The Journal of Laboratory Animal Science is a leading publication dedicated to advancing knowledge and promoting ethical practices in the care, use, and management of laboratory animals in biomedical and veterinary research. This peer-reviewed journal serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, innovations, and insights that support laboratory animal welfare and scientific excellence. The journal covers a wide range of topics, including animal care and welfare, advancements in laboratory techniques, regulatory compliance, and veterinary interventions. It is an essential resource for researchers, veterinarians, and professionals committed to the responsible and humane use of laboratory animals in research. Indexing Details: Ebsco, Base, Google Scholar, Crossref, International Scientific Indexing, CiteFactor, Advance Science Index, Research BIB, Index Medicine, Semantic Scholar, UlrichWeb, WorldCat, Open Access, Publon, Jgate and many more
Costus pictus methanolic extract alleviates diabetes in Streptozotocin induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats
Costus pictus, commonly referred to as the “insulin plant,” has gained interest for its antidiabetic and organ-protective properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the claim of C. pictus leaf extract on glycaemic control, organ weights, feed intake, and biochemical parameters in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 – Normal Control; Group 2 – Diabetic Untreated; Group 3 – Diabetic + Low-Dose C. pictus (50 mg/kg); and Group 4 – Diabetic + High-Dose C. pictus (250 mg/kg). The study was conducted as a therapeutic trial. Body weight, feed intake, organ weights, and serum biomarkers including glucose, liver enzymes, renal parameters, lipids, and proteins were monitored over six weeks. Statistical comparisons were performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Diabetic control rats showed significant hyperglycaemia, organomegaly (notably in liver, kidney, and testis), and elevations in SGPT, ALP, urea, creatinine, and cholesterol. Treatment with C. pictus significantly reduced glucose levels by 33–37%, improved feed intake patterns, and restored liver, kidney, and testis weights toward normal. High dose treatment exhibited superior efficacy in lowering SGPT (by 76.5 U/L), ALP (by 267 U/L), urea (by 35.2 mg/dL), and creatinine (by 0.29 mg/dL). Both low and high doses of C. pictus significantly improved serum albumin and total protein levels, with high dose showing greater therapeutic benefits. C. pictus effectively ameliorates hyperglycaemia and associated hepatic and renal dysfunctions in diabetic rats, with high-dose treatment providing enhanced benefits. These findings support its potential as a plant-based adjunct in diabetes management.
Zingerone reduces muscle pain by modulating the PGE2 Pathway
Chronic inflammatory muscle pain represents a significant clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. This study investigates the modulatory effects of zingerone, a bioactive compound derived from ginger (Zingiber officinale), on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling pathways in the chronic myalgia model. Using an integrated approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico analyses, we demonstrate that zingerone significantly attenuates inflammatory muscle pain. In vivo studies using carrageenan-induced muscle inflammation in rats showed a substantial reduction in pain behaviors and inflammatory markers following zingerone administration (20-40 mg/kg). In vitro experiments revealed zinge rone’s inhibitory effects on PGE2 production in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking simulations identified key binding interactions between zingerone and the PGE2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme active site, with a predicted binding affinity of -4.8 and -6.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Zingerone treatment significantly modulated the PGE2/COX-2 signaling pathway, further supporting its anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that zingerone represents a promising natural therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory muscle pain conditions through its targeted inhibition of PGE2-mediated inflammatory cascades.
Genetic Monitoring of Laboratory Rodents Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Maintaining the genetic integrity of laboratory rodents is essential for achieving reliable and reproducible results in bio medical experiments. Genetic variations among laboratory animals can lead to flawed results, highlighting the impor tance of rigorous quality control testing. Among various genetic markers, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common and provide a dependable method for genetic monitoring due to their precision and stability. These markers support efficient, cost-effective, and high-throughput genotyping strategies. This study aims to standardize SNP detection as a genetic monitoring tool in laboratory rodents using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) PCR. Genomic DNA was isolated from ten mouse strains: A/J, BALB/c, C3H/J, CD-1, C57BL/6, DBA/2, FVB/ NJ, Swiss Webster, Swiss/Bare, and BDF1. The DNA was obtained from tail tissue samples using the phenol–chloroform extraction technique, followed by quantification with a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. DNA quality was assessed through agarose gel electrophoresis. SNP markers were chosen based on polymorphisms from the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) database, and primers were designed using the PRIMER1 tool. We optimized PCR conditions by systematically varying parameters like DNA concentration, PCR cycles, annealing temperature, Taq mix concentration, and reaction volume. We achieved reproducible amplification for selected SNP markers through methodical optimization, with 10 of the 19 tested markers yielding clear allele distinction across strains. The ARMS PCR approach provided straightforward, reliable genotyping without requiring restriction enzyme digestion or complex data interpretation. Our findings demon strate that ARMS PCR can be a cost-effective tool for genetic monitoring in laboratory colonies. Future work will involve sequencing amplified products to confirm allele assignments and validate the method’s accuracy.
