Animal Welfare Information Center
United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Library
United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Library
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Animal Welfare Information Center United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library |
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Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Rodents |
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Brooks, W.W., C.H. Conrad, A.P. Nedder, O.H.L. Bing, and M.T. Slawsky (2003). Thoracic massage permits use of echocardiography in unanesthetized rats. Comparative Medicine 53(3): 288-292. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Purpose: The objective of the study reported here was to investigate whether massage-like stroking of the thorax and cranial portion of the abdomen might relax unanesthetized rats sufficiently to permit in vivo echocardiography. Methods: Nine-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were first conditioned to being held by hand for 10 to 15 min twice a day for seven to 10 days. During each session, the animal was placed in supine position, and the thorax and cranial abdominal area were gently stroked (approx. 5 cm/s, 12 to 14 times/min). After the conditioning period, echocardiography was initiated. We obtained serial transthoracic two-dimensional (2-D) and M-mode echocardiograms from nine-month-old SHR that were treated with isoproterenol (60 mg/kg of body weight, s.c., x 1, followed by 30 mg/kg/d x3), and from old (20 to 24 months old) SHR, studied when labored breathing, suggestive of heart failure, was evident (SHR-F). Measurements included end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV). Results: In the isoproterenol-treated SHR, mean ½ SD echocardiographically derived EDV (2-D, 0.29 ½ 0.05; M-mode, 0.28 ½ 0.01 ml) was not significantly different from volume at necropsy (0.33 ½ 0.04 ml). Measurements of EDV and ESV by use of M-mode and 2-D echocardiography were significantly correlated (EDV R2 = 0.48, P = 0.05; ESV R2 = 0.39, P = 0.02). Echocardiography revealed pleuropericardial effusions (4/6), atrial thrombi (5/6), and left and right ventricular enlargement (6/6). The EDV and ESV were increased fivefold (P < 0.01) and threefold (P < 0.05), respectively, versus values for SHR not in heart failure (SHR-NF). Left ventricular ejection fraction of hearts from SHR-F was markedly decreased, compared with that in SHR-NF (44 ½ 7 versus 74 ½ 2%, respectively; P < 0.05). The presence or absence of left atrial thrombi and fluid in the thoracic cavity was confirmed at necropsy in SHR-F and SHR-NF. Conclusion: Thoracic massage permits use of echocardiography in unanesthetized rats, thereby providing a simple, non-invasive technique for assessment of cardiac structure and function in rats without the potentially adverse effects of anesthesia.
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, echocardiography, accuracy, training animals, animal handling, restraint of animals, massage, animal welfare.
Fitzgerald, A.L., P. Juneau, C. Cain, and K. Southwick (2003). Development of a quantitative method for evaluation of the electroencephalogram of rats by using radiotelemetry. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 42(1): 40-45. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: rats, laboratory animals, telemetry, electroencephalography, radio waves, electrodes, atropine, caffeine, ketamine, pentobarbital, image analysis, animal use refinement, animal welfare, laboratory equipment, laboratory techniques, drug effects.
Gordon, C.J., E.T. Puckett, and B.K. Padnos (2001). Noninvasive, continuous measurement of rat tail skin temperature by radiotelemetry. FASEB Journal 15(4): A418. ISSN: 0892-6638.
Descriptors: rat, tail skin, temperature, noninvasive, monitoring, radiotelemetry, thermoregulatory status, stress, unrestrained.
Notes: Meeting Information: Annual Meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology on Experimental Biology 2001, March 31-April 04, 2001, Orlando, Florida, USA.
Hida, Y., N. Matsui, T. Kawada, and T. Fushiki (1999). Ultrasonography evaluation of abdominal fat in live rats. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 45(5): 609-619. ISSN: 0301-4800.
