Is the Wistar Rat a more Suitable Normotensive Control for SHR to Test Blood Pressure and Cardiac Structure and Function?

Abstract Background: There are divergences in the literature regarding the experimental model (Wistar-WIS or Wistar Kyoto-WKY) to be used as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control. The characterization of these models in terms of cardiovascular parameters provides researchers with important tools at the time of selection and application in scientific research. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of WIS and WKY as a Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) control by assessing the long-term behavior of blood pressure and cardiac structure and function in these strains. Methods: To this end, WIS, WKY, and SHR underwent longitudinal experiments. Blood pressure and body mass were measured every two weeks from the 8th to the 72nd. Echocardiographic analysis was performed in all groups with 16, 48, and 72 weeks of life. After having applied the normality test, the Two-Way ANOVA of repeated measures followed by the Tukey post hoc test was used. A significance level of 5% was established. Results: The WIS group showed higher body mass (p<0.05), while the WKY and SHR presented higher body mass variation over time (p<0.05). SHR exhibited increased values of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure when compared to WKY and WIS, whereas the WKY generally showed higher values than WIS (p<0.05). Regarding the cardiac function, SHR showed reduced values, while the WKY presented an early decrease when compared to WIS with aging (p<0.05). Conclusion: WIS is a more suitable normotensive control for SHR than WKY in experiments to test blood pressure and cardiac structure and function.

Spontaneous pre-axial polydactyly in Swiss mice / Polidactilia pré-axial espontânea em camundongos Swiss

ABSTRACT: Spontaneous polydactyly has been described in several species, but only one report about it in Swiss mice. The aim of the current study was to report the spontaneous occurrence of pre-axial polydactyly in Swiss mice. Clinical examination showed one extra toe laterally to the first digit, in the plantar region, alopecia in the back, altered face growth anatomy and changed perineal region anatomy. Pre-axial polydactyly in the tibial side, fused metatarsals and Y-shaped free phalanges were evidenced in the radiographic images. Pre-axial polydactyly observed in the plantar region differed from that in reports on albino Swiss mice with post-axial polydactyly (Po/Po+) phenotype featured by one extra toe in the ulnar side of one, or both, front limbs, which is the dominant feature. The observed findings highlight the importance of both clinical examinations and close attention by professionals involved in rodents' breeding on physical changes resulting from different causes, including the genetic ones, since they reveal mutations and, sometimes, new biomodels.

RESUMO: A polidactilia espontânea foi descrita em várias espécies, mas há apenas um relato em camundongos Swiss. O objetivo do presente estudo foi relatar uma ocorrência de polidactilia pré-axial em camundongos Swiss. O exame clínico revelou um dedo extra lateralmente ao primeiro dedo na região plantar, alopecia dorsal, anatomias facial e da região perineal alteradas. Nas imagens radiográficas foram evidenciados polidactilia pré-axial no lado tibial, metatarsos fundidos e falanges livres em forma de Y. A polidactilia pré-axial observada diferiu do relato existente de polidactilia pós-axial (Po/Po+) caracterizado por um dedo extra no lado ulnar de um ou ambos os membros anteriores e de característica dominante. Os achados observados destacam a importância dos exames clínicos e da atenção cuidadosa dos profissionais envolvidos na criação de roedores sobre as alterações físicas decorrentes de diferentes causas, inclusive as genéticas, em revelar mutações e, às vezes, novos biomodelos.

Establishment and application of the training system for laboratory animal employees / 中国比较医学杂志

Laboratory animals are an important part of life sciences and medical researches, as well an important support for the science and technology innovation in our country. Laboratory animal science is of great significance to the protection of human health,food safety and biological safety. Laboratory animals are indispensable in the development of food safety,drugs,vaccines and biological products and the studies of human disease pathogenesis. In order to adapt to the requirements for overall development of the laboratory animal industry in China, our institute has independently developed the Network Training System for Laboratory Animal Managers. This system is an online education and training platform which integrates the practical operation and theoretical knowledge of laboratory animals,including seven knowledge modules such as animal welfare,animal breeding,animal surgery and so on. The training subjects of the system include managers, experiment operators, laboratory animal doctors and breeders, aimed at accelerating the personnel training and team building of laboratory animal sciences,and promoting the transformation and development of personnel training in laboratory animal industry.