Evaluation of Jute (Corchorus olitorius): a naturalistic fiber as nesting material for home cage enrichment in laboratory mice
Environmental enrichment of home cages has a positive effect on animal wellbeing as well as the quality of research. Laboratory mice although separated from their wild ancestors still show natural instincts. It is interesting to observe whether the laboratory mice build a better complex nest with the naturalistic material in comparison to commercially available, processed or commonly used nesting material. Therefore, we have tested the nest-building characteristics of the laboratory mice provided with crinkled paper (P), jute (Corchorus olitorius) (J), coconut coir (C) or, jute-coir blend (JC). We observed that nest of mice with “J” scored higher than “JC” and “P”. Mice preferred naturalistic fibrous material above commercially available crinkled paper. It built a better stable nest using jute and preferred to stay in jute for most of the time (mainly 70% in night time and 42% in daytime) and showed very less preference for crinkled paper. The nest made out of jute was also proved to be stable for up to 14 days, suggesting its use in experiments that warrant the mice to be kept undisturbed for two weeks. Mice did not show any undesirable behaviour due to any of the nesting material used in this experiment. Jute is of low cost, easy to handle, and can be used as environmental enrichment for laboratory mice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Laboratory Animal Science
The Journal of Laboratory Animal Science (JLAS) functions as the official publication for the Laboratory Animal Scientists Association of India. Founded in 2004, JLAS seeks to promote discussions on experimental knowledge and to further the science and technology linked to laboratory animal sciences. Since its first issue in 2018, Journal of Laboratory Animal Science has released 61 research articles. In the year 2024, JLAS selected ACS Publisher and responsible for publishing articles for JLAS. I am delighted to report that the submission rate has increased, in contrast, the average time to reach a final decision is decreasing, thanks to the adoption of online submission and review processes by ACS publisher. All articles are now assigned a DOI, and they are cross-referenced and indexed in UGC Care, Index Copernicus, and other indexing systems. We expect to achieve Scopus indexing shortly, which will facil itate indexing in PubMed. Thanks to reviewers and members of the Editorial Board to review the articles in time. JLAS is carving out a unique niche among service-oriented journals, with its main objective being the advancement of knowledge and the encouragement of ethical practices in the care, use, and management of laboratory animals in bio medical and veterinary research environments. By serving as a conduit for innovative research, JLAS aims to improve laboratory animal welfare, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote scientific innovation. As a result, JLAS covers a broad spectrum of application areas and methodologies related to laboratory animals, and its impact seems to be consistently expanding. I am delighted to share the advancements made by Laboratory Animals through the execution of several outreach initiatives, which encompass conferences, seminars, workshops, and innovations carried out by various members of LASA.
Quality Assessment of Treated Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water in a Specific Pathogen Free Rodent Barrier
This study investigated the quality of treated reverse osmosis drinking water in a specific pathogen free rodent facility. The water bottles placed in the animal rooms were evaluated on days 10, 14, and 21 for room-level assessment. For cage-level assessment, the water was stored for 14 days inside the room and then evaluated on days 2 and 5 (group A – 5 mice) and days 2, 5, 7, 9, and 14 (group B – 2 mice) after provision to the mice in individually ventilated cages. At the room level, a significant decrease in free chlorine was observed from days 10 to 21 (p<0.0001). The concentrations of heterotrophic bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were consistently low (<1 CFU/mL and <1 CFU/100 mL, respectively). Cagelevel assessment revealed a significant decrease in free chlorine at days 7 (p = 0.0291) and 14 (p = 0.0231) for Group B. Adenosine triphosphate was detected on days 2 and 5 (Group A) and days 5, 7, 9, and 14 (Group B). Heterotrophic bacteria were found in Group A, day 5 (460 CFU/mL), and Group B, days 9 (2 CFU/mL) and 14 (2000 CFU/mL). The level of Pseudomonas aeruginosa remained low in both groups. There was no significant change in the pH at the room or cage level. The findings suggest that water bottles filled with treated reverse osmosis water can be stored unused in rooms for 14 days before being distributed to cages with at most two animals for 7 days. For higher stocking densities, it is recommended to change water bottles every two days.
