7%). These results suggest that chronic hypertension in SHR may cause more pronounced defects in the integrity of the blood-CSF barrier than in the BBB.
Descriptors: rat, hypertension, effect, blood brain barrier, blood CSF barrier, cerebral blood flow.

Bao, G., N. Metreveli, and E.C. Fletcher (1999). Acute and chronic blood pressure response to recurrent acoustic arousal in rats. American Journal of Hypertension 12(5): 504-10. ISSN: 0895-7061.
Abstract: Repetitive episodic hypoxia every 30 sec administered chronically to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats has been shown by previous studies to cause a sustained increase in daytime blood pressure (BP). Acoustic arousal in humans during wake or sleep produces an acute BP rise. The question then arises as to whether chronic episodic acoustic arousal applied with the same frequency and duration as episodic hypoxia induces elevated BP. We exposed 14-week-old (N = 10) SD rats in individual cages to recurrent buzzer noise (500 Hz, 100 dB) 6 out of every 30 sec, 7 h/day for 35 days. Ten other rats were placed in similar cages daily but not exposed to noise, to provide a sham condition. An infrared beam with a detector was positioned at the end of each cage. This allowed us to quantify motion by registering the number of times the rat broke the beam per 7 h period. Mean intraarterial BP was measured in unrestrained conscious animals at baseline and at the end of 35 days of their respective conditions. Acute episodic acoustic stimulation caused an immediate response in BP and heart rate. Habituation occurred in that the movement response to 120 noises per hour was 75% in hour one and 20% in hours two through seven on day one. The movement response was further reduced by day 35 but remained significantly higher than in animals not stimulated by noise. The cardiovascular response to noise also showed signs of habituation. Chronic noise stimulation produced no sustained increases in BP after 35 days of exposure.
Descriptors: arousal physiology, blood pressure physiology, circadian rhythm physiology, acoustic stimulation, anoxia physiopathology, heart rate physiology, movement physiology, noise, Sprague Dawley rats.

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.

Brand, P.H., N. Qi, P.J. Metting, and S.L. Britton (2000). A self-powered constant infusion device for use in unrestrained rats. American Journal of Physiology, Heart and Circulatory Physiology 278(6): H2157-62. ISSN: 0363-6135.
Abstract: We developed a device that delivers fluid through a catheter at a constant rate and can be used in conscious animals to solve a variety of problems. For example, this device can be used for delivering drugs and maintaining intravascular catheter patency. The device provides infusions at low flows (1.0-1.5 ml/day), so that experimental agents may be administered with minimal volume loading of the rat. Arterial and venous catheter patency is maintained by infusion of heparinized saline through indwelling catheters attached to the device. The catheters exit from the rat in the intrascapular area and are routed through a protective spring to the device, which is suspended above the cage. The catheters may be attached to pressure transducers, blood may be sampled, and injections or infusions may be made without disturbing the rat. Because the device is self-contained, it can be suspended by a fluid-free swivel that rotates through 360 degrees, providing minimal restraint. The device has been used successfully to measure arterial and central venous blood pressures in two studies using rats.
Descriptors: rats, unrestrained, infusion pumps, catheterization, equipment design, pressure, drug delivery, catheter patency.

Buzadzic, B., D. Blagojevic, B. Korac, Z.S. Saicic, M.B. Spasic, and V.M. Petrovic (1997). Seasonal variation in the antioxidant defense system of the brain of the ground squirrel (Citellus citellus) and response to low temperature compared with rat. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Endocrinology 117(2): 141-9. ISSN: 1367-8280.
Abstract: Seasonal variation in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1.; SOD), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6; CAT), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9; GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2; GR), glutathione-S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18; GST) and low-molecular-weight antioxidants: ascorbic acid (AsA), vitamin E (VIT E) and glutathione (CSH+GSSG) were examined in the brain of the ground squirrels (Citellus citellus) maintained at 30 degrees C during the whole year. The highest activity (per mg protein) of antioxidant defense (AD) enzymes was found in the spring and was much lower in the summer. A further decrease in activity of CAT, GSH-Px and GST was observed in the winter. The highest levels of AsA and glutathione were recorded in winter in comparison with spring and summer. AD system in the brain of the ground squirrel and rates (maintained at thermoneutrality) exposed to low temperature (4 degrees C) for 3, 6 or 24 hr during the summer was studied as well. Summer was chosen as a period of stable euthermia for ground squirrels and in thermoregulation similar to rats. Consumption of free fatty acid and glucose during the acute exposure to low temperature was found to be species specific. In the ground squirrel, an increase in the specific activities of SOD, after 3, 6 and 24 hr, CAT after 3 and 6 hr and GR after 6 hr of exposure to low temperature was detected. When activities were expressed in U/g wet mass, an increase of SOD after 3, 6 and 24 hr (P < 0.02, P < 0.02, P < 0.005) and CAT and GSH-Px 3 hr (P < 0.01) upon exposure to low temperature was observed. In the rats, no changes in the specific activities of these enzymes after exposure to low temperature were recorded and only an increase in GST activity (U/g wet mass) after 6 hr exposure was registered. Low-molecular-weight AD components in both animal species were unchanged upon short-term exposure to low temperature. The species-specific differences in brain AD between the rats and the ground squirrels after short exposure to low temperature may be ascribed to seasonal changes of the brain activity in the latter.
Descriptors: rat, ground squirrel, seasonal variation, antioxident defense system, brain, temperature.

Callahan, M.F., M. Sosa, B. Mckee, and T.L. Smith (2004). Regional blood flow in mice: effects of core body temperature. FASEB Journal 18: 4-5 (Abst. 855.16). ISSN: 0892-6638.
Online: http://www.fasebj.org/
Descriptors: mice, regional blood flow, core body temperature, effects, lowered core temperature, rewarming, heart rate, cardiac output.
Notes: Meeting Information: FASEB Meeting on Experimental Biology: Translating the Genome, April 17-21, 2004, Washington, D.C., USA.

Carneiro, R.A., R. Serakides, C.M. Sousa, V.A. Nunes, and E.F. Nascimento (2000). Perfil hematologico de ratas castradas e intactas induzidas experimentalmente ao hipertireoidismo. [Blood profile of intact and castrated female rats with experimentally induced hyperthyroidism]. Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia 52(3): 220-221. ISSN: 0102-0935.
Descriptors: rats, blood, castration, females, hyperthyroidism, glands, husbandry, gonadectomy, sterilization.

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, Y.L., H.S. Sohn, K.C. Chan, C.D. Berdanier, and J.L. Hargrove (1997). Low dietary protein impairs blood coagulation in BHE/cdb rats. Journal of Nutrition 127(7): 1279-1283. ISSN: 0022-3166.
NAL Call Number: 389.8 J82
Abstract: The influence of dietary protein on blood coagulation tests was evaluated in BHE/cdb rats. Three experiments were conducted in order to compare effects of diets with low (8 g/100 g diet) or high (38 g/100 g diet) protein, to establish values for coagulation tests at intermediate (12-30 g/100 g diet) concentrations of dietary protein, and to compare feeding identical quantities of diets with 8 g protein/100 g diet vs. 18 g protein/100 g diet. After 4 wk of feeding the semipurified diets, bleeding time exceeded 15 min in the groups fed low protein diets, compared to a range of 3-6 min for the groups fed high protein diets. Several in vitro tests of coagulation were abnormal in the rats fed low protein diets. For example, prothrombin time averaged 27 +/- 8 s in rats fed 8 g protein/100 g diet plus beef tallow, but 17 +/- 1 s in rats fed 38 g protein/100 g diet plus tallow. The coagulation deficit in rats fed low protein was not affected by fat source (tallow vs. menhaden oil), but fibrinogen was elevated in rats fed diets with menhaden oil. Conversely, no differences in coagulation tests were observed among rats fed 12-30 g protein/100 g diet. Bleeding times ranged from 7 to 9 min, and prothrombin time was 17-18 s. Significant differences in plasma fibrinogen concentration and prothrombin time were observed in rats fed 8 vs. 18 g protein/100 g diet at a fixed rate of 6 g/100 g body weight. Platelet and blood cell numbers were unaffected by dietary protein. The evidence for multiple deficits in the coagulation system suggests that hepatic function in BHE/cdb rats may become impaired when the rats are fed low protein diets of the composition used here.
Descriptors: rats, low dietary protein, impairs, blood coagulation, prothrombin time, bleeding.

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.

Cho, J.H., S.H. Jeong, H.O. Ku, H.G. Kang, J.M. Park, H.I. Yun, and Y.S. Lee (1997). [Improved novel method of blood sample collection via jugular vein in unanesthetized rats]. Korean Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 13(1): 117-120. ISSN: 1225-813X.
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, blood veins, blood sampling, methods, blood vessels, body parts, cardiovascular system.
Language of Text: Korean with English and Korean summaries.

Dark, J. and D.R. Miller (1997). Metabolic fuel privation in hibernating and awake ground squirrels. Physiology and Behavior 63(1): 59-65. ISSN: 0031-9384.
Abstract: The nature of metabolic fuel utilization during hibernation and periodic arousal is not completely understood. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) and mercaptoacetate (MA) were administered to hibernating ground squirrels. These drugs disrupt glucose and fatty acid oxidation, respectively. Telemetrically recorded body temperature (Tb) was analyzed to determine rate of rewarming from hibernation, duration of euthermia during periodic arousal, and proportion of animals arousing after treatments. 2DG given during hibernation significantly increased latency to regain euthermia, especially during the initial phase of rewarming (from first Tb > 10 degrees C to first Tb > 15 degrees C), without affecting the duration or other features of the ensuing euthermic period; MA did not affect rate of rewarming. MA treatment during hibernation affected thermoregulation after the animals aroused, including an increased duration of euthermia and maintenance of erratic patterns of Tb. The percentage of animals that aroused from hibernation was increased in a dose-dependent fashion by each drug. 2DG and MA treatments had little or no impact on nonhibernating ground squirrels in the cold. We suggest that glucose oxidation is important for rewarming from deep torpor; limited glucose availability cannot, however, support normal levels of euthermia when fatty acid oxidation is compromised. On the other hand, fatty acid oxidation may be less necessary for normal arousal from torpor, but critical for the maintenance of euthermia during the arousal phase.
Descriptors: ground squirrels, metabolic fuel, hibernating, awake, privation, arousal, drugs, thermoregulation.

