bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An infected eczematous condition in mice: methods of treatment
Authors: Taylor D. M. , Neal D. L.
Published: June 2007

Eczematous lesions in VM mice were invariably infected with Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus. A variety of preparations was used in treatment and although most were ineffective, one combining steroid and antibiotic therapy achieved remarkable results.
Clinical ocular findings in a colony of chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger)
Authors: Peiffer Robert L. , Johnson Philip T.
Published: June 2007

Examination of 14 aged chinchillas revealed a shallow orbit, a rudimentary nictitating membrane, a large cornea, a densely pigmented iris with a vertical slit pupil, and an anangiotic fundus with variable vascularization of the optic disc. Mean intraocular pressure was 18·5 ± 5·75 standard deviation mmHg. Bilateral posterior cortical cataracts and asteroid hyalosis were observed in 2 animals.
Clomiphene-induced ovulation in the 9-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Authors: Peppler R. D. , Stone S. C.
Published: June 2007

8 armadillos each received 50 mg clomiphene citrate daily for 5 days. 7 of the animals showed an increase in plasma progesterone to a level indicative of ovulation (> 10 ng/ml) within 6 days of the last injection. In addition, the administration of clomiphene caused the urogenital smear pattern to change from dioestrous to oestrous.
Facultative Pasteurella ophthalmitis in Hooded Lister rats
Authors: Roberts S. A. , Gregory B. J.
Published: June 2007

Hooded Lister rats were found to exhibit symptoms of Mycoplasma pulmonis infection. During the course of this chronic respiratory disease they developed ophthalmia and conjunctivitis which proved to be an opportunist infection with Pasteurella multocida. The severity of disease varied in individual rats, newborn rats entirely escaping infection. All cases responded to treatment with appropriate topical antibiotic and no sequelae were observed.
Effect of steam temperature in the pelleting process of chicken food on the viability of contaminating bacteria
Authors: Furuta Kenji , Oku Iwao , Morimoto Shigeichi
Published: June 2007

Pellet feeds were prepared at 70, 80, 83 and 90°C under constant steam pressure of 4·0 kg/cm2. Under these conditions, the food received 10 seconds of heat treatment, but treatment at 90°C was found inappropriate since the food became slushy.

Pelleting conditions examined in this study did not eliminate all contaminating bacteria, but coliforms from ingredients were killed when pelleting was conducted at over 80°C. Concentrations of vitamins were not decreased during pelleting. The optimum temperature for pelleting food is considered to be 83°C under the conditions investigated in this study.
Sheep breeding program for the year-round production of timed pregnancies for experimental foetal surgery
Authors: Grant C. G. , Warren R. Roger
Published: June 2007

Foetal lambs of known gestation were supplied to research programs throughout the entire year by controlling the oestrous cycle of the breeding ewes. In about 55 ewes, an average of 70·3 pregnancies of known duration produced an average of 118 lambs for each of the 3 years (168% of lambs to pregnancies). The accuracy of the ram-marking information, plasma radioimmunoassay (18 days after mating) and ultrasonic flow detection (Doppler; 60 days after mating) as indicators of pregnancy is reported for the last 3 years of the program.
Influence of season on birth distribution in marmosets and tamarins
Authors: Brand H. M.
Published: June 2007

The cotton-topped tamarin in captivity exhibits a seasonal influence on birth distribution, while the captive silvery marmoset, common marmoset, Goeldi's monkey and red-mantled tamarin are not significantly affected.
A survey of the pathology of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) derived from a marmoset breeding unit
Authors: Chalmers D. T. , Murgatroyd L. B. , Wadsworth P. F.
Published: June 2007

The results of a survey of the major pathological conditions encountered in an established breeding colony of common cotton-eared marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) is presented. 265 home-bred and 70 imported wild-caught marmosets were examined. A Heinz body haemolytic anaemia and skeletal muscle myopathy were the most common pathological findings and were considered to be a result of a complex nutritional deficiency involving vitamin E, selenium and protein. Inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract was also a major feature. Chronic colitis was particularly common in older marmosets.

Pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis and brain abscesses were important pathological findings in home-bred marmosets and were commonly associated with bacterial infections, particularly Bordetella bronchiseptica and Klebsiella species. Trichospirura leptostoma within pancreatic ducts of wild-caught marmosets was the only significant parasitic disease encountered. Mycotic infections of the upper alimentary tract with Candida species were occasional findings in debilitated animals. No pathological features suggesting viral diseases were found.
Genetic marker patterns of inbred strains of mice at the Cancer Research Institute, Bombay
Authors: Randelia Homai P. , Hilgers J. , Hilkens J. , Kroezen Vera , Holmes R. , Vandeberg J.
Published: June 2007

36 genetic markers were examined in 14 inbred strains of mice maintained at the Cancer Research Institute, Bombay. The genetic marker profiles of these strains when compared with the profiles of similar strains maintained elsewhere revealed discrepancies in 4 of them which are reported and discussed. The results emphasize the importance of genetic monitoring of inbred strains.
Blood coagulation studies in domestic pigs (Hanover breed) and minipigs (Goettingen breed)
Authors: Köstering H. , Mast W.-P. , Kaethner T. , Nebendahl K. , Holtz W. H.
Published: June 2007