Moringa oleifera Lam.-Enriched Diet Boosts Serum Protein Levels Independently of Dietary Protein Intake Effect of Moringa and Exercise in Rat Model
Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (MOL) have been a staple food source in India for centuries. Recent reports have highlighted their potential as immunomodulators, hepatoprotectants, and more. To verify these claims and provide a robust solution for protein energy malnutrition, we conducted a study aimed at shedding light on the nutritional benefits of MOL consumption. This six-week study employed an isocaloric and isonitrogenous feeding trial, using a pelleted diet with 20% protein, supplemented with either 2% or 4% MOL. Healthy adult male rats were subjected to a unique forced exercise regimen. We analyzed the biochemical parameters of 30 rats distributed across five groups. It showed that the test groups had significantly lower levels of serum urea and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) compared to the control group. Total protein levels increased significantly (14-19%) in all test groups, with no significant difference in creatinine levels. This analysis concludes that administering MOL powder orally at doses of 2% and 4% is biochemically safe and exhibits liver-protective and nephroprotective properties. Our study suggests that MOL powder can be safely incorporated into both human and animal diets in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the synergistic effect of exercise enhances these benefits. Notably, our unique model provides long-term results without altering animal behavior, making MOL a promising option for combating protein-energy malnutrition and malnutrition in India.
Utilizing Nuclear Medicine Imaging Techniques in Preclinical Animal Models to Achieve the “3R” Concepts
Laboratory animals are the most widely established species in numerous fields for studying and developing new drug molecules and toxicity testing. A disproportionate number of animals are euthanized in the drug development and research field for societal benefit. In order to reduce the number of laboratory animals, a precise in vivo assessment system is essential to obtain statistically significant data. The project was initiated to evaluate vital organ function by utilizing nuclear medicine imaging techniques and radiopharmaceuticals. In this study, six mature rabbits (8-9 months old) of both sexes were systematically evaluated for vital organs like the brain, thyroid gland, salivary gland, heart, lung, liver, kidney function, skeletal system, and lymphatic system using organ-specific radiopharmaceuticals with scintigraphy and PET-CT imaging techniques. A detailed assessment of the function of each organ in rabbits was undertaken. No abnormalities were observed in the study animals under investigation. The uptake and clearance pattern of radiopharmaceuticals determined the normal organ function of rabbits and was found to be comparable with humans. In vivo, analysis with data generation was conceivable without sacrificing animals. Henceforth, by applying the 3Rs principle, the reduction and refine procedure is accomplished with a significant amount of critical data generated against each time point. Therefore, applying imaging techniques with the “3RS” principle proves to be an efficient method for rational use of laboratory animals during the investigation.
Developmental Toxicity of Monosodium Glutamate on Zebrafish Embryos
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as a food additive worldwide and the safety of MSG has always been a matter of concern. This study was conducted to assess the effect of MSG on foetal development using zebrafish embryos. Zebrafish embryos were collected from the spawning group of a male: female ratio of 1:2. Fertilized embryos in the blastula stage were transferred into 24-well plates and kept at 26.5 ±1°C. MSG in the concentration of 300 mg/L, which was then serially two-fold diluted to 150 mg/L, 75 mg/L, 37.5 mg/L, 18.75 mg/L, 9.38 mg/L, 4.687 mg/L, 2.34 mg/L, was used for treatment, and the control wells contained 2mL of RO water. Observations were recorded 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-fertilization. MSG induced toxicity, mainly delayed development, reduced melanin pigmentation, and pericardial edema in zebrafish embryos at concentrations of 100 mg/L and above. MSG caused a retarded growth from 24 h to 72 h, but growth by 96 h could recover the developmental delay. Hatching was delayed in the treatment group, and by 96h, all surviving embryos had hatched. Overall, it can be concluded that these developmental defects may be due to oxidative stress and neurotoxic effects of glutamate at concentrations above 100 mg/L. Thus, MSG is toxic to developing embryos and can delay growth and metabolism in a concentration-dependent manner.