Feasibility study of acupuncture treatment on the miniature pig model of chronic myocardial ischemia / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of needle-embedding therapy in the treatment of chronic myocardial ischemia using a miniature pig model established by placement of an Ameroid constrictor at the left anterior descending branch (LAD) of coronary artery in Bama miniature pigs during surgery. Methods The miniature pig model of chronic myocardial ischemia was established by placement of an Ameroid constrictor at the left anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery in Bama miniature pigs. The pig models were randomly divided into the treatment group (the"Neiguan " group) and the control group (the "Zusanli " group), and were treated with needle- embedding electroacupuncture at the"Neiguan" (PC6) and "Zusanli" (ST36) acupoints, respectively. Myocardial samples were taken at 6 weeks after surgery for light and electron microscopic examinations. Results Gross pathology showed that ischemic area in the myocardium appeared in both experimental groups. The ischemic area in the "Zusanli "group was larger than that of the"Neiguan"group. Histopathology showed that the acupuncture treatment at the"Neiguan"acupoint reduced the ischemic injury in the pig myocardial tissues. Ultrastructural observation of the myocardium showed mitochondrial vacuolization in cardiomyocytes and myocardial fibrosis in both groups. Conclusions Acupuncture therapy at the"Neiguan"acupoint of pericardial channel may exert protective effect on the myocardial ischemia by reducing the ischemia-injury of cardiomyocytes, but can not inhibit the already existed ischemia-induced cardiomyocytic injuries. Our findings suggest that the establishment of miniature pig model of chronic myocardial ischemia by surgically placing an Ameroid constrictor on the left anterior descending branch of left coronary artery and the needle-embedding in acupoints is feasible for the treatment of chronic myocardial ischemia in this pig model.

Influence of environmental enrichment on the behavior and physiology of mice infected by trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Enriched environments normally increase behavioral repertoires and diminish the expression of abnormal behaviors and stress-related physiological problems in animals. Although it has been shown that experimental animals infected with microorganisms can modify their behaviors and physiology, few studies have evaluated how environmental enrichment affects these parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior and physiology of confined mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. METHODS: The behaviors of 20 T. cruzi-infected mice and 20 non-infected mice were recorded during three treatments: baseline, enrichment, and post-enrichment. Behavioral data were collected using scan sampling with instantaneous recording of behavior every 30s, totaling 360h. Plasma TNF, CCL2, and IL-10 levels and parasitemia were also evaluated in infected enriched/non-enriched mice. Behavioral data were evaluated by Friedman's test and physiological data by one-way ANOVA and area under the curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that environmental enrichment significantly increased exploratory behaviors and diminished inactivity. The use of environmental enrichment did not diminish circulating levels of TNF and IL-10 but diminished circulating levels of CCL2 and parasitemia. CONCLUSIONS: Positive behavioral and physiological effects of environmental enrichment were observed in mice living in enriched cages. Thus, environmental enrichment improved the welfare of these animals.

Main technical points of quarantine inspection of Beagle dogs used for drug GLP experiment / 中国比较医学杂志

The quarantine inspection and acceptance of laboratory animals is an important work, which can protect animals from pollution, occurrence and spread of diseases in the surounding area, and it is the key point to realize the quality standardization of laboratory animals.Beagle dogs are acknowledged widely as specialized laboratory dogs which is widely employed in experiments of drug safety evaluation because of the good genetic stability, environmental adaptability, disease resistance and consistency testing in the experiments.Establishment of standard operating procedures of beagle dog quarantine acceptance check for drug GLP organization tests, refining technical points, strengthen the technical training of quarantine officers, and efforts to improve the level of quarantine are needed to finally ensure the quality of laboratory animals.