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 Jong, W.H., A. Timmerman, and M.T.M. Van Raaij (2001). Long-term cannulation of the vena cava of rats for blood sampling: local and systemic effects observed by histopathology after six weeks of cannulation. Laboratory Animals 35(3): 243-248. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: A cannulation system with fixation by a metal cuff around the tail was used for blood sampling. The cannula was guided subcutaneously and positioned in the vena cava after entering the body via the femoral vein. Histopathology was performed after long-term cannulation of up to 35 and 45 days. The presence of the cannula in the vena cava induced endothelial hypertrophy and hyperplasia accompanied by stromal hypertrophy. The endothelial activation was not limited to the vena cava but was also observed in both the cannulated vena iliaca and the contralateral control vena iliaca, the latter showing only minor alterations. In the lung, thrombi were noted in the larger lung arteries; and foreign body emboli, probably situated in the alveolar septi, could be detected occasionally. Inflammatory reactions in the tail at the site of cuff fixation consisted of a mixture of acute and chronic inflammatory responses. The chronic inflammation extended into the tail muscles, as shown by the presence of fibrous tissue associated with muscle degeneration. In conclusion, prolonged venous cannulation in rats resulted in local alterations in the veins, small emboli in the lungs and a moderate to marked inflammation in the tail. However, the procedure itself was well tolerated by the animals.
Descriptors: rats, cannulation, blood sampling, vena cava, adverse effects, histopathology, tail, inflammation, embolism, lungs, endothelium, thrombosis, stress, animal welfare.

De Wilde, M.C., E. Hogyes, A.J. Kiliaan, T. Farkas, P.G. Luiten, and E. Farkas (2003). Dietary fatty acids alter blood pressure, behavior and brain membrane composition of hypertensive rats. Brain Research 988(1-2): 9-19. ISSN: 0006-8993.
Abstract: The beneficial effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on developing hypertension has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, related changes in brain membrane composition and its cognitive correlates have remained unclear. Our study aimed at a comprehensive analysis of behavior and cerebral fatty acid concentration in hypertension after long-term PUFA-rich dietary treatment. Hypertensive and normotensive rats were provided a placebo, or one of two PUFA-enriched diets with a reduced (n-6) /(n-3) ratio for 75 weeks. Exploratory behavior and spatial learning capacity were tested. Systolic blood pressure (BP) was repeatedly measured. Finally, brain fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. Hypertensive rats exhibited more active exploration but impaired spatial learning compared to normotensives. Both diets reduced BP, increased PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) concentration, and reduced saturated fatty acid content in brain. The level of cerebral PUFAs and MUFAs was lower in hypertensive than in normotensive rats. Furthermore, BP positively, while spatial learning negatively correlated with cerebral (n-6)/(n-3) PUFA ratio. We concluded that regular n-3 PUFA consumption could prevent the development of hypertension, but reached only a very delicate improvement in spatial learning. Furthermore, we consider a potential role of metabolically generated MUFAs in the beneficial effects of PUFA supplementation.
Descriptors: rats, hypertensive, dietary fatty acids, blood pressure, behavior, brain membrane composition.

Demir, O., E. Yazar, V. Altunok, M. Elmas, and V. Ozdemir (2001). Effet du phenobarbital sur les gaz du sang et des activites de systemes enzymatiques anti-oxydants chez la souris Balb/C. [Effect of phenobarbital on antioxidant enzyme activities and blood gas parameters in Balb/C mice]. Revue De Medecine Veterinaire (France) 152(10): 723-726. ISSN: 0035-1555.
Abstract: Dans cette etude, l' effet du phenobarbital a ete etudie sur des parametres d' activites enzymatiques antioxydantes et des gaz du sang chez des souris Balb/C. Quarante souris males Balb/C ont ete utilisees. Dix souris ont servi de groupe temoin, et trente souris ont recu du phenobarbital (80 mg/kg de poids corporel, per os, en administration unique). Des echantillons de sang, de cerveau et de foie ont ete pris a 6, 12 et 24 heures apres administration. Les activites cerebrales et hepatiques de superoxyde dismutase et de glutathion peroxydase ont ete mesurees par spectrophotometrie, et les parametres de gaz du sang ont ete mesures par l' analyseur de gaz de sang. Comme resultat, le phenobarbital a cause une acidose respiratoire provisoire et une diminution de l' activite de la superoxyde dismutase dans le cerveau.
Descriptors: mice, phenobarbital, side effects, blood gases, enzyme activity, barbiturates, blood, blood composition, chemicophysical properties, drugs, enzymes, mammals.
Language of Text: French with French and English summaries.

Di Petrillo, K., S.W. Tsaih, S. Sheehan, C. Johns, P. Kelmenson, H. Gavras, G.A. Churchill, and B. Paigen (2004). Genetic analysis of blood pressure in C3H/HeJ and SWR/J mice. Physiological Genomics 17(2): 215-220. ISSN: 1094-8341.
Abstract: Hypertension is a complex phenotype induced by multiple environmental and genetic factors. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis is a powerful method for identifying genomic regions underlying complex diseases. We conducted a QTL analysis of blood pressure in mice using 217 F sub(2) progeny (males and females) from a cross between the normotensive C3H/HeJ and hypertensive SWR/J inbred strains. Our analysis identified significant QTL controlling blood pressure on chromosome 1 [Chr 1; Bpq8; peak 78 cM; 95% confidence interval 64-106 cM; logarithm of the odds ratio (LOD) 3.5; peak marker D1Mit105] and on Chr 16 (Bpq9; peak 56 cM; 95% confidence interval 46-58 cM; LOD 3.6; peak marker D16Mit158). Bpq8 was previously identified in a cross between C57BL/6J and A/J mice, and we narrowed this QTL from 42 to 18 cM (95% confidence interval 68-86 cM) by combining the data from these crosses. By examining Bpq8 for regions where ancestral alleles were conserved among the high allele strains (C57BL/6J, SWR/J) and different from the low allele strains (A/J, C3H/HeJ), we identified a 2.3-cM region where the high allele strains shared a common haplotype. Bpq8 is concordant with known QTL in both rat and human, suggesting that the causal gene underlying Bpq8 may be conserved as a disease gene in human hypertension.
Descriptors: mice, genetic analysis, blood pressure, alleles, hypertension, quantitative trait loci.

Douglass, R.J., A.J. Kuenzi, T. Wilson, and R.C. Van Horne (2000). Effects of bleeding nonanesthetized wild rodents on handling mortality and subsequent recapture. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 36(4): 700-704. ISSN: 0090-3558.
Descriptors: wild rodents, handling techniques, nonanesthetized handling, bleeding, effects, mortality, blood sampling, sedation, anesthetic, posthandling survival, Montana, blood sampling without anesthetic, recapture.

El Fazaa, S., L. Somody, N. Gharbi, A. Kamoun, C. Gharib, and G. Gauquelin Koch (1999). Effects of acute and chronic starvation on central and peripheral noradrenaline turnover, blood pressure and heart rate in the rat. Experimental Physiology 84(2): 357-368. ISSN: 0958-0670.
Descriptors: rat, starvation, acute, chronic, effects, blood pressure, heart rate, noradrenaline turnover.

Erdos, B., Z. Lacza, I.E. Toth, E. Szelke, T. Mersich, K. Komjati, M. Palkovits, and P. Sandor (2003). Mechanisms of pain-induced local cerebral blood flow changes in the rat sensory cortex and thalamus. Brain Research 960(1-2): 219-227. ISSN: 0006-8993.
Abstract: It is a well-known phenomenon that cerebral blood flow is coupled to neural activation induced by non-noxious somatosensory stimulation. However, basic questions related to pain-induced cerebral blood flow changes remain unanswered. In the present study, the sciatic nerve of anesthetized rats was subjected to electric stimulation with noxious and non-noxious parameters. Changes in local cerebral blood flow and neuronal activity were determined simultaneously in the sensory cortex and in the thalamus by laser-Doppler flowmetry and c-fos immunohistochemistry, respectively. The role of different vasoregulatory mechanisms and the pain-induced increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were examined with specific blocking agents and by means of rapid intra-arterial transfusion. Noxious stimulation resulted in significant enhancement of neuronal activity both in the thalamus and in the somatosensory cortex indicated by marked c-fos expression in these areas. Cortical and thalamic blood flow (cBF and tBF) increased by 47 plus or minus 4 and 44 plus or minus 3% during the stimulation while the MABP elevated by 35 plus or minus 2%. Similar changes in MABP induced by intra-arterial transfusion had no effect on tBF, while cBF increased only by 18 plus or minus 5%. Blockade of ATP sensitive potassium channels (K super(+)ATP) and sympathetic beta -receptors significantly attenuated the pain-induced blood flow increases in both investigated areas, while inhibition of nitric oxide synthase was effective only in the thalamus. The blockade of the sympathetic alpha -receptors, opiate receptors, and the cyclooxygenase enzyme had no effect on the pain-induced cerebral blood flow elevations. These findings demonstrate that during noxious stimulation, cerebral blood flow is adjusted to the increased neural activity by the interaction of vasoconstrictor autoregulatory and specific vasodilator mechanisms, involving the activation of sympathetic beta -receptors, K super(+)ATP-channels and the release of nitric oxide.
Descriptors: rat, cerebral blood flow, pain induced changes, mechanism, sensory cortex, thalamus.

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.

Falkenberg, H., G. Kuhn, M. Langhammer, U. Renne, and H. Redel (1999). Vergleich von Cholesterinparametern im Blut von Schweinen, Kaninchen und Mausen. [Comparison of blood cholesterol traits in pigs, rabbits and mice]. Archiv Fuer Tierzucht 42(4): 365-376. ISSN: 0003-9438.
Abstract: Untersuchungen an 434 Schweinen, 132 Kaninchen und 1096 Mausen zeigten, dass das Niveau der Cholesterinwerte tierartspezifisch ist und durch das Geschlecht beeinflusst wird. Bei Schweinen verringerten sich die Werte mit zunehmendem Lebendgewicht. Genetische Einflusse wie z.B. die Langzeitselektion nach verschiedenen Zuchtzielen bei Mausen beeinflusst die Konzentration der Cholesterinparameter (Gesamtcholesterin, HDL, LDL) sowie die Beziehungen untereinander.
Descriptors: swine, rabbits, mice, sex, weight, cholesterol, lipoproteins, blood plasma, genetics, selection, blood, breeding methods, domestic animals, isoprenoids, lagomorphs, livestock, mammals, proteins, Rodentia, steroids, sterols, Suidae.
Language of Text: German with an English summary.