Blood coagulation studies were performed on 60 Hanover domestic pigs ready for slaughter and a total of 84 Goettingen minipigs. A tendency to hypercoagulability was found in these pigs, expressed in a shortened PTT, r- and k-time in the thromboelastogram and a slightly reduced plasminogen and plasmin level. Many values were similar to those of man. Thrombin time was longer. This may be due more to enhanced formation of fibrin degradation products (anti-thrombin VI) than to greater amounts of endogenous heparin being released. The longer reptilase and thrombin coagulase times support this. The thrombocyte count differed only slightly. The findings suggest that the Goettingen minipig and Hanover domestic pig are suitable animals for comparative blood coagulation studies.
An outbreak of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in a small indoor breeding colony of red-bellied (Saguinus labiatus) tamarins
Authors: Taffs L. F. , Dunn Glynis
Published: June 2007

A spontaneous outbreak of yersiniosis caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis serotype IIB occurred in a small indoor breeding colony of red-bellied tamarins ( Saguinus labiatus) during the winter of 1981. Of 3S monkeys at risk 6 died of an acute or subacute infection over a period of 23 days. Clinical signs were anorexia, weakness, listlessness and depression. The disease was characterized by focal necrosis of the liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, ulcerative enteritis, and the presence of colonies of Gram-negative bacilli in the lesions. Y. pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and kidney but not from the blood, lung or intestine. Contaminated food was believed to be the source of infection.
The effect of 'Alcide' on 4 strains of rodent coccidial oocysts
Authors: Owen Dawn G.
Published: June 2007

The effect of 'Alcide' on oocysts of 2 species of Eimeria from rats and 2 from mice was investigated. E. pragensis oocysts survived 24 h contact with the chemical, but those of the other species were inactivated. Periods of exposure of <2½ h did not inactivate oocysts of any Eimeria species.
Recovery of members of the Pasteurella-Actinobacillus-group from guineapigs
Authors: Boot R. , Oosterom J. , Walvoort H. C.
Published: June 2007

In the course of post-mortem bacteriological examination of conventional guineapigs, 88 isolates belonging to the Pasteurella-Actinobacillus-group were recovered from 69 of 279 animals (25%). Most isolates were recovered from pneumonic lung, enteritic jejunum and inflamed mammary gland. No relationship was found between biotype and source of isolation. About 50% of isolates were recovered in pure culture or as the predominant micro-organism. It is concluded that members of the Pasteurella-Actinobacillus-group must be considered potentially pathogenic for guineapigs.
Plasma and erythrocyte volumes of newborn rabbits delivered after 30 days of gestation
Authors: Harris W. H. , Jansen V. D. , Yamashiro S.
Published: June 2007

The plasma and erythrocyte volumes of 18 rabbit fetuses delivered by caesarean section on day 30 of gestation were measured by a double labelling radioisotope technique after separation from the placenta. These late gestation fetuses were viable. A negative correlation was found between the bodyweight of the neonate and its blood volume expressed as a percentage of bodyweight. The equation of the linear regression line was Y = 92·3 - 3·9X. The haematocrit was 0·494 ± 0·029 I/l.
Use of a bidirectional cannula to study biliary secretion in conscious dogs
Authors: Madrid J. A. , Salido G. M. , Mañas M. , de Victoria E. Martinez , Mataix F. J.
Published: June 2007

A new biliary bidirectional cannula is described which allows the study of biliary secretion in conscious dogs under conditions which approach physiological normality.
Proliferation of Pasteurella pneumotropica at oestrus in the vagina of rats
Authors: Yamada S. , Baba E. , Arakawa A.
Published: June 2007

Using a colony of Wistar-Imamichi rats contaminated with P. pneumotropica, the vaginal microflora was qualitatively and quantitatively investigated by swabbing. P. pneumotropica was the most dominant organism in the majority of rats examined. The population of P. pneumotropica and indigenous bacteria increased significantly higher at oestrus than in other oestrous stages. By the vaginal flushing technique changes in the population of P. pneumotropica and total bacteria, and changes in vaginal cell type and bacterial counts adhering to vaginal epithelial cells were consecutively investigated. The populations of P. pneumotropica and total bacteria were maximal at oestrus. The increase was correlated with an increase in cornified non-nucleated cells, with large numbers of adherent Gram-negative coccobacilli. The findings indicate that the vagina is a suitable site for colonization by P. pneumotropica in adult female rats, and that proliferation of P. pneumotropica may be due to increased affinity of the organism for cornified non-nucleated cells.
The relationship between blood flow of mammary tissue and its overlying skin in the mouse
Authors: Minasian H. , Minassian D.
Published: June 2007

To determine the relationship between mammary and cutaneous blood flow (BF) the regional distribution of 86RbCl was used to estimate the fractional distribution of the cardiac output to these tissues in virgin, multiparous, pregnant and lactating mice. The results indicate a positive linear correlation between the values obtained for the skin and that obtained for its underlying mammary tissue. This finding may have a practical application, since the skin is more readily accessible for BF measurements than the mammary tissue that it covers.
Ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride anaesthesia in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Curl J. L. , Peters L. L.
Published: June 2007

The combination ketamine-xylazine was assessed as a surgical anaesthetic in the golden hamster. Several dose levels and routes of injection were evaluated. It was determined that 50-200 mg/kg bodyweight of ketamine with 10 mg/kg body weight of xylazine, when given by intraperitoneal injection, was a satisfactory general anaesthetic.
An evaluation of tribromoethanol (TBE) as an anaesthetic agent in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: Norris M. L. , Turner Wendy D.
Published: June 2007