Assessment of the Anti-inflammatory and AnalgesicProperties of Tragia involucrate Anti-inflammatory, AnalgesicActivity of Tragia involucrata
The diverse bioactive properties of Tragia involucrate are highlighted by numerous studies that reveal its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and potential anti-diabetic effects. Leaves of T. involucrata were gathered, extracted with various solvents, and analyzed for phytochemical components through biochemical methods and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HP-TLC). The extracts underwent evaluation for cytotoxicity, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. An acute oral toxicity assessment was conducted to determine in vivo toxicity in rats, while carrageenan-induced paw edema was utilized to assess in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The phytochemical constituents include tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Notably, the aqueous extract exhibited significant membrane-stabilizing effects on human red blood cell membranes and demonstrated potent activity against stable free radicals. Results from acute toxicity studies and paw edema tests indicated that the extract was well tolerated at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight and effectively reduced edema. Additionally, the aqueous extract produced analgesic effects at an oral dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight. These results imply that AETI possesses promising analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that T. involucrata may be a therapeutic option for managing pain and inflammation.
Effect of Hematology and Biochemistry during Lactation and Non-Lactation in Rhesus Monkey (Macaca Mullata )
Lactation induces physiological changes in mammals, which can influence hematological and biochemical parameters. This study aims to compare the hematological and biochemical profiles of lactating and non-lactating Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) to better understand the impact of lactation on their metabolic and physiological status. The aims of this study were to verify if significant changes occur in hematological and biochemical parameters in Rhesus Macaques during Lactation period and Post lactation Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in 12 Female Rhesus Macaques that were Lactating and Post Lactation .On Hematology analysis we could find the significant changes in neutrophil and Lymphocytes count between the two groups . Biochemistry analysis showed significant changes in Triglycerides level . Our findings provide reference data for researchers and contribute to a better understanding of pri mate biology in different reproductive states
Mini-pigs as replacement for non-rodent species
Swine is the optimal model species for investigation of a large number of human diseases and have made valuable contributions to almost every field of human medicine. Similarities in the cardiovascular, urogenital, integument, skeletal and digestive systems of swine to humans have contributed to increased use of pigs in research. Swine offer additional advantages over other species by having a renal anatomy and function very similar to human. Studies have lead to the development of a highly warranted vaccine for various diseases using swine as model. In animal models, whole cell vaccination resulted in hypersensitivity reactions, so new strategies are devised. The first immunogenic molecule described was the major outer membrane protein and this molecule has been studied in great detail as a candidate vaccine. Even though complete protection was not obtained, reduced shedding was observed and vaccine trials in SPF pigs as animal models using naked DNA as a vaccine resulted in stimulation of both the humoral and the cellular immune responses indicating progress in vaccine development. This model is also used in pharmacokinetic studies, evaluating ADME, interspecies variations in CYP subfamily. Further, because of their similarities with humans, pig tissues and organs are currently being used and studied as human xenografts with the potential for increased use in this area in the near future.
A note on malocclusion in young Wistar rats
Five cases of malocclusion were reported in 3-5 months old Wistar rats (male – 3, female - 2). Clinical history indicated that though these animals were maintained under standard laboratory/husbandry practices, since a month were anorectic, loosing weight and became lethargic/dull. Careful examination of buccal cavity showed increased length of lower / upper incisor teeth (1.5-2.5 cm) protruding outside the mouth and mild to moderate degree of congestion and erosions on buccal mucosa. Possible etiology could not be ascertained in these cases but younger age of the rats was suggestive of its congenital origin as against spontaneous.