Abstract: We have developed a new noninvasive method of estimating abdominal fat volume in live rats using ultrasonography. By this method, cross sections of perirenal (retroperitoneal) fat tissue, which is an abdominal fat, at the renal vein level could be identified and the area determined. The perirenal fat in Wistar rats (wide body weight range, 111.4 to 497.3 g; limited range, 300.1 to 337.9 g) measured by ultrasonography was compared with the actual fat tissue weight. The cross-sectional area of perirenal fat tissue was significantly correlated to the actual whole tissue weight. Using this procedure, we examined the changes of perirenal fat stores during fasting. Consequently, the cross-sectional area of perirenal fat and its actual height decreased in parallel. Total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) is currently used to measure fat-free mass (FFM) and indirectly predicts total body fat mass of live laboratory animals. The body fat distribution, that is, the location of adipose tissue in the abdominal region, is closely associated with obesity-related diseases. Therefore, it is important to focus not only on the accumulation of total body fat, but also on that of abdominal fat. The present ultrasonographic method is considered to be useful for repeated noninvasive measurement of abdominal fat in the live rat.
Descriptors: abdominal fat, ultrasonics, evaluation, adipose tissues, rats, adipose tissues, animal tissues, body parts, connective tissues, mammals, radiation, Rodentia, sound.
Holden, H.E., R.E. Stoll, J.W. Spalding, and R.W. Tennant (1998). Hemizygous Tg.AC Ttansgenic mouse as a potential alternative to the two-year mouse carcinogenicity bioassay: evaluation of husbandry and housing factors. Journal of Applied Toxicology 18(1): 19-24. ISSN: 0260-437X.
Descriptors: transgenic mouse, two year mouse, alternative, husbandry, housing, bioassay, carcinogenicity.
Jenkins, E.S. and R.D. Combes (1999). Transgenic models for prion disease: have they outlived their useful purpose. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 27(Supplement 1): 827-838. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Abstract: Prions are a recently identified class of proteinaceous pathological agents. Prion diseases are fatal neurological disorders, the importance of which is exemplified by the recent emergence of a novel variant of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) in humans. During pathogenesis, prion proteins undergo a conformational change, which converts the normal isoform to a pathogenic isoform. Several approaches are available for studying prion disease. The predominant approach has involved in vivo studies, especially involving transgenic mice. In vitro alternatives available for studying prion disease include a cell-free conversion assay, cell culture systems, and an immunoassay for the pathogenic form of the prion protein. Prion-like proteins have been identified in yeast, and therefore this constitutes another non-animal approach. Four main areas of prion research are discussed in this paper, to illustrate the potential applications and limitations of the in vivo and alternative systems. From this study, we conclude that, while current in vitro approaches can be used initially, in vivo studies are still needed to confirm data obtained in vitro. Priority should be given to the non-animal alternatives, as well as to developing new methods, and these should be given primary consideration at the outset of a project.
Descriptors: transgenic animals, animal welfare, mice, prion diseases, cell cultures, immunoassay, bioassays, yeasts, molecular conformation, host range, experimental infection, animal models, animal testing alternatives, nonanimal tests, animal use reduction, animal use replacement.
Kamerman, P.R., Z.L.C. Di, and A. Fuller (2001). Miniature data loggers for remote measurement of body temperature in medium-sized rodents. Journal of Thermal Biology 26(3): 159-163. ISSN: 0306-4565.
NAL Call Number: QP82.2.T4J6
Descriptors: rodents, temperature, miniature data logger, body temperature, measurement, remote.
Kaufman, M.H., R.M. Brune, D.R. Davidson, and R.A. Baldock (1998). Computer-generated three-dimensional reconstructions of serially sectioned mouse embryos. Journal of Anatomy 193(Part 3): 323-36. ISSN: 0021-8782.