Mongolian gerbils injected i.p. with a 1·25% solution of tribromoethanol (TBE) quickly lost the righting reflex and showed good surgical anaesthesia, the duration of which was positively related to the dose administered. All levels (225-450 mg/kg bodyweight) of TBE injected s.c. resulted in loss of the righting reflex, though surgical anaesthesia was not attained. Following recovery from anaesthesia induced with 2.25% TBE i.p., or high doses of 1·25% TBE i.p., visceral adhesions and deaths occurred. To avoid these TBE-induced fatalities such extreme care must be taken during the preparation, storage and administration of the agent that it is not recommended as a suitable anaesthetic for general use in the gerbil.
A hereditary nervous disorder in Fayoumi chickens
Authors: Nunoya T. , Tajima M. , Mizutani M.
Published: June 2007

A hereditary nervous disorder in Fayoumi chickens is described. Affected chickens developed seizure symptoms characterized by sudden crouching to the ground with neck rigidly flexed. The duration of the seizure varied from case to case, usually lasting for 15 to 30 s. The seizure was triggered by unexpected loud noise, sudden movement, bright light and other audiovisual stimuli. The main histopathological lesions consisted of degeneration of small arteries, with cellular infiltration in the cerebrum of all chickens examined and demyelination and/or loss of nerve fibres with oedema and Schwann cell proliferation in the cervical spinal nerves of most birds. Genetic analysis revealed that the condition was heritable and apparently controlled by an autosomal recessive gene.
Chronic oesophageal fistulation for studying oropharyngeal and gastric influences on ingestive behaviour in the pigeon
Authors: Normile H. J. , Jacobs J. H. , Trompeter T. , Barraco R. A.
Published: June 2007

Surgical and postoperative procedures were developed in the pigeon to study the influence of oropharyngeal and postingestional factors in the control of food and water intake. Pigeons were prepared with an oesophageal fistula so that material swallowed emerged from a tube exteriorized at the neck. Nutrient solutions were injected into the lower portion of the oesophagus through a feeding tube inserted in the fistula. A postoperative tube-feeding regimen, using commercially available laboratory chow, was established to maintain the pigeon at its preoperative weight.
Comparative study of alanine-ammo-peptidase and gamma-glutamyl-transferase activity in normal Wistar rat urine
Authors: Stoykova S. , Philippon C. , Labaille F. , Prevot D. , Manuel Y.
Published: June 2007

24 h urinary alanine-amino-peptidase (AAP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were studied from the 3rd-7th month of life in male Wistar rats. A close relationship was found between AAP and GGT activity, except at the beginning and at the end of this period. At the end there appear 2 subgroups, the larger (70%) showing a strong correlation between AAP and GGT activity and the other (30%), demonstrating no correlation at all. A good correlation between AAP and GGT activities, creatinine, 24 h urine volume and 24 h creatinine output was found.
Continuous infusion anaesthesia in baboons with alphaxolone-alphadolone
Authors: Cookson J. H. , Mills F. J.
Published: June 2007

39 experiments were carried out in baboons using continuous intravenous infusion of alphaxalone-alphadolone as an anaesthetic for periods of up to 6 h. This steroid anaesthetic was found to be safe and reliable, with smooth, rapid induction, uneventful recovery, and no evidence of cumulative effect.
The breeding performance of CD1 stud male mice with some comparative data from BALB/c, PSD and PSDI strains
Authors: Eveleigh J. R. , Jasdrow H. H. , Gunner Marjorie
Published: June 2007

CD1 stud males produced a high percentage of pregnancies from virgin females during weeks 1 to 21, but were at their peak during weeks 1 to 13, when they achieved a 91·35 ± 4·63% pregnancy rate. Peak littering occurred on day 22, with a mean litter size of 11·68 ± 0·85 young.
Laboratory animal allergy: the measurement of airborne urinary allergens and the effects of different environmental conditions
Authors: Edwards R. G. , Beeson M. F. , Dewdney Janet M.
Published: June 2007

Casella Simquad air samplers, with 0·5 mu;M cut-off filters, were employed to sample the air in a laboratory animal house environment. The extracts obtained were assayed for laboratory animal urinary protein allergens using the inhibition radioallergosorbent test (RAST inhibition). The results showed that the collection and assay methods were of value and studies were extended to the influence of air change rates and humidity on airborne allergen levels. Reducing the air changes increased allergen levels, whilst increasing the humidity from 54% to 77% caused a significant reduction in allergen levels.
The genetics of esterase 12 and esterase 13 polymorphisms in the Norway rat
Authors: Kendall P. B.
Published: June 2007

2 new esterase polymorphisms ( Es-12 and Es-13) were discovered in haemolysates of wild rats ( Rattus norvegicus) by gel electrophoresis. Both loci are probably monomeric. Linkage analysis indicates that neither locus is associated with the esterase cluster in linkage group V.
Lifespan ontogeny of breeding and reproductive success in Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Cheal Marylou
Published: June 2007