Falkenberg, H., M. Langhammer, and U. Renne (2000). Auswirkungen der divergenten Selektion nach lokomotorischer Aktivitt auf biochemische Blutmerkmale beim Modelltier Maus. [Comparison of biochemical blood traits after long-term selection on high or low locomotory activity in mice]. Archiv Fuer Tierzucht 43(5): 513-522. ISSN: 0003-9438.
Descriptors: mice, models, selection, movement, physical activity, metabolism, blood plasma, triglycerides, cholesterol, lipoproteins, enzymic activity, blood, breeding methods, chemicophysical properties, esters, glycerides, isoprenoids, lipids, mammals, physiological functions, proteins, Rodentia, steroids, sterols.
Language of Text: German summary.

Falkenberg, H., U. Renne, and M. Langhammer (2000). Biochemische Charakterisierung von Stoffwechselkennwerten von LabormSusen nach Langzeitselektion auf Wachstum. [Biochemical characterisation of blood metabolic substances in mice after long-term selection on growth traits]. Archiv Fuer Tierzucht 43(4): 375-385. ISSN: 0003-9438.
Descriptors: mice, selection, growth, blood plasma, enzymic activity, metabolic profile tests, biological development, blood, breeding methods, biochemical characterisation, blood metabolic substances.
Language of Text: German summary.

Foley, P.L., C.H. Barthel, and H.R. Brausa (2002). Effect of covalently bound heparin coating on patency and biocompatibility of long-term indwelling catheters in the rat jugular vein. Comparative Medicine 52(3): 243-248. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Many physiologic and pharmacologic studies require long-term vascular access for repeated substance infusion and/or blood sample collection. The study reported here was undertaken to determine whether a functionally active heparin coating would improve long-term patency of venous catheters in rats. Uncoated or coated catheters were surgically placed in the jugular vein, and patency was evaluated twice weekly for a total of 30 days. Culturing of blood and catheters, and histologic examination were performed for all rats. All heparin-coated catheters remained patent for the study duration, with patency defined as ability to infuse saline and withdraw a blood sample. Median patency for uncoated catheters was 17.5 days, with a range of three to 30 days. Histologic evaluation of vessels revealed more advanced and severe lesions in rats with uncoated, compared with coated catheters. Furthermore, uncoated catheters had increased association with bacteremia (3/8), compared with coated (0/9) catheters. Taken together, these results indicate that coating catheters with covalently bound heparin molecules can significantly prolong patency and cause less pathologic damage to the catheterized vessel.
Descriptors: rats, catheters, polyurethanes, heparin, coatings, jugular vein, lesions, bacteremia, blood sampling, animal welfare, indwelling catheters, patency, biocompatibility.

Fukui, S., H. Nawshiro, K. Wada, K. Shima, and J.M. Hallenbeck (2001). A new method to catheterize a femoral artery in mice using a nylon suture as a 'guide wire'. Neurological Research 23(6): 655-656. ISSN: 0161-6412.
Descriptors: mice, catheter, femoral artery, nylon suture guide wire, new method.

Gattermann, R., P. Fritzsche, R. Weinandy, and K. Neumann (2002). Comparative studies of body mass, body measurements and organ weights of wild-derived and laboratory golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Laboratory Animals 36(4): 445-54. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: All laboratory golden hamsters originate from a sibling pairing back in 1930. To investigate possible differences between domesticated and wild conspecifics, descendants of both strains were maintained under standardized laboratory conditions individually and in unisexual groups. Body mass and food consumption were monitored from birth to 22 weeks of age. The animals were subsequently sacrificed, and body measurements and body composition were analysed. In addition, the absolute and relative masses of different organs were measured. Laboratory hamsters gained more body mass through higher food consumption. However, they did not get fatter, since relative fat values were the same for both strains. Body measurements revealed only minor differences (in body and ear lengths). As deducible from the body mass, the organs (spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, testes, epididymis and ovaries) were seen to be heavier in laboratory hamsters. Furthermore, with the exception of the kidneys, the same went for the relative values. There were distinct sexual specific differences in both strains only for body fat ( male symbol male symbol upward arrow ) and adrenal glands ( male symbol male symbol upward arrow ). In females, group housing induced an elevated level of aggression. In general, these housing conditions led to social stress symptoms, such as heavier adrenal glands. Additionally, spleen, kidneys, ovaries, body length and mass, body water and body fat were increased in group-housed hamsters. In conclusion, no major differences between laboratory and wild-derived hamsters were observed.
Descriptors: hamster, body mass, body measurements, body composition, organ weights, comparative study, physiology, organ size, social environment, stress.

Godoy, H.M., G.C. Faifer, and V. Velazco (1997). Effects of multiple doses of T-2 toxin on the erythroid response capacity of mice following an extensive experimental bleeding. Natural Toxins 5(4): 152-156. ISSN: 1056-9014.
NAL Call Number: QP631.N37
Descriptors: bleeding, mice, extensive, T-2 toxin, erythroid response.

Goundasheva, D. (2000). Effets de l' exercice physique sur les modifications de l' equilibre acide-base et sur les gaz sanguins chez des rats ayant une inflammation provoquee. [Effect of exercise on acid-base and blood gas changes in rats challenged with an inflammation agent]. Revue De Medecine Veterinaire 151(11): 1041-1046. ISSN: 0035-1555.
Abstract: L' etude a pour but de determiner l' effet du stress induit par l' exercice physique sur l' equilibre acide-base et les gaz sanguins de rats ayant une inflammation provoquee par du glycogene d' huitre. Les rats ayant une inflammation seule (groupe controle) ont developpe une acidose metabolique decompensee 72 heures plus tard. Dans le groupe experimental, le stress impose aux rats, ayant eu aussi une inflammation provoquee, a modifie la dynamique et le degre de l' acidose metabolique decompensee. Elle s' est manifestee plus tot - apres 3 heures - et etait caracterisee par des taux plus bas du pH, du bicarbonate plasmatique, de la teneur en CO2, de l' exces de base, de la base tampon, du bicarbonate standard, indiquant une regulation metabolique modifiee ainsi que par des taux plus bas des pressions partielles du CO2 et du O2; la saturation en oxygene et la capacite en oxygene, indiquant des changements lies au systeme respiratoire.
Descriptors: rats, inflammation, physical activity, stress, acid base equilibrium, blood, gases, disorders, fluids, homeostasis, mammals, physical states, Rodentia.
Language of Text: French with French and English summaries.

Guitart, R., V. Alfaro, J. Roca Acin, and L. Palacios (1996). Blood sampled in rats from right ventricle may not always be truly representative of a mixed venous sample. Lab Animal 30(3): 273-278. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: blood, rats, sampling, heart, body parts, cardiovascular system, ventrical, methods, mixed venous sample, hematology, blood specimen collection.

Haemisch, A., G. Guerra, and J. Furkert (1999). Adaptation of corticosterone--but not beta-endorphin--secretion to repeated blood sampling in rats. Laboratory Animals 33(2): 185-191. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Effects of short-term repeated blood sampling on the secretion of corticosterone (CORT) and beta-endorphin (beta-END) were evaluated in male Wistar rats. Blood was drawn from the tail vein of conscious rats four times within 2 h both at the peak and trough period of the diurnal corticosterone secretion cycle. All rats were well accustomed to the procedure. The main findings were: (1) At both sampling intervals, CORT increased significantly in response to the first sampling and declined to baseline values in successive sample. (2) beta-END also increased significantly in response to the first sampling but remained elevated in successive samples. (3) Intensities of initial CORT and beta-END responses correlated positively with each other and with the baseline beta-END values. Feedback inhibition of CORT secretion with sustained elevation of beta-END titres suggests a moderate stress intensity of the repeated blood sampling procedures. In general, due to lack of short-term feedback inhibition, beta-END seems to reflect the effects of repeated administration of moderate intense stressors more closely than CORT.
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, corticosterone, endorphins, hormone secretion, stress response, animal welfare, blood plasma, diurnal variation.

Hamaya, T., A. Ohta, T. Kono, R. Aono, and K. Horikoshi (1998). Effect of magnetite on the hematocrit value in exsanguinated rats. Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry 62(5): 993-995. ISSN: 0916-8451.
Abstract: Magnetite prepared by an enzyme-dependent reaction gradually released iron ion into the acidic-to-neutral buffer solution. A preparatory experiment was performed to examine the efficiency of magnetite as an iron supplement. Feeding exsanguinated rats with being magnetite resulted in the hematocrit value being recovered without any serious adverse effect on the digestive organs.
Descriptors: rats, hematocrit, anemia, iron, dosage effects, ferrous sulphate, magnetic properties, digestive system, exsanguinated, heavy metals, inorganic acid salts, mammals, metallic elements, Rodentia, salts, sulphates.

Han, J., M. Hosokawa, M. Umezawa, H. Yagi, T. Matsushita, K. Higuchi, and T. Takeda (1998). Age-related changes in blood pressure in the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM): aged SAMP1 mice manifest hypertensive vascular disease. Laboratory Animal Science 48(3): 256-263. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Abstract: Age-related changes in systolic blood pressure were assessed, using the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) model for aging research with strains SAMR1, SAMP1, and SAMP8. Each of the strains manifested a characteristic change in blood pressure with age. The SAMR1 strain, with normal aging, did not have chronologic changes from 2 to 27 months of age. The SAMP1 strain, with accelerated senescence, had a significant increase in blood pressure with age, and some (8 of 39) mice manifested hypertensive vascular disease characterized by high blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and arteriolar fibrinoid necrosis at 11 to 14 months of age. The gradual increase in blood pressure after 8 to 16 months was considered to be preceded by progressive renal changes, from glomerulonephritis to contraction of the kidney, suggesting that the high blood pressure in the SAMP1 strain was of renal origin. Blood pressure in the SAMP8 strain, with age-related deficits in learning and memory, gradually decreased after 5 to 7 months of age, and was suggested to be due to the astrogliotic changes in response to spongiform degeneration in the medulla oblongata at 11 to 14 and 15 to 18 months of age.
Descriptors: mice, blood pressure, age, senescence, biological differences, kidneys, glomerulonephritis, aging, brain, spongiform encephalopathy, histopathology, biological development, blood circulation, body parts, central nervous system, developmental stages, encephalopathy, kidney diseases, mammals, nervous system, nervous system diseases, organic diseases, pathology, physiological functions, Rodentia, urinary tract, urinary tract diseases, urogenital system, age differences, strain differences, senility, medulla oblongata.