Abstract: We have been involved with a group of computer scientists and anatomists in the development of computer-based methodologies that not only combine the advantages of scanning electron microscopy and conventional histology, but provide the additional dimension of tissue recognition. The latter is achieved by the appropriate labelling of tissues and structures by delineation or 'painting'. Individually segmented anatomically defined tissues can be highlighted in a particular colour and viewed either in isolation or in combination with other appropriately labelled tissues and organs. Tissues can be shown in any orientation either as a transparent overlay on computer-generated histological sections or as 3-D images without the histological background. An additional feature of the system is that computer graphics technology combined with 3-D glasses now also allows the viewer to see the object under analysis in stereo. This facility has been found to be particularly helpful in drawing attention to topological relationships that had not previously been readily noted. As the mouse is now the mammalian model of choice in many areas of developmental research, it is of critical importance that a basic level of skill is available in the research community in the interpretation of serially sectioned material, for example, for the rapidly expanding field in which gene expression studies play a significant role. It is equally important that there is an understanding of the dynamic changes that occur in relation to the differentiation of the various organ systems seen in these early stages of development. What we emphasise here is the additional information that it is possible to gain from the use of this tool which, in our view, could not readily have been gained from the analysis of scanning electron micrographs or by studying conventional serial histological sections of similar stages of mouse embryonic development. The methodology has been developed as part of a large project to prepare a database of mouse developmental anatomy covering all stages from fertilisation to birth in order to allow the accurate spatial mapping of gene expression and cell lineage data onto the digital Atlas of normal mouse development. In this paper we show how this digital anatomical Atlas also represents a valuable teaching aid and research tool in anatomy.
Descriptors: embryo anatomy and histology, image processing, computer assisted, microscopy, electron, scanning, models, anatomic, anatomy, cross sectional, computer graphics, gestational age, mice, microtomy.
Kimber, I. (2002). Reduction, refinement and replacement: putting the immune system to work. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 30(6): 571-577. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Abstract: Many chemicals are known to be, or have been implicated as, contact allergens, and allergic contact dermatitis is an important occupational and environmental health issue. It is the responsibility of toxicologists to identify those chemicals that have the potential to induce skin sensitisation, and to assess the conditions under which there will exist a risk to human health. This article describes progress that has been made in the development of new approaches to the toxicological evaluation of skin sensitisation, and the benefits to animal welfare that such developments have already produced, and are likely to produce in the future. In this context, the local lymph node assay is described with regard to hazard identification and risk assessment, and possible strategies for the development of in vitro approaches to safety assessment are discussed.
Descriptors: animal use alternatives, cultured cells, cell culture, toxicology, toxicity testing, allergens, allergenicity, delayed hypersensitivity, atopic dermatitis, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, immunoglobulin E, T lymphocytes, mice, bioassays, laboratory animals, guinea pigs, skin tests, lymphocyte proliferation, Langerhans cells, asthma, occupational diseases, human health and safety, local lymph node assay.
Kramer, K., L. Kinter, B.P. Brockway, H.P. Voss, R. Remie, and B.L.M. Van Zutphen (2001). The use of radiotelemetry in small laboratory animals: recent advances. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40(1): 8-16. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: laboratory animals, rats, mice, telemetry, radio waves, data collection, blood pressure, electrocardiograms, heart rate, electrodes, body temperature, circadian rhythm, stress, normal values, animal welfare, literature reviews, animal use refinement, animal use reduction.
Kramer, K., H.P. Voss, J. Grimbergen, and A. Bast (1999). Circadian rhythms of heart rate, body temperature, and locomotor activity in freely moving mice measured with radio telemetry. Lab Animal 27(8): 23-26. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: mice, telemetry, circadian rhythm, heart rate, body temperature, locomotor activity.
Krarup, A., P. Chattopadhyay, A.K. Bhattacharjee, J.R. Burge, and G.R. Ruble (1999). Evaluation of surrogate markers of impending death in the galactosamine-sensitized murine model of bacterial endotoxemia. Laboratory Animal Science 49(5): 545-550. ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Descriptors: mice, death, lethal dose, endotoxins, body temperature regulation, coat, posture, consciousness, locomotion, euthanasia, humane endpoints, distress, animal use refinement.