Current situation of laboratory animal sciences in Mongolia / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background@#In the era of science and technology /development, it have been using a laboratory animals to confirm theory and evidences of biology, medical and veterenary sciences. The value of laboratory animals sciences are still a very important. Because, the studies of laboratory animals are used for instead of human being and biosafety evaluation, and so on.@*Goal@#To describe the current sitution analysis of general usage of laboratory animals in the Mongolian institutes, universities and biotechnological factories. @*Materials and Method@#In this study, we used a questionnaire that is covering belongs to the quantity counting numbers of laboratory animals, information of colonies and breeding, euthanizing methods, infectious disease in the laboratory animals, experimental types, special food and bedding. @*Results@#Each year were used more than 10000 animal of 9 species. Mouse, rat, rabbit and guine pig are commonly used in laboratory experiments in Mongolia. Laboratory animals imported from Russia and China, mainly. These animals uses to study toxicity and virulences, lethal dose of newly revealed substances, drug testing and diagnosis. We have conducted some comparison of laboratory animal used with the same situation of other countries. @*Conclusions@#</br> 1. Study results are indicating that the usage of laboratory animals on biological studies among the Mongolian scientists is too low as compaired to other countries. </br>2. It has no standarzided technical, legal provisions technical legal documents such as SOPs and other douments, but also specialized HRs. </br>3. Therefore, it has been raised following requirements which are to expand national- and international cooperation, to be a official member in the international association of laboratory animal sciences, to share experiences and reports between the specialists in the Asian- and international level.

Establishment and application of CODEHOP PCR assay for detection of Pasteurella spp.in laboratory animals / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective We established a rapid detection method of Pasteurella spp.and provided a reference for microbiological quality control of laboratory animal .Methods According to the β subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase ( rpoB) protein multiple alignments of 13 different Pasteurella spp.published in NCBI .The degenerate primers were designed by CODEHOP designer online .CODEHOP PCR method was applied to detecting Pasteurella spp.after the specificity and sensitivity of the method had been evaluated by 21 reference strains .Results Standard strain amplified fragment were about 200 bp by degenerate primers PastF6/PastR5.The primers are able to distinguish between Pasteurella spp.and the other pathognic organisms of laboratory animal respiratory tracts .Sensitivity of this method were 0.2 pg/μL~2 pg/μL to different Pasteurella.The Pasteurella positive rate was 19.1% in 609 animal ' s respiratory samples .The accuracy of positive results was 100%through verifying by sequenced and blast .Conclusions The established method has good specificity and sensitivity .It can be used to detect Pasteurella spp.in animal samples .

A preliminary discussion on how to protect laboratory animal welfare in the hospital / 中国比较医学杂志

Laboratory animals are commonly used as experimental objects in medical research, and laboratory animal welfare is closely related with good scientific outcomes. It is important for researchers in hospitals to establish a concept of protecting the welfare of laboratory animals. In this paper, combined with our experience concerning with the ethics and animal welfare in recent years in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School,we try to discuss the importance of animal experiments in the hospital,the significance of maintenance of laboratory animal welfare and the ethical review of the welfare of laboratory animals,etc.,in order to provide a reference to the protection of laboratory animal welfare for researchers in hospitals.

Analgesia de animais de laboratório: responsabilidade dos comitês de ética e obrigação dos pesquisadores / Laboratory animals and analgesia: the responsibility of ethics committees and the obligations of researchers / Analgesia de animales de laboratorio: responsabilidad de los comités de ética y obligación de los investigadores

Objetivando avaliar projetos submetidos ao Comitê de Ética no Uso de Animais em relação ao uso de analgesia em cirurgia experimental, este trabalho avaliou 106 projetos, coletando as seguintes informações: metodologia do procedimento cirúrgico, utilização de analgesia, justificativa do não uso de analgésico e aplicação do grau de invasividade. Dos projetos avaliados, 64,2% empregaram técnica cirúrgica. Destes, 65,6% não utilizaram analgesia no pós-operatório, sendo a principal justificativa a de que o analgésico poderia alterar os resultados; em 17%, empregou-se a classificação de grau de invasividade de forma irregular. Assim, o estímulo e a divulgação dos conhecimentos relacionados a analgesia devem partir tanto dos comitês responsáveis quanto do corpo de pesquisadores.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate projects submitted to an Animal Research Ethics Committee regarding the use of analgesia in experimental surgery. A total of 106 projects submitted to the Animal Research Ethics Committee were evaluated and the following information was collected: methodology of the surgical procedure, use of analgesia, justification of the non-use of analgesia and application of the degree of invasiveness. Of the projects evaluated, 64.2% used surgical techniques, of which 65.6% did not use analgesia postoperatively, with the main reason being that the analgesic could alter the results. In 17% of cases the classification of the degree of invasiveness was used in an irregular manner. The stimulation and dissemination of analgesia-related knowledge must stem from both the ethics committees responsible and researchers.