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.

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.

Hem, A., A.J. Smith, and P. Solberg (1998). Saphenous vein puncture for blood sampling of the mouse, rat, hamster, gerbil, guineapig, ferret and mink. Lab Animal 32(4): 364-368. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: blood sampling, minks, mice, rats, methods, blood, sampling, animal welfare, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, blood specimen collection.

Hem, A. and P. Solberg (1998). Blood collection using the saphenous vein: An alternative to retro-orbital collection. Laboratory Animals 32: 364-368. ISSN: 0023-6772.
Online: http://www.uib.no/vivariet/mou_blood/Blood_coll_mice_.html
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: A step by step procedure with good photos and explanation of the procedure.
Descriptors: alternative, retro-orbital, blood collection, saphenous vein, web site.

Higuchi, H., A. Mitomi, T. Tsurumaki, T. Yamaguchi, and A. Hasegawa (2001). Blood pressure, contraction of vascular smooth muscle and feeding behavior of npy-y1 receptor knock-out mice. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 85(Supplement 1): 161. ISSN: 0021-5198.
Descriptors: mice, blood pressure, feeding behavior, meeting abstract, smooth muscle, contraction.
Notes: Meeting Information: 74th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society, March 21-23, 2001, Yokohama, Japan.

Hoff, J. (2000). Methods of blood collection in the mouse. Lab Animal 29(10): 47-53. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: mice, laboratory animals, blood specimen collection, veins, vena cava, jugular vein, heart, eyes, anesthesia, blood volume, tail, saphenous vein, dorsal pedal vein, orbital sinus, cardiac puncture, animal use refinement.

Ignat'ev, D.A., G.S. Sukhova, and V.P. Sukhov (2001). The analysis of changes in heart rate and temperature of ground squirrel Citellus undulatus in various physiological states. Zhurnal Obshchei Biologii 62(1): 66-77. ISSN: 0044-4596.
Descriptors: ground squirrel, heart rate, temperature, changes, hibernation, arousal, physiological state.

Ishida Kakizoe, Y., A. Wada, Y. Kannan, T. Mizuno, and M. Tsudzuki (1998). Postnatal blood cell counts of Japanese house mice (Mus musculus molossinus): maintenance of low numbers of white blood cells. Laboratory Animal Science 48(5): 533-534. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Descriptors: mice, young animals, leukocytes, cell counting, age, granulocytes, lymphocytes, erythrocytes, biological differences, biological analysis, blood, blood cells, cells, leukocytes, mammals, Rodentia, age differences, neutrophils, erythrocyte count, normal values, strain differences.

Ivanusa, T. (2001). Merjenje pretoka krvi v SA-1 tumorjih misi z uporabo makromolekularnih kontrastnih sredstev pri slikanju z magnetno resonanco. [Blood flow evaluation in SA-1 tumours in mice using macromolecular contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging]. Slovenski Veterinarski Zbornik 38(2): 161-170. ISSN: 1580-4003.
Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool for soft tissue differentiation. This can be improved by the use of contrast media: low-molecular-weight media such as clinically approved Gd-DTPA (gadolinium(III)-diethilentriaminepentaacetic acid) and macromolecular contrast media. Macromolecular contrast agents are being developed to investigate blood pool, to specifically enhance the blood pool and to evaluate capillary-integrity. These agents are not available yet for clinical use. Two prototype macromolecular contrast media were used in this study: gadomer-17 and polylysine-Gd-DTPA and compared to Gd-DTPA. With their use the quality of tumor vessels was described, specifically blood volume (BV) and permeability (PS) of untreated tumors and tumors treated with vinblastine or electric pulses. The study has shown that both macromolecular contrast media are superior to Gd-DTPA in determining tumor vessels, i.e. BV and PS. With the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI the efficacy of both treatment was shown as a decrease in BV and PS values. Application of electric pulses was more effective than vinblastine. Amongst the three used contrast media, gadomer-17 is the most appropriate for the future clinical use. The results of the present research are new accomplishment in the use of macromolecular contrast media for evaluation of tumor blood pool and understanding of vinblastine or electric pulses action on tumor vessels.
Descriptors: mice, blood flow evaluation, neoplasms, diagnosis, imagery, therapy, stimuli, mammals, methods, organic diseases, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI.
Language of Text: Slovenian summary.

Jacobson, C. and M. Maslov (2001). Effects of extruded or pelleted diet on blood glucose, body weight, feed and water consumption in rats. Scandinavian Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 28(3): 129-139. ISSN: 0901-3393.
Descriptors: laboratory animals, diet, blood sugar, body weight, feed consumption, water uptake, pellets, blood, blood composition, consumption, formulations, nutrient uptake, nutrition physiology, physiological functions, useful animals.
Language of Text: Swedish summary.

Jareo, P.W., L.C. Preheim, M.U. Snitily, and M.J. Gentry (1997). Use of magnetic cell sorting to isolate blood neutrophils from rats. Laboratory Animal Science 47(4): 414-418. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Abstract: The difficulty in obtaining sufficient numbers of neutrophils from rat blood limits the usefulness of this species in studies involving neutrophil function. To increase the neutrophil yield from rats drinking alcohol on a long-term basis, which further decreases neutrophil yield, we developed a magnetic cell-sorting technique. The rats were exsanguinated and neutrophils were isolated, using either traditional density gradient centrifugation or magnetic cell sorting. In the latter method, the leukocytes were labeled with biotinylated anti-rat granulocyte antibodies, followed by addition of streptavidin-conjugated superparamagnetic microbeads. The labeled cell suspension was applied to a steel wool column suspended within a magnetic field. Unlabeled cells were washed through the column. Retained, labeled neutrophils were eluted after the column was removed from the magnetic field. Compared with density gradient centrifugation, magnetic cell sorting yielded two- to fivefold higher neutrophil numbers per rat with increased purity. Viability was comparable for neutrophils isolated by the two techniques. Magnetic cell sorting is a rapid, gentle method for isolation of rat blood neutrophils and enhances the potential usefulness of rats in neutrophil-related research.
Descriptors: granulocytes, grading, isolation techniques, centrifuging, blood, rats, blood, blood cells, cells, leukocytes, Rodentia, separating, magnetic separation, density gradient centrifugation, comparisons.

Johns, E.J. and G.D. Bristow (1998). Cardiovascular responses to light and darkness in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology 12(Supplement 1): 77S.
Descriptors: rats, hypertensive, light, darkness, cardiovascular response, normotensive.
Notes: Meeting Information: Satellite Symposium to the 17th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension on Blood Pressure Variability in Health and Disease, June 5, 1998, Nancy, Paris.

Jones, M.A., J.M. Vanness, and J.M. Overton (1997). Short-term food deprivation reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (shr). FASEB Journal 11(3): A467. ISSN: 0892-6638.
Descriptors: rats, hypertensive, blood pressure, food deprivation, short term, reduces.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Professional Research Scientists on Experimental Biology 97, April 6-9, 1997, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

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.

Kerins, G.M. and A.D. MacNicoll (1999). Comparison of the half-lives and regeneration rates of blood clotting factors II, VII, and X in anticoagulant-resistant and susceptible Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Endocrinology 122(3): 307-316. ISSN: 1367-8280.
Descriptors: rodents, blood proteins, rats, blood plasma, pesticides, resistance to chemicals, vertebrates, noxious animals, rodenticides, chemical control, pest control, blood, blood composition, Chordata, control methods, mammals, noxious animals, noxious mammals, pesticides, pests, Rodentia, blood coagulation factors, Rattus norvegicus, resistance mechanisms.

Khan, K.N.M., W.J. Komocsar, I. Das, N.C. Lassaro, P.B. Senese, P. Hamilton, A. Roth, and P.F. Smith (1996). Effect of bleeding site on clinical pathologic parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats: retro-orbital venous plexus versus abdominal aorta. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 35(5): 63-66. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, arteries, blood composition, pathology, blood, blood vessels, retro orbital, cardiovascular system, bleeding site, effect, blood chemistry, physiopathology.

Kile, B.T., C.L. Mason Garrison, and M.J. Justice (2003). Sex and strain-related differences in the peripheral blood cell values of inbred mouse strains. Mammalian Genome 14(1): 81-85. ISSN: 0938-8990.
Descriptors: mouse, inbred strains, related differences, peripheral blood cell values, sex differences.

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.

Kitching, A. (2000). A refined method of repeated blood sampling in mice. Animal Technology 51(1): 67-70. ISSN: 0264-4754.
NAL Call Number: QL55.I5
Descriptors: mice, blood sampling, veins, restraint of animals, environmental temperature, blood flow, animal use refinement, coccygeal vein, restraining cone, warming.

Klemetti, E., S. Rico Vargas, and P. Mojon (2005). Short duration hyperbaric oxygen treatment effects blood flow in rats: pilot observations. Laboratory Animals 39(1): 116-121. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Descriptors: oxygen, hyperbaric, effects, blood flow, rats, observations, short, duration.

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.

Kuriyama, T., K. Oishi, H. Kakazu, and K. Machida (1998). [Changes of physiological functions in rats induced by immobilization stress]. Nippon Eiseigaku Zasshi [Japanese Journal of Hygiene] 52(4): 647-53. ISSN: 0021-5082.
Abstract: A study was conducted on the changes of physiological function in rats due to immobilization stress. Male Fischer rats (SPF) of 32 weeks of age were housed in individual cages for 4 weeks. Then all rats were immobilized by stainless wire mesh for 6 hours daily for 3 days. Blood was collected before the 1st stress, immediately after the 1st stress, immediately after the 3rd stress and the day after the 3rd stress. The results of this experiment were as follows: (1) The total leukocyte counts in the blood of the rats after the 1st trial was significantly higher than that before the 1st trial. (2) The percentage of lymphocytes in the blood after the 1st trial was significantly lower than that before the 1st trial, whereas that of neutrophils was significantly higher. (3) Correlations between phagocytic activity and superoxide production of neutrophils by histochemical NBT reduction assay showed significantly a positive correlation before the 1st trial. However, no significant correlations were observed in immediately after the 1st trial and the 3rd trial. The day after the 3rd trial, a positive correlation was observed again. These correlations showed that an unsuitable state of the neutrophil function was induced by the immobilization stress. (4) Serum biochemical profiles were affected by the immobilization stress. Also, GOT, GPT, LDH, CK and UA were increased after the 1st trial, whereas, TG, TP, ALB and ALP were decreased after the 1st trial. T-CHO was increased only immediately after the 3rd stress. These results suggest that immobilization stress affected blood cells and serum components, and then the host defense and physiological functions were damaged respectively.
Descriptors: immobilization adverse effects, stress physiopathology, leukocyte count, neutrophils physiology, phagocytosis, inbred F344 rats, superoxides metabolism.
Language of Text: Japanese.

