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Biomedical subjects

C M Lang

Publications and source records attributed to C M Lang.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Spontaneous reproductive tract leiomyomas in aged guinea-pigs.

Seven of 83 female guinea-pigs were found to have reproductive tract leiomyomas at necropsy. Sixty-three of these guinea-pigs also had cystic rete ovarii. Eleven separate leiomyomas were identified, the most common site of formation being the uterine body or horn. The tumours contained histological evidence of smooth muscle, abundant fibrous connective tissue and occasional foci of fibrocartilage and bone. Mitotic figures were identified in only one tumour. The mean age of guinea-pigs with leiomyomas was 47.6 months, and the mean age of the study population was 33.1 months. Two other reproductive tract tumours identified in the 83 guinea-pigs were an ovarian teratoma and a cavernous haemangioma. These data indicate that leiomyomas are the most common reproductive tract tumour in this colony of aged female guinea-pigs and that they are frequently seen in conjunction with cystic rete ovarii.

Aging↗

Effectiveness of skin absorption of tincture of I in blocking radioiodine from the human thyroid gland.

Topical application of tincture of iodine (I) was found to be effective in blocking the thyroid uptake of orally administered 131I in humans. Abdominal skin application of tincture of I resulted in an approximately 82% reduction in the uptake of 131I by the thyroid gland. The effectiveness varied among individuals and may have depended on the quantity applied and on the application site. In each study group, elevated levels of serum I were observed.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Effect of cage population density on plasma corticosterone and peripheral lymphocyte populations of laboratory mice.

The effect of different population densities of mice per cage on plasma corticosterone, peripheral lymphocytes and specific lymphocyte subpopulations was investigated. The animals were housed in groups of 2, 4 or 8 mice per cage and the blood samples were taken from each animal of these groups on days one, 7 and 14. A significant elevation (P less than 0.05) in plasma corticosterone concentration was observed in the group of 8 mice per cage on days one and 7 as compared with those of 2 or 4 mice per cage. The number of peripheral lymphocytes was significantly decreased in the groups of 2 (P less than 0.01) and 8 (P less than 0.05) mice per cage as compared with the group of 4 mice per cage on day one. A significantly decreased number of lymphocytes (P less than 0.01) in the group of 8 mice per cage continued to day 7. There were no significant differences in specific lymphocyte subpopulations observed among these groups. The results of this study suggest that a population density of 4 mice per cage induced minimal stress compared to that induced by the population densities of 2 or 8 mice per cage. Since stress is known to induce alteration in a variety of biological functions, the population density of mice per cage should be considered in the interpretation of research data.

Animals↗

Use of cage space by guineapigs.

Cage space requirements for laboratory animals have been established by Government Regulation and Recommendations. In order to test the adequacy of these space allocations, the use of cage floor area by breeding groups of guineapigs was studied. A computer-coupled video tracking system capable of imaging in low light intensity as well as total darkness was used to determine the average per cent occupancy by guineapigs in all portions of a cage over 12-h light and dark cycles. Simultaneous time synchronized slow motion video recordings permitted an analysis of activity to be coordinated with cage use data. Results of the study revealed that breeding groups of guineapigs utilize the periphery of the cage almost to the total exclusion of the centre of the cage. Approximately 75-85% of all occupancy in both the day and evening hours occurred in 47% of the cage floor area located along the periphery. Analysis of video recordings revealed that the animals remained active throughout the day and night with no prolonged period of quiescence that could be associated with sleep. Results of this study suggest that while guidelines for housing guineapigs based on area allocation per animal can be formulated and are easy to administer, they cannot be supported by the behavioural characteristics of these animals or careful quantitation of their pattern of cage space utilization.

Animals↗

An evaluation of intra-cage ventilation in three animal caging systems.

Although temperature and relative humidity have been quantitated and their effects on research data studied, few studies have measured the air turnover rates at cage level. We evaluated the air distribution and air turnover rates in unoccupied shoe-box mouse cages, filter-top covered cages and shoe-box mouse cages housed in a flexible film isolator by using discontinuous gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and smoke. Results showed that air turnover was most rapid in the unoccupied shoe-box mouse cage and slowest in the filter-top covered cage. Placing mice in the filter-top covered cage did not significantly improve the air turnover rate. Although filter-top covered cages reduce cage-to-cage transmission of disease, the poor airflow observed within these cages could lead to a buildup of gaseous pollutants that may adversely affect the animal's health.

Air Conditioning↗

Cilia-associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus infection of obese mice.