Con el objetivo de evaluar los proyectos presentados al Comité de Ética en el Uso de Animales con respecto al uso de la analgesia en cirugía experimental de animales, este estudio evaluó 106 proyectos y obtuvo la siguiente información: la metodología de la intervención quirúrgica, el uso de la analgesia, la justificación de no utilizar analgésico y la aplicación del grado de invasividad. De los proyectos evaluados, un 64,2% empleó técnicas quirúrgicas, de los cuales un 65,6% no utilizó analgesia en el postoperatorio, justificando principalmente que el analgésico podría alterar los resultados, y en un 17% la clasificación del grado de invasividad se utilizó de manera irregular, por lo que la estimulación y la difusión de los conocimientos relacionados con la analgesia deben partir tanto de los comités responsables como del cuerpo de investigadores.

Percepção de equipes laboratoriais quanto a questões de bem-estar animal / Perception of laboratory staff regarding animal welfare issues

As equipes laboratoriais controlam diversas características do ambiente dos animais utilizados em pesquisas. Portanto, suas atitudes têm grande influência no bem-estar animal (BEA) e nos resultados obtidos. Buscou-se verificar o conhecimento e a percepção dessas equipes em relação a questões de BEA. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário online composto por 22 questões abertas e 23 fechadas. As respostas são referentes a 62 participantes de diversas instituições de pesquisa brasileiras. Dezesseis (25,8%) não receberam treinamento para exercer suas funções, e 11 (18,0%) realizavam ou coordenavam procedimentos com potencial para causar dor ou morte. O principal fator limitante relatado para o uso de animais em pesquisas foi referente a questões éticas (38; 63,3%). Todos declararam conhecer o significado do termo BEA; porém, a maioria dos conceitos expressos foi de forma parcial (32; 64,0%). Tais resultados podem estar relacionados ao caráter optativo ou à indisponibilidade do ensino de BEA na maioria dos cursos de graduação no Brasil. Os animais vertebrados foram percebidos pelos respondentes como portadores de alto grau de senciência. Espécies em contato social e afetivo com os seres humanos foram vistas como mais sencientes que outros grupos. O número de respondentes interessados em um projeto de enriquecimento ambiental (34; 69,4%) sugere preocupação com o BEA. Os resultados apresentados podem subsidiar a localização de pontos críticos de BEA em laboratórios brasileiros e indicam possibilidades para melhoria no conhecimento científico de questões centrais relativas ao BEA.

Laboratory staff controls a series of environmental parameters affecting animals used in research. Therefore, staff attitudes influence both animal welfare (AW) and research results. This study aimed to verify the knowledge and perception of staff members on AW. Data were collected through a 22 open-question and 23 multiple-choice question online survey. 62 respondents from Brazilian institutions answered the survey. Sixteen (25.8%) participants did not receive training for their functions, from which 11 (18.0%) performed or coordinated procedures that may induce pain or death. The main limiting factor for the use of animals in research was ethical issues (38, 63.3%). All participants reported to know the meaning of AW, but most of the concepts given were partial (32, 64.0%). These results may be related to the unavailable or optional teaching of AW in most undergraduate courses in Brazil. Vertebrates were perceived by respondents as highly sentient. Species with a social and affective bond with human beings were seen as more sentient than other groups. There was interest in an environmental enrichment project (34, 69.4%) suggesting concern with AW. These results can collaborate in the identification of critical issues in AW in Brazilian laboratories and indicate opportunities to improve scientific knowledge of key issues related to AW.

Consideration of the virological items in the National Standard of Laboratory Animals / 中国比较医学杂志

Based on the practice in laboratory animal monitoring, the following issues are suggested: ( 1 ) The core items and candidate items should be separated in the National Standard;(2) Hantaan virus and Ect virus should be omitted in the core list for mice; LCMV should be monitored as a candidate item for rats; TMEV should be listed as candidate item.

Evaluation of the ability to detect Staphylococcus aureus in experimental animal laboratories / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To verify the detection ability of experimental animal quality detection laboratories in China for Staphylococcus aureus.Methods The testing samples for Staphylococcus aureus detection were prepared by bacterial culture, homogeneity test and stability test, according to the study plan approved by CNAS.Then the samples and operation instruction were sent to the participant laboratories.The detection reports from these laboratories should be submitted before the deadline expires, and the collected data were summarized and analyzed.Results There were 28 laboratories which joined to this test plan.Among them 22 laboratories ( 78.57%) achieved satisfactory test results, and six laboratories (21.43%) had unsatisfactory test results.27 Laboratories used the national standard detection assay, while only one labo-ratory used PCR assay.Conclusions Most of experimental animal quality testing laboratories in China have sufficient pro-ficiency in detection of Staphylococcus aureus.The obtained information are very helpful for the laboratory ability verification testing in future.