Evaluation of micro-environment and microbiologi- cal monitoring of various bedding materials for laboratory rodents
In biomedical research, the use of laboratory animals is very vital and a critical part of effort to prevent, cure and treat a vast range of ailments. Globally around 50-100 million laboratory animals are used annually for experimentation. Rat, mouse, Guinea pig and rabbit are the most commonly used laboratory animals and among these, laboratory mouse is an important species. Variety of environmental factors can affect the outcomes of studies using laboratory rodents. One such factor is bedding. Physiological changes may occur after exposure to some types of bedding and could affect experimental results. Some bedding materials generate dust and particulates that might cause respiratory or ocular changes. Several new bedding materials have been introduced for laboratory rodents in the recent past, but there are only a few evaluation reports about their performance. In this study, we have compared the performance of different bedding materials like saw dust, paddy husk, corncob and paper shredding. We measured the micro-environment parameters like ammonia, sulfate, temperature, biomass changes, pH, moisture content, microbial load viz., total plate count, yeast and mold count, when housed on various types of bedding materials. We observed that the bedding materials have no significant effect on cage temperature, humidity and pH. The ammonia level in cages using corncob bedding (242 ± 3.65 mg/100g) was less when compared to all other beddings (Saw dust, 454 ± 2.4 mg/100g) and so prolong the interval between cage changing. The microbial monitoring also revealed less microbial load when corncob was used as bedding material. Hence, the present study suggests that corncob is more suitable as bedding material for housing laboratory mice.
Checking the genetic integrity of laboratory mice with the help of conventional methods
Animal models are well documented in the literature and are used for experimentation due to their specific characters or response to the chemicals. Any deviation of these animals from the reported characters or response renders the animal unsuitable for the research. Therefore, use of genetically defined laboratory animal model is equally important to that of use of pure chemicals in any biomedical research. Procurement of pure lines and their sustained maintenance in the animal facility is of utmost importance for the existence and functioning of any animal facility. Keeping in view of the fact that despite careful and defined breeding program, genetic contamination and strain alterations may occur. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the genetic purity of strains of laboratory mice maintained at ACTREC. Skin grafting, coat colour testing and seven biochemical markers were studied. The results of all these tests showed that the rodent strains maintained at ACTREC have no genetic contaminations/ drift even after maintaining the strains for as many as 136 generations. The data indicates that merely conducting these simple tests, it is possible to establish in-house genetic quality control program and check the authenticity of the laboratory animals.
Care, breeding and management of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio)
During the past few decades, zebrafish has gained respectable popularity as a vertebrate animal model in modern biology research. Several biological features inherited in zebrafish have invited attention of scientific community to use them in genetics and developmental biology research to substitute laboratory mouse. The origin of the laboratory zebrafish is traced to Ganges in East India and Burma, a fresh water fish found in slow stream and rice paddy. The zebrafish can easily adopt laboratory conditions and breed very well even in fluctuating environmental conditions. In research laboratory, zebrafish can be reared in less expensive glass aquarium or using more advance recirculating water system. The recirculating water system has many inbuilt features which help to provide optimum physical environment necessary for rearing fish in the healthy condi tions. In the present paper, attempts have been made to compile brief information about zebrafish breeding, embryo & larval culture, feeding, water quality control, physical environment and fish health monitoring necessary for rearing zebrafish in the research laboratory.
Effect of enriched environment on reproductive performance and body weight gain in Wistar rats
Environment is known to play an important role in animal health, reproduction and its growth. In order to understand the influence of different kind of enrichment items on breeding performance and growth rate, this experiment was carried out on Wistar rats. The male and female rats of mature age were randomly selected and these animals were provided with different kind of enrichment items in cages such as fat rat hut, tunnel and crawl ball during the breeding period. Control animals were not provided with any enrichment item in cages. Reproductive parameter (fertility index, survival success, M/F ratio) were evaluated in all four group of animals. The results indicated that, the presence or absence of enrichment items did not affect the reproductive performance and survival success of the pups. The pups continued to remain exposed to the same kind of enrichment item, to evaluate the effect of enrichment on body weight gain. The male rats with fat rat hut as an enrichment item showed significantly less body weight gain compared to control, whereas female rats with crawl ball and tunnel as enrichment items showed significantly more body weight gain compared to that of control. The result of this study indicates that, male and female may have different discrimination for enrichment items according to their shape, size and surface area; however these enrichment items have no effect on reproductive parameter.