An analysis was made of demographic data collected from a colony of Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus). The data on births of over 3800 gerbils provide evidence on several aspects of development and fecundity. Approximately 4% more females than males survived to weaning. Mean number of pups per dam per year was estimated to be 48·3, greater reproductive success than reported previously. The shortest period of gestation resulting in viable pups was 25 days. Implantation was delayed by the presence of suckling pups. When gestation was prolonged, there was a direct relationship between the number of pups being suckled concurrently and the length of the delay. Length of gestation did not affect the size of the subsequent litter. Female gerbils gave birth as early as 72 days of age. Gerbils continued to reproduce until after 2 years of age in some cases. There were fewer pups per litter born to older females, fewer pups per litter with increasing parity, and longer intervals between litters with increasing age.
Hair embolism in lungs of rat and rabbit caused by intravenous injection
Authors: Kast A. , Tsunenari Y.
Published: June 2007

Among 1422 Sprague-Dawley rats treated daily for 28 consecutive days by i.v. injection, 144 animals (10·1%) showed particles of hair in thrombi at the site of injection. 381 rats (26·8%) had pulmonary emboli with fragments of hair and skin in arterial thrombi or in giant cell granulomas. 6 weeks after cessation of treatment lesions were still found in lungs from 5 of 90 rats (5·6%) allowed to recover. After the experimental administration of 0·75 ml/100 g body wt of a hair suspension (3000 hair particles/ml) to rats, there was no influence on phagocytosis whether endogenous or foreign hairs were injected. In 8 of 64 Himalayan rabbits (12·5%) given 28 injections each into ear veins pulmonary embolism was observed.
A restraint chair for primates
Authors: Lennox M. S. , Taylor R. G.
Published: June 2007

A humane, adjustable and comfortable restraint chair is described which is suitable for a wide variety of experiments on unsedated primates weighing between 3·5 and 15 kg
Control of an outbreak of mouse coccidiosis in a closed colony
Authors: Haberkorn A. , Friis C. W. , Schulz H. P. , Meister G. , Feller W.
Published: June 2007

In 1979 severe coccidiosis occurred within a closed colony of C57b1/6J Bom mice. The coccidiosis caused diarrhoea, weight loss and deaths. Pathogenicity and response to chemotherapy were studied in experimentally infected Bor : CFW1 (SPF) mice. Histological and other studies indicated that infection was caused by more than 1 Eimeria species which have not yet been determined. Treatment with different anticoccidial drugs was unsuccessful, but use of 2 triazinone-derivatives (Bay g 7183, Bay i 9142) added to the food (15 ppm) succeeded in completely eradicating the organisms from the breeding houses. Experimental findings on the sensitivity of the coccidia to other anticoccidial drugs are described.
3 Cases of persistent urachus with umbilical abscess in Wistar rats
Authors: Borrás M.
Published: June 2007

3 cases of persistent urachus are described in a small colony of Wistar rats: 2 cases were from 1 litter, and all were in females. The condition presented as a swelling in the umbilical region and on microscopic examination showed an abscess with an epithelial-lined peduncle. The condition has not been described previously in the rat.
A fail-safe aquarium for aquatic laboratory animals
Authors: Slack J. M. W.
Published: June 2007

The design and operation of a 'fail-safe' polypropylene aquarium for use with axolotls and other amphibians are described.
Improvements in diet stability through processing
Authors: Eva J. K. , Rickett M. J.
Published: June 2007

With suitable storage conditions, diets manufactured with certain modifications to conventional processes will remain in a satisfactory usable condition for periods considerably longer than those normally accepted.
Neuronal ceroid-lipofuscin storage in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Abbott D. P. , Edmondson N. A.
Published: June 2007

The light and electron microscopical characteristics of non-age-related neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis in a young cynomolgus monkey ( Macaca fascicularis) are described. The pigment in the neuronal cytoplasm was PAS-positive, sudanophilic, weakly acid-fast, and positive with Schmorl's and aldehydefuchsin stains for lipofuscin. Ultra-structurally, it appeared as membrane-bound, electron-dense aggregates within the cytoplasm of neurones of both brain and spinal cord.
Brown fat tumours (hibernomas) in rats: histopathological and ultrastructural study
Authors: Al Zubaidy A. J. , Finn J. P.
Published: June 2007

Brown fat tumours, 'hibernomas', are described in 2 Wistar and 1 CD rats; 2 were intrathoracic and 1 was interscapular. The incidence of hibernoma in rats undergoing carcinogenic bioassay at this laboratory over the 4 years between 1977-1981 is 3 in 3200. Clinical and autopsy findings and histological and ultrastructural observations are reported, and a review of the literature is presented.
Biphasic enteritis in imported cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys infected with Shigella, Salmonella and Campylobacter species
Authors: Tribe G. W. , Fleming M. P.
Published: June 2007

Epidemic enteritis in approximately 10 000 newly-imported Macaca fascicularis was common and fell into 2 distinct phases. During the 1st month of quarantine Shigella organisms, often antibiotic resistant, posed a threat to life of the animals. Later, Campylobacter jejuni/coli appeared to be the main organism in infectious enteritis. The clinical syndrome was complicated at all stages by the presence of helminths, virus infections such as measles and pathogenic protozoa, but salmonellae were not usually an important feature. Normal quarantine procedures did not guarantee freedom from either shigellae or salmonellae and serial tests were done in individual cases to ensure this. It was not possible to eradicate Campylobacter jejuni/coli from the colony.
Effects of pregnancy on bone matrix proteins in Wistar rats
Authors: Mbuyi-Muamba J. M. , Dequeker J.
Published: June 2007