A current consideration of the microbes listed in the National Standard of Laboratory Animals for mice and rats / 中国比较医学杂志

In this paper, some items about the microbes listed in the current National Standard of Laboratory Animals were reviewed, including their host spectrum, impact of infection on the animals, their interference on research works and their epidemiology in laboratory animals.This paper may provide some clues for the update of our National Standard of Laboratory Animals.

Bioética de la investigación preclínica en las ciencias biomédicas / Bioethics of preclinical research in biomedical sciences

Introducción: la oposición a la utilización de animales en la investigación biomédica se apoya en diversos argumentos científicos y éticos. Objetivo: realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la bioética de la investigación preclínica en las ciencias biomédicas. Procedimientos empleados en la recogida de la información: la búsqueda en Internet abarcó artículos publicados fundamentalmente en los últimos 5 años. Se evaluaron revistas internacionales de impacto de la Web of Sciencies relacionadas con el tema (38 revistas). Se consultaron las bases de datos de sistemas referativos, como MEDLINE, PubMed y SciELO con la utilización de descriptores como animal research ethical, animal welfare, animal ethics committee, animal pain, alternatives to laboratory animals y sus y sus equivalentes en español. Se incluyeron artículos en idioma inglés, portugués y español. Se obtuvio 141 artículos, pero el estudio limitó solo a 53, porque enfocaban esta temática de manera más integral. Análisis e integración de la información: al analizar el comportamiento de los artículos respecto a su representatividad en las diferentes revistas científicas donde fueron publicados, 5,9 por ciento de ellos correspondieron a la revista Alternatives to laboratory animals: ATLA e igual porcentaje a la Cambridge quarterly of healthcare ethics. Los restantes artículos estuvieron distribuidos de manera uniforme entre las otras revistas. Conclusiones: el conocimiento y cumplimiento de los principios bioéticos que rigen la conducta de los seres humanos, su relación con el medio ambiente y las ramas del conocimiento, permite brindar un abordaje generalizador y un enfrentamiento abarcador a aspectos significativos de la investigación con animales(AU)

Introduction: opposition to the use of animals in biomedical research is based on a variety of scientific and ethical arguments. Objective: carry out a bibliographic review about the bioethics of preclinical research in biomedical sciences. Data collection procedures: an online search was conducted for papers preferably published in the last five years. An evaluation was performed of international high impact journals from the Web of Sciences which dealt with the subject (38 journals). Databases from reference systems such as MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO were consulted with the aid of search terms like animal research ethical, animal welfare, animal ethics committee, animal pain, alternatives to laboratory animals and their Spanish counterparts. The papers included were in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Of the 141 papers obtained, the reviewers selected the 53 which approached the study topic in a more comprehensive manner. Analysis and integration of information: an analysis of the representativeness of papers in the scientific journals where they were published showed that 5.9 percent corresponded to the journal Alternatives to Laboratory Animals: ATLA, and an equal percentage to the journal Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics. The remaining papers were evenly distributed among the other journals. Conclusions: awareness of and compliance with the bioethical principles governing the behavior of human beings and their relationship to the environment and fields of knowledge, enable a generalizing approach to and comprehensive management of significant aspects of animal research(AU)

Percepción del uso de animales de laboratorio para docencia de Licenciatura en Farmacia / Perception of the use of lab animals for teaching in the Bachelor of Pharmacy studies

Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo del conocimiento del uso de animales de laboratorio en docencia, en la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad de Costa Rica. Se tomaron en cuenta estudiantes de la carrera de Licenciatura en Farmacia, de los cursos de Introducción a la Farmacia y Toxicología. Se encontró que los estudiantes de ambos niveles tienen una percepción favorable respecto a la existencia de una normativa que regulA el uso de animales en docencia y en general, de la importancia del uso de animales para su proceso de aprendizaje. Se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos respecto al origen de los animales(AU)