Sub chronic toxicity study of mixed fungal isolates culture filtrates from ground nut hay in rats
Sub chronic toxicity study of mixed culture filtrate of Rhizopus oryzae, Fusarium verticilloides and Fusarium xylarioides isolated from the fungal contaminated ground nut hay was conducted in rats. The fungi were isolated from the contaminated groundnut hay which caused mycotoxicosis in cross bred cattle, exhibited the clinical signs of colic, tenesmus, ruminal atony, anorexia, bleeding from nostrils, rectum and fly bite site. The rats were gavaged with culture filtrate at the dose level of 0.5, 1 and 2 ml daily for 90 days. Clinical signs observed were diarrhea, weakness, severe arching of back, swollen forehead and conjunctival hemorrhage. Cutaneous hemorrhagic patches on back, scrotum, abdomen, ears and legs region seen. There was a significant increase (P <0.05) in serum concentrations of creatinine, urea nitrogen, ALT and AST indicated the renal and hepatic damage which was confirmed by histopathology. There were lesions in brain and GI tract of the treated rats. The present study indicated the toxic feature of the mixed culture filtrates of fungi Rhizopus oryzae, Fusarium verticilloides and Fusarium xylarioides isolated from ground nut hay.
Efficacy of Momordica charantia in alleviation of streptozotocin- induced diabetes effects in rats
The pathomorphological evaluation of antidiabetic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Momardica charantia (M. charantia) plant’s fruit pulp was studied in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats against glibenclamide. Hydroalcoholic extract of M. charantia at 200 mg/kg was administered to the diabetic subjects for 45 days. The antidiabetic effect was evaluated by estimation of serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, ALT, AST and serum insulin. Detailed histopathologic evaluation of islets of Langerhans, liver and other organs was performed to assess its pathomorphological effects. The diabetic rats which received the hydroalcoholic extract of the M. charantia fruit pulp showed significant decrease (P≤0.001) in the serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, ALT and AST and the serum insulin was significantly increased (P≤0.001) compared to diabetic control animals. The effect observed was almost comparable to those of glibenclamide. The microscopic evaluation of islets of Langerhans indicated either the regeneration or repair of the affected beta cells and also the extract found to have marked hepatoprotective effect against STZ induced liver injury
Hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Asteracantha longifolia in rats
The study was conducted to assess the hepatoprotective activity of Asteracantha longifolia in carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extract of whole plant of Asteracantha longifolia was studied by monitoring serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and histopathological alterations. Pre-treatment with methanol extract of Asteracantha longifolia in rats treated with CCl4 showed a significant inhibition (P<0.001) of rise in serum ALT and AST at all the doses tested (600, 900 or 1200 mg/kg). Histopathological studies provided the added evidence for biochemical analysis. Histopathological studies showed total recovery of liver damage caused by CCl4 on treatment with silymarin as well as Asteracantha and such treated groups showed very less hepatic damage with few areas of fatty changes. These studies revealed that the methanol extract of Asteracantha longifolia has potent hepatoprotective activity. It showed even better efficiency than the well known hepato protective agent silymarin in reducing the ALT and AST concentrations in CCl4 treated rats
Study of the timing of Caesarean section and progesterone administration for routine microbiological decontamination of mice
Caesarean section (C-section) is conducted to decontaminate mice from microorganisms in our facility. In the present study, pregnant mice (C57BL/6J) were administered progesterone on gestational days (GD) 17 and 18 and were C-sectioned on GD 19 (normal schedule), 20 (1 day later than usual), or 21 (2 days later than usual). The fetal survival rates on GD 19 and 20 were similar, whereas on GD 21, it was quite low. In another set of study, pregnant mice (C57BL/6J) were administered progesterone on GD 17 and 18 (normal schedule), 16 and 17 (1 day earlier than usual), or 15 and 16 (2 days earlier than usual). The progesterone administration on GD 16 and 17 were as effective as the normal schedule in maintaining pregnancy until GD 19, whereas administering progesterone on GD 15 and 16 did not maintain pregnancy until GD 19. Administration of single shot of progesterone to pregnant (C57BL/6J) mice on GD 15, 16, 17, or 18 resulted in effective maintenance of pregnancy until GD 19 only in GD 18 group. These findings will allow us to better manage work schedules.