Using an EDTA extraction procedure, bones from pregnant Wistar rats were analyzed for their content of collagen and non-collagenous components (sialoprotein, proteoglycan and carbohydrate). The bone matrix size was found to be smaller in pregnant rats than in normal rats (19·5% vs 17·5% of the dry weight bone). The EDTA extractability of the bone protein from pregnant rats was higher than that from controls (2·6% vs 1·9% dry weight bone). EDTA extracts from pregnant rats contained higher amounts of soluble collagen (1·6% vs 0·5% of dry weight tissue) and lower amounts of non-collagenous components (1·65% vs 2·23% for hexoses, 2·38% vs 3·95% for sialic acid and 1·24% vs 1·73% for uronic acid). In bone matrix, collagen content was lower in the pregnant rats (9·45% vs 10·6%). Similarly, the amounts of non-collagenous components were slightly decreased in the bone matrix from the pregnant rats. The respective values were: 0·91% vs 0·93% for hexoses, 0·45% vs 0·52% for sialic acid and 0·39% vs 0·50% for uronic acid. These results suggest that in pregnancy collagen and non-collagenous protein content in bone is decreased while the total mineral content is increased.
The effect of repeated reproduction on the incidence of pituitary tumours in Wistar rats
Authors: Pickering C. Elizabeth , Pickering R. G.
Published: June 2007

Weanling female litter mates were equally proportioned at the start of the study between a breeding and a non-breeding group. At 10 weeks of age, each rat of the breeding group was housed individually with a male until 5 litters were produced (or exceptionally for a maximum of 42 weeks) before the male was removed. Females of the non-breeding group were kept singly in similar cages.

2 years after the start of the study all the surviving rats of both groups were killed. Comprehensive necropsies were performed on the decedents and survivors and the pituitary gland of each rat was examined histologically.

The 48% survival of the female rats which were allowed to breed was better, but not significantly so, than the 38% of those not allowed to breed. Overall fewer, 70% (35 of 50) of the mated female rats had pituitary tumours compared with 80% (40 of 50) of the non-mated group. Fewer of the decedents, 69% (18 of 26), of the mated females had pituitary tumours compared with 94% (29 of 31) in the decedents of the non-mated group. More survivors, 71% (17 of 24), of the mated females had pituitary tumours compared with 58% (11 of 19) of the surviving non-mated rats.

A tumour was first observed at day 328 in the non-mated group, whilst in the mated group the first tumour was identified at day 450. It is suggested that breeding delays the appearance of pituitary tumours in the female rat.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the diagnosis of Kilham rat virus infection in rats
Authors: Singh S. B. , Lang C. M.
Published: June 2007

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adapted and compared with the haemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) test for the serological diagnosis of Kilham rat virus (KRV) infection in rats. The assay is a solid phase, indirect method for the measurement of specific antibody. Test variables such as the amount of purified KRV for coating polystyrene microtitre plates, dilution of peroxidase conjugate, etc. were standardized for optimum results. Sera from both naturally and experimentally infected rats were examined, and the ELISA was found to be 5-10 times more sensitive for KRV serology. The kinetics of antibody development during experimental infection, as determined by ELISA, paralleled that of the HAI test and antibodies could be detected as early as 4 days after infection.
Irradiation of groups of mice and rats. Studies on the homogeneity of dose distribution in the irradiation field of a Co-60 source
Authors: Jensen J. M. , Wottge H. U.
Published: June 2007

Data are presented on the dose distribution pattern in an irradiation field for the irradiation of groups of small rodents as a preconditioning regimen for experimental bone marrow transplantation. The consequences of this pattern are discussed.
Characterization of the analogues to human pregnancy-associated α2-glycoprotein (α2PAG, PZP) isolated in the mouse and rat
Authors: Hau J. , Porstmann T.
Published: June 2007

Immunological cross-reaction and antigenic identity between pregnancy-associated α2-glycoprotein ( α2PAG) and α2PAG analogues in the mouse and the rat are demonstrated. The proteins have been characterized independently in 2 different laboratories and the physicochemical and biological properties of the rat and the mouse α2PAG analogues and human α2PAG are compared and discussed.
An ethanol-acetic acid-formol saline fixative for routine use with special application to the fixation of non-perfused rat lung
Authors: Harrison P. T. C.
Published: June 2007

An ethanol-acetic acid-formol saline fixative (40 : 5 : 10 : 45 v/v) has been developed which gives good results with non-perfused rat lung and which may be used routinely for the fixation of a wide range of rat tissues. The special qualities of the fixative include good penetration, good fixation of nuclei and mitotic chromosomes, and little shrinkage after paraffin embedding. The fixative is also easy to use and has a flexible fixation period (nominally 48 h). Although several fixative mixtures containing alcohol, acetic acid and formalin have previously been reported, none are identical to the present mixture, which was developed independently and systematically in accordance with specific listed requirements.
Effective sterilization of a plastic film rack isolator with 'Alcide'tm
Authors: Pell-walpole C. , Waller Margaret
Published: June 2007

A 'use challenge' test of the sterilizing ability of 'Alcide'tm was devised against a 'cocktail' of 8 selected bacteria and 2 fungi. The organisms were used to coat the inside of an isolator prior to sterilization with 'Alcide' solution. After exposure to the solution for 24 h, no organisms could be recovered from the surfaces of the isolator. No operator discomfort was observed during preparation of the 'Alcide' solution.
Mycobacterium bovis infection in primates in Dublin Zoo: epidemiological aspects and implications for management
Authors: Wilson P. , Weavers E. , West B. , Taylor M. , Kavanagh J. , Jones P.
Published: June 2007

