Huerkamp Mj

Changes in rat paw perfusion after experimental mononeuropathy: assessment by laser Doppler fluxmetry

UNLABELLED This study was performed to determine the changes in perfusion that occur after chronic constriction injury (CCI). Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 275-300 g had loosely constricting ligatures placed around the left sciatic nerve. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to heat, skin temperature, and skin perfusion (laser Doppler) of the hind paws were measured before and for 30 days after CCI. PWL decreased significantly on the side of the CCI (maximum of 34% decrease on Postoperative Day [POD] 3), then returned to normal over a 20-day period. Skin temperature initially increased on the side of CCI, then decreased with respect to the control limb on PODs 20-30. Despite the initial increase in skin temperature on the side of CCI, skin perfusion significantly decreased immediately after CCI (maximum of 51% decrease on POD 6). The perfusion gradually returned to normal over 20 days. Because return to normal perfusion occurred while the skin temperature became colder than the control side, we conclude that there is no relationship between paw surface temperature and perfusion. IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that loss of sympathetic tone in thermoregulatory arteriovenous anastomoses leads to decreased nutritional blood flow to the skin of the affected limb after chronic constriction injury, which is consistent with the findings reported in humans with reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Plumbing: Special Considerations

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the plumbing issues in an animal facility. Plumbing is a key component in the design, construction, and operation of animal research facilities. At its most basic function, plumbing carries both fresh water and steam to the facility, and wastewater away from the facility. Plumbing for vivarium also involves the provision of drinking water for research animals, the modification and recirculation of water for housing aquatic animals, the specialized design and construction of cage sanitation facilities, and the use of distribution systems for steam and other specialized fluids, such as detergents. This chapter also highlights the importance of water quality to research animal studies, the regulations and guidelines that affect the installation of plumbing in animal housing facilities, the characteristics of water as modified for drinking by the general public, and the drinking water options available to animals. The chapter focuses on the design and installation of general plumbing systems and cage sanitation facilities. The plumbing issues associated with automated watering systems are detailed. The provision of water for aquatic species is discussed briefly, concentrating on the provision of water to the animal housing room. The chapter also notes plumbing design considerations in association with disaster planning, and means to help temper the impact of disasters.

Quarantine facilities and operations

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on quarantine requirements at animal facilities. The well-established quarantine measures for nonhuman primates and those that have re-emerged for rodents are very important. The increased use and exchange of genetically engineered mutant mice especially demands rodent quarantine capabilities for the majority of research institutions. Apart from species-specific housing requirements, it is important to consider pathogens to be contained in terms of the route of transmission, and degree of hazard to human and animal health. Animals obtained from commercial vendors, as opposed to other research institutions, may be less likely to harbor undesirable microorganisms, often allowing them to be exempt from a quarantine program. The ideal quarantine facility should be flexible enough to allow the use of multiple species, and take into account the number and frequency of shipments expected. The more shipments and different species involved, the more subdivided the facility should be, through the use of multiple rooms, cubicles, isolators, etc. At a minimum, ABSL2 design criteria should be used to enable the containment of pathogens at the room or cage level, while also preventing agent transmission via contaminated animal waste, fomites, and personnel.

Preservation of Animal Welfare during Unforeseen Events

Abstract Preservation of animal welfare during unforeseen emergencies requires extensive planning efforts and appropriate response measures. Written emergency (contingency) plans for animal research programs are mandated by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and by the United States Department of Agriculture–Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This chapter describes four categorical types of unforeseen events (natural disasters, operational/facility failures, disease outbreaks, and civil and security concerns) with examples of each and suggestions for appropriate and institution-specific preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. Ultimately, when unforeseen events occur, the priority must be to ensure human health and safety first and subsequently aim to preserve animal life and welfare. Through diligent efforts of institutional stakeholders to continuously improve disaster preparedness and response procedures, the chances for an emergency plan to succeed are heightened, and the health and welfare of animals, along with the research dependent upon them, can be safeguarded now and for the future.