Krohn, T.C., A.K. Hansen, and N. Dragsted (2003). Telemetry as a method for measuring the impact of housing conditions on rats' welfare. Animal Welfare 12(1): 53-62. ISSN: 0962-7286.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.A557
Descriptors: rats, laboratory mammals, cages, floor type, grid floors, litter, floors, plastic panels, stress factors, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, telemetry, animal welfare, animal preferences.
Levine, S. and A. Saltzman (2002). Acute uremia in rats: feeding sucrose overnight is preferable to starvation. Renal Failure 24(2): 127-131. ISSN: 0886-022X.
Descriptors: rats, starvation, acute uremia, feeding sucrose, gastrointestinal tract, overnight fast, liver weight loss, alternative.
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.
Murakoshi, K. and T. Noguchi (2005). Simulation of rat behavior by a reinforcement learning algorithm in consideration of appearance probabilities of reinforcement signals. Biosystems 80(1): 83-90. ISSN: 0303-2647.
Descriptors: behavior, models and simulations, computational biology, reinforcement learning algorithm, mathematical and computer techniques, reinforcement learning, reinforcement signal.
Peterson, N.C. and J.E. Peavey (1998). Comparison of in vitro monoclonal antibody production methods with an in vivo ascites production technique. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 37(5): 61-66. ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Descriptors: mice, monoclonal antibodies, ascites, tissue culture, animal welfare, production costs, labor requirements, antibody formation, laboratory equipment.
Pickhardt, P.J., R.B. Halberg, A.J. Taylor, B.Y. Durkee, J. Fine, F.T.J. Lee, and J.P. Weichert (2005). Microcomputed tomography colonography for polyp detection in an in vivo mouse tumor model. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 102(9): 3419-3422. ISSN: 0027-8424.
Descriptors: mouse, tumor model, polyp detection, tomography, colonography, microcomputed.
Pinkert, C.A. (2003). Transgenic animal technology: alternatives in genotyping and phenotyping. Comparative Medicine 53(2): 126-139. ISSN: 1532-0820.
NAL Call Number: SF77.C65
Abstract: Over the past decade, breakthrough technologies in transgenic animal technology and functional genomics have played a central role in the explosive growth of rodent modeling and in scientific innovation. Various noninvasive alternatives to routine surgical biopsy have been described for genotypic and phenotypic analyses of laboratory animals. A number of options are available to refine or replace potentially painful and invasive procedures ranging from tissue biopsies (including tail biopsies and toe docking) to several blood sampling techniques. Unfortunately adoption of many non- or minimally invasive alternatives has proven difficult on a number of fronts ranging from historical reservations to procedural expectations and actual experimental productivity. Similarly, a variety of phenotyping considerations have addressed throughput efficiencies and the health and well being of research animals. From an animal welfare perspective, marked increases in laboratory animal populations have accompanied rapid advancements spanning the life sciences. As described for rodent modeling, but with applications across many laboratory animal species, diverse procedural refinements are available that will readily aid in the analysis of whole animal models. Ultimately, non-invasive technologies and complementary refinements have bearing on the quality and reproducibility of data that are reported, as well as of critical importance to the well being and ethical management of animals at all developmental stages: from fetal existence, to the neonatal period, and on through adulthood.
Descriptors: transgenic animals, laboratory animals, biopsy, animal use refinement, mice, gene expression, phenotype, phenotypic variation, polymerase chain reaction, animal identification, sampling, feces, saliva, microarray technology, genomics.
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.
Remie, R. (2001). The PVC-rat and other alternatives in microsurgical training. Lab Animal 30(9): 48-52. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: laboratory animals, animal welfare, surgery, medical education, anastomosis, suture techniques, science education, animal use replacement, animal use reduction, animals in education, microscopy.
Saegusa, Y. and H. Tabata (2003). Usefulness of infrared thermometry in determining body temperature in mice. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 65(12): 1365-1367. ISSN: 0916-7250.