Lewis, R.M., A.J. Forhead, C.J. Petry, S.E. Ozanne, and C.N. Hales (2002). Long-term programming of blood pressure by maternal dietary iron restriction in the rat. British Journal of Nutrition 88(3): 283-290. ISSN: 0007-1145.
NAL Call Number: 389.8 B773
Abstract: We have reported that blood pressure was elevated in 3-month-old rats whose mothers were Fe-restricted during pregnancy. These animals also had improved glucose tolerance and decreased serum triacylglycerol. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these effects of maternal nutritional restriction, present in these animals at 3 months of age, can be observed in the same animals in later life. Pulmonary and serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) concentrations were also measured to investigate whether the renin-angiotensin system was involved in the elevation of blood pressure observed in the offspring of Fe-restricted dams. Systolic blood pressure was higher in the offspring of Fe-restricted dams at 16 months of age. Heart and kidney weight were increased as a proportion of body weight in the offspring of Fe-restricted dams. The pulmonary ACE concentration was not significantly different between the groups. The serum ACE concentration was significantly elevated in the offspring of Fe-restricted dams at 3 but not 14 months of age. There was a strong correlation between serum ACE levels at 3 and 14 months of age. Glucose tolerance and serum insulin were not different between the maternal diet groups. Serum triacylglycerol tended to be lower in the offspring of Fe-restricted dams. There were no differences in serum non-esterified fatty acids or serum cholesterol between the maternal diet groups. This study provides further evidence that maternal nutrition has effects on the offspring that persist throughout life. At 16 months of age, the elevation of blood pressure in Fe-restricted offspring does not appear to be mediated via changes in ACE levels. Both. cardiac hypertrophy and decreased serum triacylglycerol have also been observed in Fe-restricted fetuses, suggesting that these changes may be initiated in utero.
Descriptors: iron, maternal nutrition, pregnancy, longitudinal studies, blood pressure, progeny, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, weight, body weight, diet, experimental diets, rats, animal models, hemodynamics, hydrolases, blood serum, insulin, blood lipids, gender differences, blood glucose, long term effects, renin angiotensin system, angiotensin converting enzyme, animal organs.

Li, W. and S.C.S. Chung (2003). Flow cytometric evaluation of leukocyte function in rat whole blood. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology Animal 39(10): 413-419. ISSN: 1071-2690.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish a standard flow cytometric method to measure the phagocytic function of and intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by rat leukocytes. Thirty-six adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study. Whole-blood specimens from the inferior vena cava were collected in a heparinized tube and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated tube. The phagocytic function of and intracellular H2O2 generation by leukocytes were measured with FACS Vantage registered flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA), using fluorescent microspheres and dihydrorhodamine-123 as probes, respectively. Several conditions were optimized in this study, including anticoagulants (heparin and EDTA), fluorescent probes (0.75- and 1.72- mu m-diameter microspheres), incubation time, and concentration of the chemicals used in the experiment. Neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes could be clearly defined and separated in whole blood by flow cytometry and tested for phagocytosis and intracellular H2O2 generation without the need for further purification and handling of the cells. Intracellular H2O2 production by and phagocytic function of neutrophils and monocytes were inhibited in EDTA-anticoagulated blood compared with heparin- anticoagulated blood (P < 0.01). Neutrophils showed similar phagocytic function to 0.75- and 1.72- mu m microspheres, but monocytes showed weak phagocytic activity to 1.72- mu m beads compared with 0.75- mu m beads (P < 0.01). In conclusion, a flow cytometric method to measure the phagocytic function of and intracellular H2O2 production by rat leukocytes has been developed. Quantitative flow cytometric analysis of rat leukocyte function is convenient and feasible and provides a reliable and rapid assay to assess phagocytosis and intracellular H2O2 production by rat neutrophils and monocytes.
Descriptors: rat whole blood, leukocyte function, flow cytometry, evaluation, blood, phagocytic function.

Liu, J.Y., T.G. Diaz III, J.V. Vadagama, and J.P. Henry (1996). Tail sectioning: a rapid and simple method for repeated blood sampling of the rat for corticosterone determination. Laboratory Animal Science 46(2): 243-245. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Descriptors: blood sampling, blood plasma, glucocorticoids, methods, analytical methods, rats, adrenal cortex hormones, blood, corticoids, tail sectioning, repeated blood sampling, Rodentia, rapid methods.

Mang'era, K., M. Krzyzelewski, S. Greaves, D. Greenberg, and M. Billinghurst (2005). Molecular-size fractionation of pentastarch, radiolabelling with tc-99m, and evaluation of biological behaviour in mice. Nuclear Medicine Communications 26(4): 375-381. ISSN: 0143-3636.
Descriptors: blood and lymphatics, transport and circulation, radiation biology, radiolabeling, laboratory techniques, behavior, stability, fractionation.

Manni, L., A. Antonelli, N. Costa, and L. Aloe (2005). Stress alters vascular-endothelial growth factor expression in rat arteries: role of nerve growth factor. Basic Research in Cardiology 100(2): 121-130. ISSN: 0300-8428.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of stress and nerve growth factor (NGF) on the expression of vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and NGF high-affinity receptor ( tyrosine kinase A, TrKA) in the ascending and abdominal aorta. Adult male rats were exposed to immobilization stress for one hour or injected with purified murine NGF. Four hours after treatments, rats were sacrificed and VEGF, NGF and TrkA expression in ascending and abdominal aorta evaluated. The effects of anti-NGF treatment on arterial VEGF expression and on stress-induced arterial cell proliferation were also studied in control and stressed rats. The data indicated that both stress and NGF injection induced a rapid increase of arterial VEGF associated with an elevated level of NGF and TrkA in arterial tissues. Blocking NGF action by neutralizing NGF-antibodies, results in down-regulation of stress-induced VEGF expression by arteries and in the blockade of stress-induced proliferation of cells from the arterial wall. Overall our data demonstrated that NGF is involved in the regulation of VEGF and in cardiac vessels response after emotional stress.
Descriptors: rat, arteries, nerve, growth factor, stress, vascular, endothelial, expression.

Martineau, L. and M.B. Ducharme (1998). A chronic arterial cannula for blood sampling in conscious, unrestrained rats. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 37(5): 67-72. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, cannulae, arteries, inflammation, body weight, restraint of animals, animal welfare, leukocyte count, cytokines.

Martinez, R.R., J.C. Perez, E.E. Sanchez, and R. Campos (1999). The antihemorrhagic factor of the Mexican ground squirrel, (Spermophilus mexicanus). Toxicon 37(6): 949-54. ISSN: 0041-0101.
NAL Call Number: 391.8 T66
Abstract: The Mexican ground squirrel (Spermophilus mexicanus) has a natural resistance to western diamondback rattlesnake venom (Crotalus atrox). The LD50 for the Mexican ground squirrel is 53 mg/kg body weight, which is 13 times higher than that of BALB/c mice. An antihemorrhagic factor from serum of the Mexican ground squirrel was isolated using Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, ion exchange A-50, G-75 gel filtration and HPLC DEAE 5PW ion exchange chromatography. The purified factor neutralized proteolytic and hemorrhagic activity of crude C. atrox venom. The results of this research suggest that the antihemorrhagic factor in the serum of the Mexican ground squirrel is not an antibody and neutralizes hemorrhagic activity of C. atrox venom.
Descriptors: antivenins blood, blood proteins isolation and purification, Sciuridae blood, antigen antibody complex immunology, antivenins isolation and purification, blood proteins immunology, chromatography, gel chromatography, ion exchange, dextrans, electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel, enzyme inhibitors, hydrogen ion concentration, lethal dose 50, metalloendopeptidases antagonists and inhibitors, mice, inbred BALB c mice, rabbits.

Mattson, D.L. (1998). Long-term measurement of arterial blood pressure in conscious mice. American Journal of Physiology 274(2, Part 2): R564-70. ISSN: 0002-9513.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 Am3
Abstract: This study describes a technique for the direct daily measurement of arterial blood pressure, sampling of arterial blood, and continuous intravenous infusion in free-moving, conscious, Swiss-Webster mice. Catheters were chronically implanted in the femoral artery and vein, tunneled subcutaneously, exteriorized at the back of the neck in a lightweight tethering spring, and attached to a swivel device at the top of the cage. Time-control experiments (n = 8) demonstrated stable values of mean arterial pressure (MAP, 116 +/- 1 mmHg) and heart rate (HR, 627 +/- 21 beats/min) for up to 35 days after catheter implantation. It was further observed that restraining mice (n = 7) increased MAP by 10 +/- 3 mmHg and HR by 78 +/- 8 beats/min from the values observed under free-moving conditions. To demonstrate the chronic use of the venous catheter, intravenous infusion of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 8.6 mg.kg-1.day-1, n = 6) for 5 days significantly increased MAP from 117 +/- 4 to 131 +/- 4 mmHg without altering HR. In a final group of mice (n = 5), oral L-arginine (2% in drinking water) increased plasma arginine concentration from 90 +/- 7 to 131 +/- 17 microM and prevented L-NAME hypertension. These experiments illustrate the feasibility of long-term intravenous infusion, direct arterial blood pressure measurements, and arterial blood sampling in conscious mice.
Descriptors: mice, blood pressure determination methods, arteries, blood pressure drug effects, blood specimen collection methods, catheters, indwelling, longterm measurement, heart rate, infusions, intravenous.

Mohamed, A.S.M. (1998). Physiological studies on the effect of some stressful stimuli on blood coagulation in rats. Dissertation, Cairo University: Cairo, Egypt. 89 p.
Descriptors: laboratory animals, rats, blood coagulation, functional disorders, stress, hypoglycemia, blood physiology, disorders, mammals, metabolic disorders, physiological functions, Rodentia.
Notes: Thesis (M.V.Sc. in Physiology).

Morimoto, Y., S. Kohyama, K. Nakai, H. Matsuo, F. Karasawa, and M. Kikuchi (2003). Long-term effects of UV light on contractility of rat arteries in vivo. Photochemistry and Photobiology 78(4): 372-376. ISSN: 0031-8655.
Descriptors: rat, arteries, contractility, UV light, long term, effects, smooth muscle cells, loss, contractile responses, reduced, endothelial function.