An outbreak of tuberculosis in non-human primates was successfully contained in the isolation area of Dublin Zoo. A Mayotte lemur, a lion-tailed macaque, a Patas monkey and a Siamang gibbon developed tuberculosis, and Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from all but the lemur, from which lesions were not cultured. Procedures for the prevention of tuberculosis in primate collections and for the management of outbreaks are discussed. The need for typing of the isolated pathogen is emphasized.
Breeding the common shrew (Sorex araneus) in captivity
Authors: Searle J. B.
Published: June 2007

A method for the systematic breeding of the common shrew ( Sorex araneus) is described. By use of this method 20 litters of common shrew, conceived in the wild and in captivity, were reared to weaning. Successful fertilization was recorded for 74% of pairings and 68% of young known to have been born were reared to weaning. Breeding records indicate that common shrews will mate within a few days of pairing and that the duration of pregnancy and lactation is about 43 days.
Spontaneous lobster claw deformity in a silvery marmoset (Callithrix argentata)
Authors: Pugsley S. L.
Published: June 2007

The finding of spontaneous lobster claw deformity in a stillborn silvery marmoset is described.
A fluorocarbon-coated diuresis cage for rodents
Authors: Tomkins P. T. , O'Donovan D. J.
Published: June 2007

A simple and inexpensive rat diuresis cage is described. It may be constructed from thin aluminium sheeting in combination with a standard laboratory holding cage. Application of a low resistance PTFE coating reduces urine losses to a level better than a leading commercial design. Some physiological strain comparison data obtained using the cage are given.
Behaviour-associated alopecia areata in mice
Authors: Militzer K. , Wecker Elvira
Published: June 2007

In 5 different mouse strains, we observed alopecic lesions most commonly in male breeding animals kept with C57BL females. Alopecic areas were located most frequently on the head, but were also found over the shoulders, the back and the pelvic regions. Observations gained through time-lapse photography indicate the cause is a slight increase in self-grooming and a dramatic increase in allogrooming by their female partners. The increased frequency of lesions of males kept with C57BL females suggests that the increased grooming activity may be genetically determined.
Development of spontaneous tongue calcification and polypoid lesions in DBA/2NCrj mice
Authors: Imaoka K. , Honjo K. , Doi K. , Mitsuoka T.
Published: June 2007

Calcified tongue lesions were observed in 4- to 8-week-old DBA/2NCrj mice, the highest frequency being reached at 6 weeks of age. Calcification was initially observed in the superficial longitudinal muscles and these lesions were distributed segmentally under the dorsolateral mucous epithelium in the middle portion of the lingual body. After calcification, marked inflammation was observed in the same lesion. Finally, the swollen tissue elevated the covering mucous epithelium and produced polypoid lesions.
Potential errors in the measurement of total protein in male rat urine using test strips
Authors: Evans G. O. , Parsons C. E.
Published: June 2007

Widely differing results were obtained for urinary protein determinations in male rats using 2 test strips and a quantitative Coomassie Blue sodium dodecyl sulphate method. A comparison of the sensitivity of the protein methods with respect to rat albumin and α2U globulin was made; both test strips were found to be relatively insensitive to the presence of α2U globulin. Resultant limitations of test strips in monitoring adult male rat urine protein concentrations are discussed.
Haematological, immunological and endocrinological aspects of chronic high frequency blood sampling in rats with replacement by fresh or preserved donor blood
Authors: Wiersma J. , Kastelijn J.
Published: June 2007

Haematological, immunological and endocrinological aspects of blood transfusions with either freshly collected or preserved donor blood were investigated in chronically cannulated unrestrained rats. Three anticoagulant preservatives were tested: citrate, citrate-dextrose and citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1). Prolactin was used as an indicator of stress in endocrine studies. The repeated collection of 4 ml blood at 2-week intervals did not affect normal blood composition. Whole blood of rats could be stored in citrate, citrate-dextrose or CPDA-1 for 8, 22 or 35 days, respectively. Blood transfusions with fresh or preserved donor blood of F1 (R × U) rats did not affect normal blood composition nor did it induce immunological responses in F1 rats. Frequent blood sampling for several hours at highest rates of 1 sample/min did not affect prolactin secretion when blood volume reduction was replaced by blood transfusions with fresh donor blood. However, compensation with preserved blood affected prolactin secretion significantly. Blood transfusions did not affect health, behaviour, cyclicity or pseudopregnancy. The application of blood transfusion in chronically cannulated rats appeared to be quite simple. Its advantages are the possibility of following individual secretion patterns of blood-bound substances, the repeated use of animals and the reduction of the number of animals.
Isolation of members of the Haemophilus-Pasteurella-Actinobacillus group from feral rodents
Authors: Boot R. , Lammers R. M. , Busschbach A. E.
Published: June 2007