A rodent health classification system – key to maintaining a healthy rodent colony
A well-defined health status classification system helps veterinarians and researchers collaborate on planning experiments and aid them in defining facility procedures such as animal receipt and housing. This article will describe a rodent health classification system that has been used by Bristol-Myers Squibb in the U.S. and India to manage and maintain disease-free rodent colonies for research.
Indian lab animal medicine: Getting ready for the global stage
As biomedical research becomes more globalized, India can provide the rest of the world possibly unique insights into the care and use of laboratory animals. Nowhere else is such a rich and deep cultural veneration for life juxtaposed with society and technology modernizing at such astonishing speed. How will our Indian colleagues reconcile these two powerful and seemingly contradictory elements? Just as important, will India’s scientific community and regulators regard Western standards of lab animal care as something to adopt in an identical fashion or something to adapt to domestic circumstances? The intent of this address is to explore these fascinating aspects of India today from an outsider’s perspective and to consider how all parties may benefit together.
Exploring obesity through Animal Models: Insights and innovations
The rising incidence of obesity poses a major global health issue, shaped by a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and behavioral elements. This review focuses on the important function of various animal models in the study of obesity, emphasizing their contributions to comprehending the underlying mechanisms of this intricate condition. Rodent models, especially genetically modified strains such as ob/ob and db/db mice, have revealed crucial insights into the hormonal and genetic pathways that govern energy balance. Furthermore, models of diet-induced obesity and new organisms like zebrafish and C. elegans present innovative methods for investigating the impacts of high-fat diets and genetic differences. The review also ad dresses the limitations of existing animal models, including their in ability to completely mimic the human experience of obesity due to gene-environment interactions and varying metabolic responses. By integrating findings from a range of animal models, this research seeks to deepen the understanding of the causes of obesity and aid in formulating specific therapeutic approaches, ultimately tackling the escalating obesity crisis.
Situational analysis of Laboratory Animal Sciences (LAS) status in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Laboratory Animal Sciences play a pivotal role in scientific research, significantly contributing to various fields such as medicine, biology, and toxicology. This discipline is crucial in advancing scientific knowledge, improving healthcare outcomes, and ensuring animals’ ethical and responsible use in research. Animal health is paramount in this field, yet it is sometimes neglected during experimentation. To address this concern, many countries have developed their regulations for animal welfare. Moreover, globally, the WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) has introduced guidelines and regulations mandating research organizations to prioritize animal health. An international organization is ICLAS (International Council for Laboratory Animal Science) which is dedicated to advancing laboratory animal science worldwide, promoting the ethical use of animals in scientific research, and ensuring their welfare. In conjunction with ICLAS, several other organizations share responsibilities for promoting good animal practices globally. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Laboratory Animal Sciences within the GCC countries. A brief infrastructure detail that supports animal welfare and the significance of these facilities in facilitating cutting-edge re search is explored, alongside an analysis of the accreditation and management protocols crucial for their effective op - eration. Additionally, the paper scrutinizes the current laws and regulations governing laboratory animal welfare and experimentation in the GCC region. As a forward-looking contribution, the paper outlines prospective developments and expansion opportunities for laboratory animal sciences in the GCC, aiming to propel scientific advancements in the region. This research provides a valuable resource for scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders invested in promoting ethical and effective laboratory animal research practices in the Gulf region.
A case of adult cannibalism in BALB/c mice and the effect of Eucalyptus oil as a treatment
Eight-week-old male and female BALB/c mice that were procured and kept for quarantine experienced 10% mortality in males and 3.3% in females from the second day onwards with partially mutilated carcasses in both cages. Considering the stress due to travel Vitamin C was provided in the drinking water from day 4. The percentage of mortality was reduced as compared to the first day however mortality continued to 5th day. Furthermore, the application of eucalyptus oil in the cage and animal body surface of the animals for one week repeatedly results in a substantial decrease in % mortality in male and female mice.