Mostafa, H.F.A. (1996). Bone marrow and blood immunohistochemical studies experimentally induced leukaemia in rat. Dissertation, Assiut Univ.: Egypt. 220 p.
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, leukemia, bone marrow disorders, blood disorders, histopathology, disorders, functional disorders, mammals, neoplasms, organic diseases, pathology.
Notes: Thesis (Ph.V.D. in Pathology and Clinical Pathology).

Nico, B., G.P. Nicchia, A. Frigeri, P. Corsi, D. Mangieri, D. Ribatti, M. Svelto, and L. Roncali (2004). Altered blood-brain barrier development in dystrophic MDX mice. Neuroscience 125(4): 921-935. ISSN: 0306-4522.
Abstract: In order to ascertain whether the alterations of the bloodabrain barrier (BBB) seen in adult dystrophic mdx-mice [Glia 42 (2003) 235], a human model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), are developmentally established and correlated with other dystrophin isoforms which are localized at the glialavascular interface, we used immunocytochemistry to investigate the expression of dystrophin isoforms (Dp71) during BBB development in mdx fetuses and in adult mice. Parallelly, we used Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunogold electron microscopy to analyze the expression of the zonula occludens (ZO-1), aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and glial fibrillary acidic (GFAP) proteins as endothelial and glial markers, and we evaluated the integrity of the mdx BBB by means of intravascular injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The results show reduced dystrophin isoforms (Dp71) in the mdx mouse compared with the control, starting from early embryonic life. Endothelial ZO-1 expression was reduced, and the tight junctions were altered and unlabeled. AQP4 and GFAP glial proteins in mdx mice also showed modifications in developmental expression, the glial vascular processes being only lightly AQP4- and GFAP-labeled compared with the controls. Confocal microscopy and HRP assays confirmed the alteration in vessel glial investment, GFAP perivascular endfoot reactivity being strongly reduced and BBB permeability increasing. These results demonstrate that a reduction in dystrophin isoforms (Dp71) at glial endfeet leads to an altered development of the BBB, whose no-closure might contribute to the neurological dysfunctions associated with DMD.
Descriptors: MDX mice, altered blood brain barrier, development, muscular dystrophy.

Nikolaishvili, L.S., L.S. Gobechiya, and N.P. Mitagvariya (2004). The effects of fentanyl and morphine on local blood flow and oxygen tension in the frontoparietal cortex and nucleus accumbens of the brain in white rats. NeuroScience and Behavioral Physiology 34(5): 467-471. ISSN: 0097-0549.
Abstract: Studies on white rats showed that intraperitoneal administration of small doses of fentanyl (0.005 mg/kg) and morphine (1 mg/kg) decreased local blood flow and increased partial pressure of oxygen (pO sub(2)) in the frontoparietal area of the cerebral cortex but had the opposite effects in the nucleus accumbens - where there was a significant increase in local blood flow and just as significant a decrease in pO sub(2). Analysis of the data led to the conclusion that these changes must result from significant changes in functional-metabolic activity in these structures, induced by intraperitoneal administration of fentanyl or morphine.
Descriptors: white rats, morphine, fentanyl, blood flow, effects, oxygen tension, brain.

Oh, S.H. and S.G. Do [Reference values of body weight, blood pressure, hematology and serum biochemistry in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats from 24 to 30 months]. Korean Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 17(4): 275-282. ISSN: 1225-813X.
Abstract: A reference values comprising body weight gain, blood glucose, blood pressure, heamatology, serum biochemistry and anatomopathological study in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats from 24 to 30 months is described. Comparisons between age and sex were analysed. Weight gain, blood glucose, blood pressure, and heamatology in both sexes followed patterns consistent with other studies.
Descriptors: rats, reference values, aging, blood pressure, body weight, hematology, blood circulation, serum biochemistry.
Language of Text: Korean with an English summary.

Overton, J.M., J.M. Van Ness, and R.M. Casto (1997). Food restriction reduces sympathetic support of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of Nutrition 127(4): 655-660. ISSN: 0022-3166.
NAL Call Number: 389.8 J82
Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that food restriction would attenuate the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Furthermore, we hypothesized that food restriction would reduce the tonic sympathetic nervous system support of blood pressure in the SHR. Male SHR (Charles River, age 5 wk) were randomly assigned to ad libitum (ADLIB, n=8) or food-restricted (FR, n = 9) groups. ADLIB rats were given free access to nonpurified diet and demineralized water. Food-restricted rats ate 60% of the amount of nonpurified diet consumed by rats in the ADLIB group. After 8 wk of treatment, ADLIB rats were heavier than FR rats (ADLIB = 318 +/- 4 g; FR = 193+/- 5 g, P < 0.05). Blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured after chronic implantation of iliac arterial and jugular venous catheters. Food-restricted rats had lower mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) than ADLIB rats, measured in conscious, unrestrained state 4-6 h after catheterization (ADLIB = 162 +/- 3 mmHg; FR = 142 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) and measured on the day after surgery (ADLIB = 150 +/- 6 mmHg; FR = 130 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in resting HR on either day. Food-restricted rats exhibited augmented cardiac baroreflex-mediated bradycardia (bolus phenylephrine, 0.5-4.0 microgram/kg intravenously) as assessed by linear slope of the deltaHR/deltaMAP relationship (ADLIB = -0.73 beats/(min.mm Hg); FR = -1.62 beats/(min.mmHg), P < 0.05). Sympathetic support of blood pressure quantified by the depressor response to ganglionic blockade (hexamethonium 30 mg/kg; atropine 0.1 mg/kg intravenously), was greater in the ADLIB group (ADLIB: -59 +/- 8 mmHg; FR: -36 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.05). The results support the hypotheses that chronic food restriction reduces the development of hypertension and sympathetic support of MAP in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Descriptors: starvation, blood pressure, hypertension, heart rate, restricted feeding, body weight, neurotropic drugs, rats, animal models, blood circulation, cardiovascular diseases, drugs, feeding, feeding systems, mammals, organic diseases, physiological functions, Rodentia, vascular diseases, arrhythmia, parasympatholytics.

Overton, J.M., L.M. Roberts, S.P. Gagnon, and T.D. Williams (2003). Ambient temperature and blood pressure regulation in B6 mice. FASEB Journal 17: 4-5 (Abstract No. 826.4). ISSN: 0892-6638.
Online: http://www.fasebj.org/
Descriptors: mice, B6 mice, blood pressure, ambient temperature, regulation, dark phase, light phase.
Notes: Meeting Information: FASEB Meeting on Experimental Biology: Translating the Genome, April 11-15, 2003, San Diego, CA, USA.

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.

Pedrazzini, T., J. Seydoux, P. Kuenstner, J.F. Aubert, V. Pasdrun, E. Grouzmann, F. Beermann, and H.R. Brunner (1998). Cardiovascular response, feeding behaviour, and locomotor activity in NPY Y1 receptor-deficient mice. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts 24(1-2): 2046. ISSN: 0190-5295.
Descriptors: feeding behavior, locomotor activity, cardiovascular response, deficient mice, NPY Y1 receptor.
Notes: Meeting Information: 28th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Part 2, November 7-12, 1998, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Pelissier, A.L., M. Gantenbein, and B. Bruguerolle (1999). Caffeine-induced modifications of heart rate, temperature, and motor activity circadian rhythms in rats. Physiology and Behavior 67(1): 81-88. ISSN: 0031-9384.
Abstract: The effects of repeated caffeine administration on the circadian rhythms of heart rate (H), body temperature (T) and motor activity (A) were examined in 8 unrestrained adult male Wistar rats (10 weeks old, mean weight 275 g) maintained under controlled conditions (LD 12:12, light from 0600 to 1800 h) by using radiotelemetry transmitters. The study was divided into three 7-day observation spans; a 1-week control span (P1), a 1-week treatment span (P2) and a 1-week recovery span (P3). P1 was performed for assessing baseline measurements of H, T and A. During P2, four rats received caffeine (25 mg/kg) at 0900 h, while 4 rats received saline in the same conditions every day of the observation span. H, T and A were continuously monitored and plotted every 10 min. For P1, P2 and P3, a power spectrum analysis (Fourier transform) was applied to determine the dominant period of rhythmicity. If H, T and A circadian rhythms were detected, the characteristics of these rhythms (mesors, amplitudes and acrophases) were determined by cosinor analysis, expressed as means +or- SEM and compared by analysis of variance. Caffeine did not suppress the circadian rhythmicity of H, T and A, but significantly increased mesors and decreased amplitudes of the 3 rhythms and advanced acrophases of temperature and activity compared to the control group.
Descriptors: heart, heart rate, temperature, body temperature, caffeine, circadian rhythm, rats.

Pelissier, A.L., M. Gantenbein, F. Prudian, and B. Bruguerolle (1998). Effets d'une anesthesie generale a l'ether ou a la ketamine sur les rythmes circadiens de la temperature corporelle, de la frequence cardiaque et de l'activite locomotrice chez le rat. [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): 91-98. ISSN: 0339-722X.
Descriptors: rats, anesthetics, influence, heart rate, temperature, locomotor activity, ketamine, ether, daily rhythm.
Language of Text: French with an English summary.

Pickard, C.L. and H.D. Mccarthy (1997). The response of blood pressure to feeding composite diets of differing macronutrient composition in rats with hypertension of fetal origin. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 56(1A): 11A. ISSN: 0029-6651.
Descriptors: blood pressure, feeding, composite diets, macronutrients, rats, hypertension, response.
Notes: Meeting Information: Meeting of the Nutrition Society, June 24-28, 1996, Ulster, Coleraine.