Cilia-associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus was identified in respiratory tract lesions of obese mice dying of chronic respiratory disease. Neither Mycoplasma pulmonis nor pathogenic bacteria were isolated from cultures of the lesions at necropsy, but there was serologic and histologic evidence of respiratory virus infection. Cranial-ventral areas of lung were firm and demarcated from unaffected lung at gross examination, and representative tissue sank in water. Microscopically, there was suppurative bronchopneumonia with extensive peribronchiole lymphocyte and plasma cell proliferation. The affected bronchiole epithelium was covered with a sheet of slightly basophilic, filamentous, gram negative bacteria. Bronchioles with lesser amounts of lymphocyte accumulations contained lesser amounts of filamentous bacteria. Bronchioles without filamentous bacteria lining the respiratory epithelium lacked peribronchiole lymphocyte accumulations. There was a high correlation between CAR bacillus-positive serology and the identification of diagnostic histologic lesions. CAR bacillus was readily stained using immunohistochemical methods, and the ultrastructural features were similar to that described in rat infections.

Animals↗

Hazards of urethane (ethyl carbamate): a review of the literature.

Urethane (ethyl carbamate) is used alone or in combination with other drugs to produce anaesthesia in laboratory animals. Although originally studied as a potential phytocide, urethane demonstrated antineoplastic properties when administered to rats with the Walker rat carcinoma 256. Subsequent trials in humans led to its use as a chemotherapeutic agent for various leukaemias. Mice develop pulmonary adenomas earlier in life and at a higher incidence following urethane administration. Urethane's carcinogenic influence is greater in neonatal mice; it also has a transplacental influence in mice. In rats, urethane increases the incidence of pulmonary adenomas, Zymbal Gland tumours, and a variety of other neoplasms. Urethane is absorbed sufficiently from the skin of laboratory animals to produce a transient narcosis. The carcinogenic effect appears to be due to an undefined oncogenic intermediate formed in the blood. Considering the properties urethane demonstrates in animals, the safety of its use by laboratory personnel is in question. However, if appropriate guidelines are followed, urethane should continue to be a useful anaesthetic agent for laboratory animals.

Adenoma↗

An evaluation of three anaesthetic regimes in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica).

The effect of several anaesthetic agents on the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) was investigated. Pentobarbitone sodium at a dose of 50 mg/kg sedated the animals but did not produce analgesia or anaesthesia. A combination of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine at 40 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively, sedated the animals, but anaesthetic levels were not attained. Halothane was most effective in producing anaesthesia in Monodelphis domestica. Hypothermia was a major side effect with all three anaesthetic regimes.

Anesthesia↗

An evaluation of analgesia associated with the immobility response in laboratory rabbits.

The immobility response (IR) was studied in rabbits to evaluate its analgesic properties and reliability as a method of restraint. The participation of the endogenous opioid system in IR was studied indirectly by evaluating the effects of the narcotic antagonist naloxone on this phenomenon. Twenty-four adult New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to six noxious stimuli while restrained by IR and while restrained under control conditions. Testing on each animal was repeated under both conditions following the administration of naloxone. The noxious stimuli consisted of three levels of electric shock (10 volts, 30 volts, and 50 volts) applied to the shaved forearm, and mechanical pressure applied to the pinna, front toe, and hind toe. Withdrawal and changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration were used as indicators of pain perception. Distress associated with noxious electrical and pressure stimulation was significantly reduced by IR, which suggested that the phenomenon does have a significant analgesic component. However, the rabbits showed wide variability in their susceptibility to IR induction, and even animals which did not withdraw in response to noxious stimulation under IR sometimes exhibited physiological changes suggestive of distress. Therefore, IR should not be considered as a reliable or humane alternative to analgesic/anesthetic drugs for laboratory rabbits. Naloxone had little effect on IR or IR-associated analgesia.

Analgesia↗

Reproductive failure associated with cystic rete ovarii in guinea pigs.

Cystic ovaries were found at necropsy in 54 of 71 (76%) female guinea pigs between 18 and 60 months of age. Histologic appearance and location of the cysts within the ovary were consistent with cystic rete ovarii. Microscopic appearance of the large ovarian cysts suggested reproductive performance in these guinea pigs should be compromised. Breeding records indicated that fertility was markedly reduced in affected females over fifteen months of age. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, mucometra, endometritis in appropriate placental tissue, or fibroleiomyomas were seen in 21 of 54 (39%) guinea pigs with cystic ovaries, but in only one of 17 (6%) guinea pigs without cystic ovaries.

Age Factors↗

The effects of pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam on arterial blood pH, blood gases, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in adult male rats.