46 feral rodents, including a common vole ( Microtus arvalis), house mice ( Mus musculus), muskrats ( Ondatra zibetica), house rats ( Rattus rattus) and brown rats ( R. norvegicus) were examined for bacteria of the Haemophilus- Pasteurella- Actinobacillus group. Haemophilus spp. (only M. musculus examined) were not obtained. All animal species were found contaminated by P. pneumotropica and/or Actinobacillus spp. Almost all M. musculus (96%) and most Rattus spp. (76%) were contaminated by P. pneumotropica and/or Actinobacillus spp. These bacteria were obtained most frequently from the upper respiratory tract, to a lesser extent from the lung and rarely from caecal contents, It is concluded that feral rodents might constitute an important source of contamination of laboratory rodents by members of the HPA-group.
Opportunistic infections in hysterectomy-derived, barrier-maintained guineapigs
Authors: Boot R. , Walvoort H. C.
Published: June 2007

Guineapigs were rederived by hysterectomy and associated with a colonization-resistant enteric microflora (CRF) of mouse origin to establish a strict barrier-maintained breeding colony. Infections were suspected in 55 of 209 animals autopsied. From 65 of 67 tissue samples selected for bacteriological examination 167 isolates, belonging to 16 usually non-pathogenic bacterial species or groups, were isolated mostly from cases of mastitis, typhlitis, enteritis, otitis media and pneumonia. Faecal streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium perfringens, Citrobacter spp., C. freundii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca and Enterobacter cloacae accounted for 86·8% of all isolates. Variations in the recovery rate of these 8 species during the study and a gradual decline in the incidence of infections were observed. Elimination by rederivation of the autochthonous bacterial flora seemed to have predisposed to opportunistic infections by aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Enteric colonization resistance to the growth of these bacteria was presumably insufficiently provided by the CRF of mouse origin and might be remedied by using a flora of guineapig origin.
Development of heart and aortic lesions in DBA/2NCrj mice
Authors: Maeda N. , Doi K. , Mitsuoka T.
Published: June 2007

The development of heart and aortic lesions was investigated in 3- to 8-week-old DBA/2NCrj mice. In the heart, small foci of myocardial calcification and severe calcification with subsequent inflammation were observed. Severe lesions were restricted to the myocardium below the right ventricular epicardium. Small foci of myocardial calcification were found from 4 to 8 weeks of age with almost the same frequency. The incidence of severe calcification showed a drastic increase between 6 and 7 weeks of age. Aortic lesions were observed from 3 weeks of age and characterized by focal calcification of the smooth muscle cells and elastic laminae. The frequency of aortic calcification was about 50% and not age-related.
The role of ozone/oxygen in clindamycin-associated enterocolitis in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus sungorus)
Authors: Schulz S.
Published: June 2007

Rectal and oral ozone-O2 gas insufflations prevented a fatal c1indamycin-induced enterocolitis in Djungarian dwarf hamsters. In spite of no gross lesions in the colon of these species, the term 'colitis' is justified because of intracellular degenerative changes of colon epithelial cells. Dwarf hamsters are omnivores and are, therefore, more relevant to man than other animal species as an animal model for studying colitis.
A new model of petit mal epilepsy: spontaneous spike and wave discharges in tremor rats
Authors: Serikawa T. , Ohno Y. , Sasa M. , Yamada J. , Takaori S.
Published: June 2007

A mutant rat, which was found in a colony of Kyoto:Wistar rats and genetically defined as a tremor rat ( tm/tm), developed tremor of the whole body at 2 weeks of age but the tremor gradually disappeared between 6 and 8 weeks of age. The electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded using chronically implanted electrodes showed a 5–7 Hz (mostly 6 Hz) spike and wave complex synchronously in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus accompanied by absence-like seizure in all six tremor rats examined. The spike and wave complex appeared 0·8–1·9 times per minute and lasted for 1–17 s. However, normal EEG activity was observed in the intervening periods, free of absence-like seizure. Thus the tremor rat is considered to be a possible model for studying the pathogenesis and therapy of petit mal epilepsy in humans.
Tupaiataenia quentini (Schmidt & File, 1977) in Tupaia belangeri (Wagner, 1841): transmission experiments and Praziquantel treatment
Authors: Brack M. , Naberhaus F. , Heymann E.
Published: June 2007

Tupaiataenia quentini was found in many Tupaia belangeri from a closed colony in West Germany. 1·25 mg Praziquantel per animal proved to be efficient for deworming. Direct transmission experiments to non-parasitized tree shrews from another colony failed.
Patterns of lymphatic drainage to individual thoracic and cervical lymph nodes in the rat
Authors: Takahashi S. , Patrick G.
Published: June 2007

Colloidal carbon was used as tracer material to determine the lymphatic drainage to the cervical and thoracic lymph nodes from various regions of the respiratory tract in the F344 rat. While the lung region may be drained mainly to the posterior mediastinal lymph nodes, the tracheal wall drains primarily to the internal jugular and posterior cervical nodes.
A technique for rearing germfree piglets obtained without surgery
Authors: Ratcliffe B. , Fordham J. P.
Published: June 2007

A relatively simple procedure is described for obtaining germfree piglets which does not involve hysterectomy or hysterotomy. Newborn pigs were delivered into an isolator and their freedom from microbial contamination was ensured by applying bactericidal solutions externally and a combination of antibiotics in solution per os. 40 piglets so derived have been maintained free from detectable micro-organisms, some for up to 140 days. Equipment is described which allowed the long-term holding of these animals so that nutritional balance studies could be completed.
A murine model for the assessment of placental and fetal development in teratogenicity studies
Authors: Hau J. , Basse A. , Wolstrup C.
Published: June 2007