Printz, M. (2000). Radiotelemetry-based blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature analysis of recombinant inbred rat strains. Journal of Hypertension 18(Supplement 4): S186. ISSN: 0263-6352.
Descriptors: rat, inbred strains, heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, radiotelemetry, recombinant.
Notes: Meeting Information: 18th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension, August 20-24, 2000, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Reddy, A.K., G.E. Taffet, S. Madala, L.H. Michael, M.L. Entman, and C.J. Hartley (2003). Noninvasive blood pressure measurement in mice using pulsed Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology 29(3): 379-385. ISSN: 0301-5629.
Abstract: Existing tail-cuff pressure devices for mice use tail flow sensors that measure only systolic and mean pressure. We developed a method to obtain systolic and diastolic pressure in mice using a pulsed Doppler flow velocity sensor and a tail-cuff and validated the method against pressure signals obtained simultaneously from a fluid-filled catheter. The tail-cuff was pressurized to suprasystolic levels to completely occlude the tail artery and then released gradually. The pressure at which the tail flow reappeared was recorded as systolic and the pressure at which the tail flow became continuous was recorded as diastolic. Regression analysis of tail-cuff pressures over catheter pressures obtained from healthy mice (n = 16) showed a high degree of association (r sub(sys) = 0.95, r sub(dia) = 0.94, both at p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two methods, with a mean difference of -13 ( plus or minus 12 SD) mmHg and 3 ( plus or minus 10 SD) mmHg in the systolic (58 to 250 mmHg) and diastolic (48 to 178 mmHg) pressure measurements, respectively. Bland-Altman plots of tail-cuff blood pressures of a second group of mice (n = 20) showed good agreement between repeated measurements obtained on the same day, but had higher variability between measurements made on different days.
Descriptors: ultrasound, Doppler waves, blood pressure, arteries, mice.

Rogers, T.D., N.M. Gades, J.D. Kearby, C.K. Virgous, and J.T. Dalton (2002). Chronic restraint via tail immobilization of mice: effects on corticosterone levels and other physiologic indices of stress. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 41(1): 46-50. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, laboratory mammals, animal welfare, stress, blood sampling, immobilization, tail, blood serum, corticosterone, body weight, thymus gland, weight, spleen, adrenal glands, experimental design, animal use refinement.

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.

Song, S.W., K.H. Kim, H.Y. Kim, S.J. Lee, and M.K. Chung (1996). [The method of repeated blood collection in the lateral tail vein of rats using a needle catheter]. Korean Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 12(2): 281-284. ISSN: 1225-813X.
Descriptors: rats, blood vessels, blood, collections, age, needle catheter, blood sampling, body parts, cardiovascular system, repeated blood collection, lateral tail vein.
Language of Text: Korean with an English summary.

Stout, R.W., D.Y. Cho, S.D. Gaunt, H.W. Taylor, and D.G. Baker (2001). Transcutaneous blood gas monitoring in the rat. Comparative Medicine 51(6): 524-533. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Transcutaneous blood gas (TCBG) analysis is a noninvasive alternative method of estimation of blood gas tensions. The objective of the study reported here was to validate this method against standard blood gas (STBG) analysis in adult and juvenile Sprague-Dawley rats. We sought to establish the optimal TCBG probe site and temperature, to establish probe temperatures that would not cause thermal burns, to evaluate correlations between blood gas values (PaCO2 and PaO2) determined by use of TCBG and STBG, and to evaluate the sensitivity of the TCBG unit to changes in arterial blood gas partial pressures. Our results indicated that: in general, the xyphoid area was the optimal site for probe placement, with 44.5 degrees C being the optimal probe temperature for the highest correlation, but thermal burns may be a problem; probe temperatures of 42.5 degrees C (adults) and 42.0 degrees C (juveniles) do not cause thermal burns when left in place for three hours; probe temperatures of 44 degrees C (adults) and 42 degrees C (juveniles) resulted in moderate correlation between PaCO2 and PtcCO2; and the TCBG unit adequately responded to changes in arterial blood gas partial pressures. Neither PtcCO2 or PtcO2 reflect actual values of PaCO2 or PaO2, respectively. We concluded that TCBG analysis may be used as an indicator of change in PaCO2 with sufficient animal numbers under tightly controlled conditions, but not as an indicator of change in PaO2 in adult and juvenile rats.
Descriptors: rats, blood gases, monitoring, validity, temperature, arteries, carbon dioxide, oxygen, animal testing alternatives, animal use refinement, animal use reduction, transcutaneous blood gas monitoring.

Suzuki, K., N. Koizumi, H. Hirose, R. Hokao, N. Takemura, and S. Motoyoshi (1997). Blood sampling technique for measurement of plasma arginine vasopressin concentration in conscious and unrestrained rats. Laboratory Animal Science 47(2): 190-193. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Abstract: A new technique for collecting blood from conscious and unrestrained rats is reported. Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration has been known to be influenced by various procedures used for blood collection (e.g., manual contact and anesthesia). In the study reported here, the improvement of the routine jugular vein cannula method was undertaken by extending the connection tubing to allow use of a swivel mechanism. Plasma AVP, glucose, and corticosterone concentrations in virgin rats were measured in blood samples collected by use of the new method and of two generally accepted methods (decapitation and routine jugular vein cannula methods). All values of the three parameters obtained were the lowest when the new method was used, suggesting that this new swivel method induced the least stress in the rats.
Descriptors: rats, unrestrained, blood sampling, blood vessels, methods, blood plasma, arginine, vasopressin, blood sugar, glucocorticoids, measuring instruments, adrenal cortex hormones, amino acids, blood, blood composition, cardiovascular system, corticoids, equipment, hormones, peptides, pituitary hormones, Rodentia, jugular vein, cannulation, catheters, corticosterone, hematocrit, stress.

Torous, D.K., N.E. Hall, F.G. Murante, S.E. Gleason, C.R. Tometsko, and S.D. Dertinger (2003). Comparative scoring of micronucleated reticulocytes in rat peripheral blood by flow cytometry and microscopy. Toxicological Sciences 74(2): 309-314. ISSN: 1096-6080.
Abstract: A flow cytometric technique for scoring the incidence of micronucleated reticulocytes in rat peripheral blood was compared to a standard microscopy-based procedure. For these studies, groups of five male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with vehicle or a broad range of chemical genotoxicants: 6-thioguanine, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, vincristine, methylaziridine, acetaldehyde, methyl methanesulfonate, benzene, monocrotaline, and azathioprine. Animals were treated once a day for up to 2 days, and peripheral blood was collected between 24 and 48 h after the final administration. These samples were processed for flow cytometric scoring and microscopy-based analysis using supravital acridine orange staining, and the percentage of reticulocytes and micronucleated reticulocytes was determined for each sample. The resulting data demonstrate good agreement between these scoring methodologies, although careful execution of the flow cytometric method was found to enhance the micronucleus assay by reducing both scoring time and scoring error. These data add further support to the premise that the peripheral blood compartment of rats can be used effectively to detect genotoxicant-induced micronuclei.
Descriptors: rat, peripheral blood flow, cytometry, microscopy, reticulocytes, comparative scoring.

Torres, I.L.S., A. Buffon, G. Dantas, C.R. Fuerstenau, A.E. Boehmer, A.M.O. Battastini, J.J.F. Sarkis, C. Dalmaz, and M.B.C. Ferreira (2002). Chronic stress effects on adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in the blood serum and brain structures of rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 74(1): 181-186. ISSN: 0091-3057.
Abstract: We have previously observed that adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) hydrolysis was decreased 25% in spinal cord synaptosomes of chronically stressed male rats, while no changes were observed in ATPase activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of chronic stress on the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides in two cerebral structures (frontal cortex and hypothalamus) and in the blood serum of male rats. Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to 1-h restraint stress/day for 45 days (chronic) and were sacrificed 24 h after the last session of stress. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or ADP hydrolysis was assayed in the synaptosomal fraction obtained from the frontal cortex and hypothalamus of control and chronically stressed animals. No effects on ADP or ATP hydrolysis were observed in any of the cerebral structures analyzed after chronic stress. On the other hand, reduced ADP hydrolysis was observed in the blood serum of chronic stressed rats. It is possible that the effects observed in the blood serum may represent an adaptation to chronic stress and may reflect different functions of nucleotides and/or enzymes in these tissues. It is possible that altered levels of ADPase activity in the serum may be a biochemical marker for chronic stress situations.
Descriptors: rats, chronic stress, effects, blood serum, brain structure, adenine nucleotide hydrolysis, biochemical marker.

Tsukahara, C., F. Sugiyama, B. Paigen, S. Kunita, and K. Yagami (2004). Blood pressure in 15 inbred mouse strains and its lack of relation with obesity and insulin resistance in the progeny of an NZO/HILtJ x C3H/HeJ intercross. Mammalian Genome 15(12): 943-950. ISSN: 0938-8990.
Descriptors: blood pressure, inbred mouse strains, obesity, insulin resistance, NZO HILtJ, C3H HeJ intercross mice, relation.

Vachon, P. and J.P. Moreau (2001). Serum corticosterone and blood glucose in rats after two jugular vein blood sampling methods: comparison of the stress response. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40(5): 22-24. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, anesthesia, cannulation, stress response, blood sugar, blood serum, corticosterone, animal welfare, comparison.

Van den Buuse, M. (1999). Circadian rhythms of blood pressure and heart rate in conscious rats: effects of light cycle shift and timed feeding. Physiology and Behavior 68(1-2): 9-15. ISSN: 0031-9384.
Abstract: Eight mature male rats were subjected to varying light cycles with ad lib. or restricted access to food and blood pressure, heart rate, and behavioural activity were measured using radiotelemetry. In rats that were fed ad lib., a shift of the light cycle by 6 h (from lights on 07.00-19.00 h to lights on 13.00 to 01.00 h) induced an immediate, but from then on gradual, shift of the circadian rhythms of blood pressure, heart rate, and behavioural activity, which took 4-5 days to fully synchronize with the new light cycle. Rats on a normal light cycle receiving feeding for 1 h only during the light period rather than ad lib. feeding, showed a suppressed circadian rhythm, with the dark period values reduced to values not significantly different from those observed in the light period. During the 1 h timed feeding, blood pressure, heart rate, and behavioural activity peaked to levels that were normally seen during the dark period.
Descriptors: rats, blood pressure, heart rate, circadian rhythms, light cycle, timed feeding, ad lib, restricted.

Van Herck, H., V. Baumans, H.A.G. Boere, A.P.M. Hesp, H.A. Van Lith, and A.C. Beynen (2000). Orbital sinus blood sampling in rats: effects upon selected behavioural variables. Laboratory Animals 34(1): 10-19. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, anesthesia, orbital sinus blood, behavior, locomotion, physical activity, sinuses, eyes, pain, animal welfare.