Propagation of old and non-productive zebrafish lines using IVF technique
The laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate animal model in frontline areas of modern biology research, including screening of therapeutic molecules and assessment of toxic chemicals. High fecundity is one of the important reproductive traits in zebrafish females that benefit researchers in obtaining a large number of embryos for high throughput experiments. External fertilization offers easy access to the embryos up to 5 days post fertilization without ethical concerns whilst optical transparency of developing embryos allows for imaging of the entire embryo, which is not practical in mammalian models. Despite being prolific breeders, laboratory zebrafish exhibit a reduction in reproductive performance aftertwo years. In vitro fertilization, which uses frozen sperm, is an effective method for reviving genetically modified fish lines. In this study, we attempted to us e an IVF approach to re store zebrafish lines from aged zebrafish. A total of 12 zebrafish lines were reproduced using the IVF procedure, including aged fish that are unable to spawn naturally. A total of 974 (66.96%) and 1438 (55.67%) embryos survived utilizing the IVF procedure with germ cells from both mutant and wild-type parents, respectively. Zebrafish embryos survived at a rate of 67.34% in the 2–3-years age groupand55.48% in the 3-4 years age group.
Sentinel Monitoring Program: Quality Assurance in Laboratory animal facility
Sentinel animal testing plays a pivotal role in management of any modern vivarium. It is an extremely useful tool to assess the microbial status of the laboratory animals as part of the comprehensive animal care program. Sentinels pick up the early infection if any, in the micro and/or macro environment, as these animals are placed in a similar environment intentionally. Sentinels are representative animals, independent of the research colonies and are maintained only for the purpose of screening the pathogenic organisms at regular intervals. At times, as part of 3R's, we have on occasion used research animals to confirm our sentinel results. Sentinel program is concerned with prompt detection of pathogens and the measures to deal with them thereby ensuring the health status of the resident colony. With an effective sentinel monitoring program preventive measures can be taken to enact either, treat, contain or eradicate the pathogen. This review provides insights into the sentinel program with respect to disease surveillance of laboratory animals and conveys why it is necessary for effective in laboratory animal program management.
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA
An overview of the key concepts required for managing a laboratory animal (rodent) facility
The use of laboratory animals primarily rodents (mice) has increased over the past 20 years especially with the availability of transgenic and mutant strains. This increased use of mice along with novel research models with unique needs, has contributed to the evolution of the modern vivariums, decontamination equipment, imaging cores, ultra clean barriers, decontamination of feed and water etc. In addition, the industry has also made significant improvement in operating animal facilities. Automation of cage processing is just one example that signifies the sophistication which is an ongoing process. This sophistication and availability of better options not only improved animal welfare and ergonomics, but also efficiency in operating the modern animal facilities. As the animal facility operation involves several components, it could be challenging for an entry level manager to be knowledgeable about the best options that suits the needs of the facility. This article provides an overview of the most popular practices for the crucial aspects of animal care involving housing, animal health monitoring, feed and watering systems in addition to quality aspects. To provide a complete review of the laboratory animal facility operations and management would exceed the scope of this article. However, the topics discussed here are worthy of note when assessing the essential care and welfare of laboratory animals
Eradication of Pinworms (Syphacia spp.) in a Laboratory Rodent Colony
Laboratory rodent colonies are commonly infested with pinworms namely Syphacia obvelata and Syphacia muris, often results in clinical signs such as diarrhea and rectal prolapse in heavy infestation. The pinworm infestation in rodents affects the experimental observations and hence it is important to eradicate them from the colony. Division of Laboratory Animals at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) maintains rats and mice colonies. Pinworm ova were determined by perianal impression with cellophane tape testing (CTT) under low power of a compound microscope. The mice and rats were divided into 2 groups with 10 males and 10 females in each group. Group I was treated with piperazine (10.8 mg/ml of drinking water) for a period of 28 days and group II was treated with piperazine (10.8 mg/ml) for a period of 14 days followed by ivermectin (0.01mg/ml) for 14 days. Cages and accessory equipments were disinfected with activated gluteraldehyde, 2.45% w/v. All supplies including bedding and accessories were autoclaved at 121oC temperature, 15 lb pressure for 20 minutes. The present study revealed that the parasites were eradicated from those groups treated with combination drug (piperazine and ivermectin) therapy while the group treated with piperazine alone could not demonstrate a complete eradication. The two drug (piperazine and ivermectin) regime over a 4-week period, associated with appropriate sanitation programme was found to be effective in eradication of pin worms in laboratory rodents.