Abstract: The rectal temperature obtained using a standard electronic thermometer was compared with ear, back skin, tail skin and sole skin temperatures obtained using an infrared thermometer in B6C3F1 mice. Using both methods, we investigated baseline temperatures, diurnal and 2-week variations in temperatures, and ethanol-induced hypothermia in these body locations. Ear and back temperatures were shown to be close to and consistent with rectal temperatures in various situations, and measured temperatures at these sites were almost constant, with very similar diurnal variation. Conversely, tail and sole temperatures were lower and much more variable. These results indicate that ear and back skin temperatures obtained using a convenient and non-invasive infrared thermometer are as reliable, and should be safer and less stressful to animal subjects, compared to standard rectal temperature measurements.
Descriptors: body temperature, diagnosis, diagnostic techniques, infrared radiation, thermometers, mice.
Sailstad, D.M. (2002). Murine local lymph node assay: An alternative test method for skin hypersensitivity testing. Lab Animal 31(7): 36-41. ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L33
Descriptors: mice, laboratory animals, animal use reduction, delayed hypersensitivity, contact dermatitis, endpoints, allergenicity, lymphocyte proliferation, governmental programs and projects, animal welfare.
Schmitteckert, E.M., C.M. Prokop, and H.J. Hedrich (1999). DNA detection in hair of transgenic mice-a simple technique minimizing the distress on the animals. Laboratory Animals 33(4): 385-389. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: The breeding of transgenic animals requires that each individual offspring be analysed for integration of transgenic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), unless exclusively homozygous animals are mated. The standard protocol for identification of transgenic animals (Hogan et al. 1994) is based on tissue samples and preparation of chromosomal DNA including proteinase K digestion and phenol/chloroform extraction. The procedure described here represents a much simpler and faster method to screen offspring for the transgene DNA. It is based on the use of hair bulbs as sample material, which can be directly used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after alkaline lysis. This protocol allows large numbers of animals to be easily screened in a minimum amount of time. A unique advantage though, is the reduction of the distress caused to the animals. With respect to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), and because of technical advantages this method may replace ear or tail clipping.
Descriptors: mice, transgenic animals, hair analysis, polymerase chain reaction, hair, rapid methods, animal welfare, hair bulb.
Tichias, K., J. Fentem, D. Basketter, P. Botham, P. Brooker, L. Bruner, P. Evans, S. Fairhurst, E. Rassold, and R. Fielder (1998). Progress in toxicological testing: reduction and refinement issues. ATLA, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 26(5): 619-627. ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Descriptors: rabbits, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, screening, guinea pigs, skin tests, animal welfare.
Touma, C., R. Palme, and N. Sachser (2004). Non-invasive monitoring of stress hormones in mice: a technique opening new perspectives in biomedical and animal welfare research. Animal Welfare 13, Supplement: S256-S257. ISSN: 0962-7286.
NAL Call Number: HV4701.A557
Descriptors: mice, animal welfare, stress hormones, monitoring, non invasive technique, new perspective, biomedical research.
Notes: Meeting Information: Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Symposium on Science in the Service of Animal Welfare, Animal Welfare, Edinburgh, UK, April 02-04, 2003.
Vonlaufen, N., C. Gianinazzi, N. Muller, F. Simon, C. Bjorkman, T.W. Jungi, S.L. Leib, and A. Hemphill (2002). Infection of organotypic slice cultures from rat central nervous tissue with Neospora caninum: an alternative approach to study host-parasite interactions. International Journal of Parasitology 32(5): 533-542. ISSN: 0020-7519.