During normal pregnancy in the mouse, maternal serum levels of the analogues to human schwangerschaftsprotein-1 and α-fetoprotein correlate significantly with the growth of the placenta and fetus respectively. This relationship has been utilized in the analysis of the effect of sodium selenite on placental and fetal growth in mice. Moderate doses of sodium selenite did not affect the growth of the placenta and fetus significantly, whereas high doses of selenite resulted in a large percentage of abortions. The protein markers were found to be useful in the prediction of placental and fetal growth, and they are suggested to be of general use in the study of the impact of teratogenic substances, since they reflect the status of the fetoplacental mass during gestation.
Effect of pentobarbital or urethane on bile secretion and chemical composition of blood in the rabbit
Authors: Collado P. S. , Pozo-Andrada M. J. , González J. , Jiménez R. , Esteller A.
Published: June 2007

A study was made of the effects of anaesthesia with pentobarbital and urethane on the bile secretion and the chemical composition of the blood of New Zealand rabbits. Neither of the agents was observed to affect arterial pH or pO2, but with urethane pCO2 values decreased significantly. This was associated with a pronounced hyperglycaemia. Bile flow was significantly higher in pentobarbital-anaesthetized animals than in urethane-anaesthetized animals, a phenomenon that can be attributed to a different canalicular flow and that will not be related to differences in the bile-acid-dependent fraction of secretion. Under both anaesthetics, bile sodium concentrations were greater than those found in plasma, which can be explained by the formation of micelles with low osmotic activity. Bile bicarbonate concentrations proved to be greater than those observed in plasma. Plasma calcium concentrations were significantly lower with urethane than with pentobarbital, whereas in bile the situation was reversed; both these aspects are discussed.
A cage for the ferret
Authors: Scharmann W. , Wolff D.
Published: June 2007

A cage for ferrets is described that consists of a plastic box with a metal sliding-grill top and metal front lattice. It contains a new feeding system using dishes that can be removed without opening the cage. The cages are kept in mobile racks and are commercially available.
Microsurgery in the clinic and laboratory
Authors: Green C. J.
Published: June 2007

Laboratory animals have been crucial to the development of modern microsurgical techniques which are now routinely used in many clinical departments worldwide. In return, microsurgical techniques are important in biomedical research as they allow many surgical procedures to be performed on rodents instead of dogs, pigs or primates. This has obvious advantages in terms of low cost, the use of statistically valid numbers for comparison and the availability of genetically defined animals which are more likely to give valid answers to immunological questions. Microsurgical reconstruction is important in plastic, orthopaedic, urogenital, vascular and peripheral nerve surgery in man and it is likely that it will become part of every surgeon's training in the near future.

In this review, the instrumentation essential to any microsurgical enterprise and the sutures available are described. Basic microsurgical techniques for end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis of small vessels and for joining peripheral nerves, oviducts and other tubular structures are given in outline. Techniques for transplanting kidney, heart, heart and lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, small bowel, stomach, testicle, ovary and whole joint are only outlined but key references are given. Finally, some of the clinical indications for microsurgical reconstruction are reviewed.
Assessment of discomfort in gallstone-bearing mice: a practical example of the problems encountered in an attempt to recognize discomfort in laboratory animals
Authors: Beynen A. C. , Baumans V. , Bertens A. P. M. G. , Havenaar R. , Hesp A. P. M. , Van Zutphen L. F. M.
Published: June 2007

In order to obtain practical experience on the recognition, assessment and evaluation of discomfort in laboratory animals, the degree of discomfort was studied in gallstone-free and gallstone-bearing mice. Out of nine parameters to which scores were assigned per individual mouse, only the response to palpation of the right hypochondrium was found to score significantly higher in gallstone-bearing mice. That is, the incidence of squeaking and the magnitude of muscular contractions were significantly higher in these animals compared with the gallstone-free mice. The stance of the gallstone-bearing mice also tended to be abnormal, although the difference between gallstone-free and gallstone-bearing animals did not reach statistical significance. Although this study does not prove unequivocally that the induction of gallstones per se causes discomfort or pain in mice, we tentatively conclude that it does. We feel that this should be taken into account in any projected work in which gallstone induction in animals may occur. There was considerable between-assessor variation in the assignment of scores to the variables used to assess discomfort, including the response to palpation. It is concluded that the selection of parameters and the experience and/or attitude of the assessor are critically important when the magnitude of discomfort, if any, is assessed in experimental animals.
Glycated albumin: a marker of glycaemic status in rats with experimental diabetes
Authors: Neuman R. Glenn , Hud Elizabeth , Cohen Margo P.
Published: June 2007

Monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize non-enzymatically glycated epitopes residing in albumin were used to measure levels of glycated albumin in the plasma of control and streptozotocin diabetic rats. Standard or sample was incubated with monoclonal antibody immobilized onto preactivated tubes, and binding was detected with enzyme-conjugated polyclonal antibody to rat albumin and substrate. Rat glycated albumin exhibited a linear dose response in the assay, and plasma samples contained between 30-100 μg/50 μl. Levels were significantly increased in diabetic compared with control rats, and correlated positively and significantly with mean blood glucose concentrations measured in the fasting and fed states. The results indicate that glycated albumin levels measured by immunoassay reflect recent integrated glycaemia and provide an objective index of glycaemic status in the rat experimental model of diabetes.