Van Herck, H., V. Baumans, C.J.W.M. Brandt, H.A.G. Boere, A.P.M. Hesp, H.A. Van Lith, M. Schurink, and A.C. Beynen (2001). Blood sampling from the retro-orbital plexus, the saphenous vein and the tail vein in rats: comparative effects on selected behavioural and blood variables. Laboratory Animals 35(2): 131-139. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: We compared the behaviours of rats, and measured various blood parameters, after three blood sampling techniques: orbital puncture while they were under diethyl-ether anaesthesia, blood collection by tail vein puncture under O2-N2O-halothane anaesthesia and puncture of the saphenous vein without anaesthesia. Twelve rats were subjected to the three treatments according to a Latin square design. After each treatment, the behaviour of the rats was automatically monitored using the so-called LABORAS method, which discriminates between grooming, locomotion and inactivity in rats. Based on excitation scores and urine production, it was found that induction of diethyl-ether anaesthesia combined with orbital puncture caused more distress than did the other two blood sampling techniques. The three techniques had no differential effects on the behaviours of grooming, locomotion and inactivity. Collecting 0.5 ml of blood by orbital puncture was +/-7 times faster than doing so by saphenous vein puncture and +/-15 times faster than collecting blood by tail vein puncture while the rats were under O2-N2O-halothane anaesthesia. The levels of some haematological and plasma variables differed significantly between the three blood collection techniques. These observations may help to select the most appropriate technique of blood sampling with respect to anticipated discomfort in the animals.
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, veins, eyes, anesthesia, stress, animal behavior, animal welfare, pain, tail, blood chemistry, blood picture, restraint of animals, orbital puncture.

Van Herck, H., V. Baumans, C.J.W.M. Brandt, A.P.M. Hesp, J.H. Sturkenboom, H.A. Van Lith, G. Van Tintelen, and A.C. Beynen (1998). Orbital sinus blood sampling in rats as performed by different animal technicians: the influence of technique and expertise. Lab Animal 32(4): 377-386. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, animal welfare, laboratory animals, methods, lesions, blood specimen collection, animal technicians, technique, expertise, orbital sinus blood sampling.

Van Herck, H., S.F. De Boer, A.P.M. Hesp, H.A. Van Lith, V. Baumans, and A.C. Beynen (1997). Orbital bleeding in rats while under diethylether anaesthesia does not influence telemetrically determined heart rate, body temperature, locomotor and eating activity when compared with anaesthesia alone. Laboratory Animals 31(3): 271-278. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: The question addressed was whether orbital bleeding in rats, while under diethylether anaesthesia, affects their locomotor activity, body core temperature, heart rate rhythm and eating pattern. Roman High Avoidance (RHA) and Roman Low Avoidance (RLA) rats were used to enhance generalization of the results. Orbital bleeding when the rats were under diethylether anaesthesia was compared with diethylether anaesthesia alone. To take into account any effects of handling, the rats were also subjected to sham anaesthesia. The RHA rats urinated more during anaesthesia, needed more time to recover from the anaesthesia and showed a greater endocrine stress response to diethylether anaesthesia when compared with the RLA rats. During anaesthesia, the RHA rats showed a greater fall of body temperature and bradycardia than did the RLA rats. Diethylether anaesthesia reduced locomotor activity in the RHA rats, but had no effect in the RLA rats. In neither RHA nor RLA rats did anaesthesia plus orbital puncture, versus anaesthesia alone, influence body temperature, heart rate rhythm, locomotor and eating activity. The lack of effect of orbital puncture occurred both in the short term (within 2h) and long term (within 48 hours) and thus this study indicates that orbital puncture had, at least with respect to variables measured in the present study, no effect superimposed on that of diethylether anaesthesia.
Descriptors: rats, lines, anesthesia, ethyl ether, hemorrhage, orbits, heart rate, body temperature, locomotion, eating patterns, behavior patterns, stress, animal experiments, orbital bleeding.

Viscor, G., J.R. Torrella, V. Fouces, and T. Pages (2003). Hemorheology and oxygen transport in vertebrates. A role in thermoregulation? Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry 59(4): 277-286. ISSN: 1138-7548.
Descriptors: vertebrates, thermoregulation, blood, hemorheology, oxygen transport, temperature effect, turtles, pigeons, rats.

Wagner, S., A. Helisch, G. Bachmann, and W. Schaper (2004). Time-of-flight quantitative measurements of blood flow in mouse hindlimbs. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 19(4): 468-474. ISSN: 1053-1807.
Abstract: To evaluate the feasibility of using time-of-flight (TOF) imaging to directly measure hindlimb blood flow in a mouse model of peripheral vascular disease. Four tubes were imaged simultaneously (diameters = 0.39 mm, 0.59 mm, and two at 1.46 mm) with a 1.0 mM copper sulfate solution for 19 flow velocities. In vivo measurements were performed in the hindlimbs of three mouse strains-C57BL/6 (N = 5), BALB/c (N = 5), and 129S2/Sv (N = 5)- three weeks after femoral artery ligation with a calibration standard. The flow phantom showed that the intensity was linear (r super(2) = 0.92) over the pertinent blood flow velocities in the mouse hindlimbs. Measurements of the blood flow in the distal hindlimbs in different strains of mice (combination of both the venous and arterial flows) were obtained 21 days after right-sided femoral artery occlusion. The results showed that under similar conditions of anesthesia and temperature, SV129 mice on the nonligated side had the highest flows (0.50 +/- 0.07 mL/minute), followed by C57BL/6 (0.28 +/- 0.04 mL/minute) and BALB/c (0.23 +/- 0.05 mL/minute), P < 0.02. The ligated side measurements (SV129, 0.31 +/- 0.05 mL/minute (P = 0.02); C57BL/6, 0.21 +/- 0.02 mL/minute (P = 0.13); and BALB/c, 0.12 +/- 0.02 mL/minute (P= 0.06)) showed a trend in BALB/c and C57BL/6 and significant differences in SV129 for incomplete recovery three weeks after surgery, compared to the nonligated side. Two-dimensional TOF imaging permits quantitative in vivo measurements of hindlimb blood flow in a mouse model of peripheral vascular disease without the need of contrast injection, offering advantages of serial imaging not limited by tissue penetration.
Descriptors: mouse, blood flow, hindlimbs, quantitative measurements, time of flight, peripheral vascular disease, model.

Woo, D.D.L. and I. Kurtz (2003). Mapping blood pressure loci in (A/J x B6)F2 mice. Physiological Genomics 15(3): 236-242. ISSN: 1094-8341.
Abstract: Although the genetics of rare, monogenic, forms of human hypertension are fairly well defined, the genetics of the common polygenic form of human essential hypertension is only emerging. With the ability to control environmental variables, animal models have provided valuable tools with which to study blood pressure (BP) homeostasis. We have now studied BP genetics in a model consisting of 1,521 F2 mice from a series of (A/J x B6) intercrosses kept under standardized conditions. Using whole genome quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, we have identified four novel significant BP loci. These included Abbp1 on mouse chromosome MMU1 [maximum LOD score (MLS) at similar to 35 cM = 6.8], Abbp2 on MMU4 (MLS at similar to 25 cM = 9.8), Abbp3 on MMU7 (MLS at similar to 25 cM = 5.4), and Abbp4 on MMU11 (MLS at similar to 58 cM = 6.3). Compared with A/J homozygotes, homozygosity for the B6 alleles of Abbp1, Abbp2, or Abbp4 is independently associated with a 7-12 mmHg increase in BP. In contrast Abbp3 interacts epistatically with a locus on MMU17 (near D17Mit180) to modulate BPs in female (A/J x B6) F2 mice. Interestingly, Abbp4 on MMU11 is homologous to a major confirmed BP locus, BP1, on rat chromosome 10 and to a major confirmed BP locus, HYT1, on human chromosome 17. Defining the molecular differences between the A/J and the B6 alleles at these novel loci with major influences on the BP phenotype will contribute to our understanding of the complex genetics of BP control.
Descriptors: mice, blood pressure loci, mapping, (A, JxB6)F2 mice, hypertension, genetics, animal model.

Yanagiya, Y., R. Yoshimura, M. Hori, M. Kuwahara, H. Tsubone, and S. Sugano (1999). The influence of chronic sympathectomy on cutaneous blood flow in the rat tail. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 61(7): 795-801. ISSN: 0916-7250.
Descriptors: rats, tail, skin, blood circulation, autonomic nervous system, body parts, body regions, integument, mammals, nervous system, physiological functions, Rodentia.

Yeboah, S. and K.B. Dakwa (2002). Aspects of the feeding habits and reproductive biology of the Ghana mole-rat Cryptomys zechi (Rodentia, Bathyergidae). African Journal of Ecology 40(2): 110-119. ISSN: 0141-6707.
Descriptors: Ghana mole-rat, feeding habits, reproductive biology, aspects, stomach content, plant food source, breeding, birth weights.

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.

Zaki, W.M. (1995). Some biochemical studies on blood of rats. Dissertation, Zagazig University: Egypt. 99 p.
Descriptors: rats, blood, studies, biochemical, thesis.
Notes: Thesis (M.V.Sc. in Biochemistry).

Zeller, W., H. Weber, B. Panoussis, T. Burge, and R. Bergmann (1998). Refinement of blood sampling from the sublingual vein of rats. Laboratory Animals 32(4): 369-376. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: A refined method of repeated blood sampling is described: the tongue of the anaesthetized rat is pulled forward with the fingers and the sublingual vein is punctured with a 23 gauge hypodermic needle. Based on the requirement of a pharmacokinetic study, 0.5 or 1 ml of blood was collected 7 times at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h. The degree of suffering was judged by determining the body weight and food and water consumption. All animals showed an increase in body weight already after 24 h and, therefore, the method of collecting blood from the sublingual vein can be recommended for repeated blood sampling. The haematological evaluation of groups of animals with differing body weight showed that sample volumes of up to 15% of the total blood volume lead to haematocrit values of approximately 40%. A remarkable initial drop in white blood cell counts followed by a marked rise 2 h after first sampling to values partly above the pre-test could not be directly related to the extracted blood volume.
Descriptors: rats, blood sampling, veins, pain, animal welfare, body weight, blood volume, hematocrit, feed intake, water intake, erythrocyte count, sublingual vein, refinement.

Zhou, Y.Q., L. Davidson, R.M. Henkelman, B.J. Nieman, F.S. Foster, L.X. Yu, and X.J. Chen (2004). Ultrasound-guided left-ventricular catheterization: a novel method of whole mouse perfusion for microimaging. Laboratory Investigation 84(3): 385-389. ISSN: 0023-6837.
Descriptors: mouse, ultrasound, ventricular catheterization, microimaging, whole mouse perfusion.

Return to Top

Return to Contents