A cross-sectional and descriptive study about the use of laboratory animals in teaching in the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Costa Rica was performed. The study included Pharmacy students, specifically those in the Introduction to Pharmacy and Toxicology course. We found that students in both levels had favorable perceptions about the existence of rules governing the use of animals in education and in general the importance of using them for their learning process. We found differences between the groups regarding knowledge about the origin of the animals(AU)

Environmental and dam effects on cannibalism in Wistar rat litters / Efeito do ambiente e da matriz sobre o canibalismo em filhotes de ratos Wistar

The factors related to cannibalistic behavior of dams in a Wistar rat colony are identified and analyzed. The maternal genetic effects were tested as a random effect by the method of generalized linear models. The season at parturition, the dam´s age at parturition and the density of the room at parturition were tested as fixed effects, whereas the litter size at birth was tested as a co-variable. The genetic effect of the dam was significant for the number of cannibalized pups. Although the season at parturition, the dam´s age and room density on the day of parturition were not individually significant (p > 0.05), most of the interactions between the variation sources were significant (p < 0.05). Cannibalism occurred mostly in dams aged over 241 days, with parturition during spring. So that occurrences of cannibalism could be avoided, dams with the smallest number of cannibalized pups should be selected, coupled to dams younger than 241 days, breeding during spring. The above strategies may reduce the number of couples in the vivarium and increase their production efficiency.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores relacionados ao comportamento de canibalismo das fêmeas em uma colônia de ratos Wistar. Os efeitos genéticos maternos foram testados como efeito aleatório usando o método dos modelos lineares generalizados. A estação do parto, a idade da fêmea ao parto e a densidade da sala ao parto foram testados como efeitos fixos e o tamanho da ninhada ao nascimento foi testado como covariável. O efeito genético da matriz foi significativo para o número de filhotes canibalizados. A estação do ano ao parto, a idade da matriz e a densidade da sala no dia do parto quando testados separadamente não foram significativos (p > 0,05), porém, a maioria das interações entre estas fontes de variação foram significativas (p < 0,05). O canibalismo ocorreu em maior frequência em fêmeas com idade superior a 241 dias durante a primavera. Para evitar o canibalismo na população estudada, recomenda-se a seleção de fêmeas com menor número de filhotes canibalizados e a maior utilização de matrizes com idade inferior a 241 dias durante a primavera. Estas estratégias podem promover a redução do número de casais necessários no biotério e aumentar sua eficiência reprodutiva.

MicroPET: tomografía por emisión de positrones para animales de laboratorio / MicroPET: Positron emission tomography for laboratory animals

Resumen: El tomógrafo por emisión de positrones (PET, por sus siglas en inglés [positron emission tomography]) es una poderosa herramienta no invasiva para el diagnóstico clínico e investigación in vivo por medio de imágenes empleada en humanos y animales de laboratorio. Se han desarrollado equipos exclusivos para los diversos modelos animales con los beneficios de esta técnica para el estudio de diferentes enfermedades.

Abstract: The positron emission tomography , PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is a powerful noninvasive tool for clinical diagnosis and research in vivo by means of images used in humans and laboratory animals. We have developed exclusive equipment for the various animal models with the benefits of this technique for the study of different diseases.

Application of automatic control system in laboratory animal facilities and countermeasures against the problems / 中国比较医学杂志

Through years of experience to design , build, debug and operate the automatic control system in laboratory animal facilities , the author expounds the detailed effect of such system , analyzes the problems and causes , and finally provides some advice to improve the system .

Comparison of culture and PCR assays for detection of bacteria in laboratory rats and mice / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To compare the efficiency of bacteria culture and PCR assays for detection of Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P.aeruginosa) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K.pneumoniae) in laboratory rats and mice.Methods Bacteria culture combined with biochemical identification and PCR assay were used to detect 78 SPF rats and 422 SPF mice and the results of the two methods were compared .Results All the 78 rats were negative .Of the 422 mice, the positive rate by culture was 7.11%(30/422), of which, 10 were S.aureus, 22 were P.aeruginosa, and 2 were K.pneumoniae.The positive rate by PCR was 7.58%(32/422), of which, 10 were S.aureus, 25 were P. aeruginosa, and 2 were K.pneumoniae.Conclusions The high sensitivity , rapid procedure and easy to operate of PCR assay makes it valuable for rapid bacteria diagnosis and large-scale screening in laboratory animals .