Although anesthetics are known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular depression in humans, these adverse effects rarely have been investigated in laboratory rodents. This study evaluated the effects of four different injectable drugs, pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol (Innovar-Vet), ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of rats. Results showed marked acidosis, hypercarbia and hypoxia with high doses of Innovar-Vet, moderate respiratory depression with all dosages of pentobarbital and minimal respiratory depression with ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam. Innovar-Vet, ketamine-xylazine and pentobarbital caused profound hypotension, particularly at high dosages, while ketamine-diazepam caused the least depression in mean arterial blood pressure of all drugs evaluated. None of the drugs studied produced significant alterations in heart rate. Throughout all dosages investigated, the ketamine-diazepam combination showed the least overall effects on ventilation and perfusion of the four parenteral drug combinations studied.

Analgesics↗

A comparison of pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam anesthesia in adult male rats.

Proper use of anesthetics is of paramount importance for humane animal care. Current research trends show a greater reliance on rats for laboratory investigations. This study compared several dosages for four different drugs, (pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam) for use in the laboratory rat. Each drug was evaluated in respect to its onset, duration of effect, recovery, adverse effects and mortality. A quantitative assessment of the depth of anesthesia also was obtained for all dosages of each drug. Results showed that all tested dosages of pentobarbital, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam were suitable anesthetics for use in the laboratory rat. Low dosages of fentanyl-droperidol (Innovar-Vet), however, appeared to produce a state known as neuroleptanalgesia as opposed to anesthesia seen with the other agents.

Anesthesia, General↗

The effects of pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam on noxious stimulus perception in adult male rats.

The increased use of rats for laboratory studies has increased the urgency for a better understanding of their perception of painful or noxious stimuli and the means of obtunding such stimuli. Four different injectable drugs, pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol (Innovar-Vet), ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam, were evaluated in this study. Unlike previous studies in rodents, this study has quantitated noxious stimulus perception following a temporal sequence of observations. Results showed the greatest inhibition of noxious stimulus perception with Innovar-Vet, lesser inhibition with ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam, and the least obtunding of nociception with pentobarbital. Results of this study also suggested that a spatial orientation, similar to that present in man, exists within the CNS of rats for receipt of noxious stimulation.

Anesthesia↗

The effects of pentobarbital, fentanyl-droperidol, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam on core and surface body temperature regulation in adult male rats.

Many commonly used anesthetics cause hypothermia by inhibiting central and peripheral thermoregulatory mechanisms. Although it is probable that a loss of thermal homeostasis contributes directly to the high mortality frequently reported following anesthesia of laboratory rodents, this adverse effect has been investigated rarely in the past. This study compared the effects of three parenteral anesthetics (pentobarbital, ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam) and a neuroleptanalgesic (fentanyl-droperidol) on core and surface body temperature regulation in rats. Results showed a profound hypothermia with all dosages of pentobarbital, while ketamine-xylazine and ketamine-diazepam caused a dose-dependent depression in core and surface body temperature. All dosages of fentanyl-droperidol (Innovar-Vet) caused minimal depression in thermoregulation, suggesting that it is the drug which requires the least external thermal support. Results of this study also suggested that inability to compensate for heat loss, particularly from the body core, may profoundly influence anesthetic toxicity and the safety of anesthetic procedures.

Analgesics↗

Vitamin E and selenium status of guinea pigs with myocardial necrosis.

Myocardial necrosis and mineralization has been identified in a colony of guinea pigs which were subsequently tested for vitamin E and selenium deficiency. Serum vitamin E and whole blood selenium levels were within normal ranges. The erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase test has potential as a predictor of whole blood selenium levels in the guinea pig. The red blood cell hemolysis test used in this study did not correlate consistently with the serum vitamin E levels. We suspect that myocardial necrosis and mineralization may have resulted from inbreeding guinea pigs within the closed colony.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in guinea pigs.

The occurrence of antibiotic-related enterocolitis in guinea pigs restricts the use of many common antibiotics in this species. Cephaloridine, an antibiotic frequently recommended for this species, is no longer available and a substitute has yet to be explored. In this study, the potential therapeutic efficacy of cefazolin, also a first generation cephalosporin, was evaluated in guinea pigs by assessing pharmacokinetics, toxicity and the minimal inhibitory concentration for selected animal pathogens. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity were evaluated in four phases: single intramuscular injections, multiple intramuscular injections over 30 hours, multiple intramuscular injections over 5 days, and serum-protein binding studies. Antibiotic-related enterocolitis and irritation at the injection site occurred following high (100 mg/kg) repeated doses. At all dose levels, blood values exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for Bordetella bronchiseptica for only 1 hour postinjection. For Streptococcus and Staphylococcus sp., the drug half-life was 0.5 hours with peak concentrations occurring within 0.25 hours of injection. The volume of distribution of 0.5 l/kg indicated that there was extensive tissue distribution. Serum protein binding was approximately 85%. The short half-life and rapid plasma clearance rate (10.4 ml/min/kg) indicated that cefazolin is eliminated very rapidly from the guinea pig and may be of questionable therapeutic value.

Animals↗