NAL Call Number: QH547.I55
Abstract: Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite which has emerged as an important cause of bovine abortion worldwide. Abortion is usually triggered by reactivation of dormant bradyzoites during pregnancy and subsequent congenital infection of the foetus, where the central nervous system appears to be most frequently affected. We here report on an organotypic tissue culture model for Neospora infection which can be used to study certain aspects of the cerebral phase of neosporosis within the context of a three-dimensionally organised neuronal network. Organotypic slice cultures of rat cortical tissue were infected with N. caninum tachyzoites, and the kinetics of parasite proliferation, as well as the proliferation-inhibitory effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), were monitored by either immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and a quantitative PCR-assay using the LightCycler instrument, respectively. In addition, the neuronal cytoskeletal elements, namely glial acidic protein filaments as well as actin microfilament bundles were shown to be largely colocalising with the pseudocyst periphery. This organotypic culture model for cerebral neosporosis provides a system, which is useful to study the proliferation, ultrastructural characteristics, development, and the interactions of N. caninum within the context of neuronal tissue, which at the same time can be modulated and influenced under controlled conditions, and will be useful in. the future to gain more information on the cerebral phase of neosporosis.
Descriptors: Neospora caninum, protozoal infections, tachyzoites, experimental infections, cytopathogenicity, cytoskeleton, interferon, immunofluorescence, cerebral cortex, tissue culture, rats.
Warn, P.A., M.W. Brampton, A. Sharp, G. Morrissey, N. Steel, D.W. Denning, and T. Priest (2003). Infrared body temperature measurement of mice as an early predictor of death in experimental fungal infections. Laboratory Animals 37(2): 126-131. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Abstract: Temperatures of mice were measured using an infrared high performance non-contact thermometer, after the device had been calibrated using implantable microchips containing temperature transponders. Mice were infected with three species of Candida (isolates) and the resultant disseminated infections monitored. Mouse temperatures could be reliably measured using the infrared device and this measurement caused little distress to the mice. We were further able to demonstrate that mice rarely recovered if their body temperature dropped below 33.3 degrees C (sensitivity 68%, specificity 97%). Adoption of a 33.3 degrees C endpoint in fungal sepsis experiments measured by infrared non-contact thermometer would significantly reduce the suffering in the terminal stages of this type of infection model.
Descriptors: body temperature, death, hypothermia, infrared imagery, measurement, mycoses, sepsis, thermometers, Candida.
Wictome, M., K. Newton, K. Jameson, B. Hallis, P. Dunnigan, E. MacKay, S. Clarke, R.G.J. Taylor, and K. Foster (1999). Development of an in vitro bioassay for Clostridium botulinum type B neurotoxin in foods that is more sensitive than the mouse bioassay. Applied Environmental Microbiology 65(9): 3787-3792. ISSN: 0099-2240.
NAL Call Number: 448.3 Ap5
Abstract: A novel, in vitro bioassay for detection of the botulinum type B neurotoxin in a range of media was developed. The assay is amplified by the enzymic activity of the neurotoxin's light chain and includes the following three stages: first, a small, monoclonal antibody-based immunoaffinity column captures the toxin; second, a peptide substrate is cleaved by using the endopeptidase activity of the type B neurotoxin; and finally, a modified enzyme-linked immunoassay system detects the peptide cleavage products. The assay is highly specific for type B neurotoxin and is capable of detecting type B toxin at a concentration of 5 pg ml(-1) (0.5 mouse 50% lethal dose ml(-1)) in approximately 5 h. The format of the test was found to be suitable for detecting botulinum type B toxin in a range of foodstuffs with a sensitivity that exceeds the sensitivity of the mouse assay. Using highly specific monoclonal antibodies as the capture phase, we found that the endopeptidase assay was capable of differentiating between the type B neurotoxins produced by proteolytic and nonproteolytic strains of Clostridium botulinum type B.
Descriptors: cod, cheeses, meat pastes, food contamination, microbial contamination, bacterial toxins.
Wright, A.J. and R.J. Phillpotts (1998). Humane endpoints are an objective measure of morbidity in Venezuelan encephalomyelitis virus infection of mice. Archives of Virology 143(6): 1155-1162. ISSN: 0304-8608.
NAL Call Number: 448.3 Ar23
Descriptors: acute course, symptoms, clinical aspects, animal welfare, equine encephalomyelitis virus.