Abstract

Vibration is inherent in research animal facilities due to the mechanical systems and practices required for animal care and use. Ample evidence indicates that vibration can change behavior and physiology in multiple species, potentially altering the results of research studies. Although one cannot eliminate environmental vibration, its control is important in research animal environments to decrease the possibility of introducing a research variable due to vibration effects. To assess the potential for a vibration source to alter experimental results and variability, one must understand the principles of vibration, its likely sources, and control methods. The literature regarding the effects of vibration, as it applies in a practical sense, can be challenging to interpret because the vibration frequencies tested to date have often not been within or near the most sensitive ranges of the species being tested. Some previous studies have used unrealistic vibration magnitudes and provided insufficient detail to duplicate or build upon conclusions. Standardization is essential for research examining the effects of vibration on animals to validate knowledge of this extrinsic variable in animal research and identify ways to mitigate the variable in research facilities.

Abstract

Light is an environmental factor that is extrinsic to animals themselves and that exerts a profound influence on the regulation of circadian, neurohormonal, metabolic, and neurobehavioral systems of all animals, including research animals. These widespread biologic effects of light are mediated by distinct photoreceptors—rods and cones that comprise the conventional visual system and melanopsin-containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) of the nonvisual system that interact with the rods and cones. The rods and cones of the visual system, along with the ipRGCs of the nonvisual system, are species distinct in terms of opsins and opsin concentrations and interact with one another to provide vision and regulate circadian rhythms of neurohormonal and neurobehavioral responses to light. Here, we review a brief history of lighting technologies, the nature of light and circadian rhythms, our present understanding of mammalian photoreception, and current industry practices and standards. We also consider the implications of light for vivarium measurement, production, and technological application and provide simple recommendations on artificial lighting for use by regulatory authorities, lighting manufacturers, designers, engineers, researchers, and research animal care staff that ensure best practices for optimizing animal health and well-being and, ultimately, improving scientific outcomes.

Abstract

Perinatal mortality is a common problem in mouse breeding colonies. Few studies have examined the influence of environmental changes on mouse pup survival. In this study, monogamous breeding cages of C57BL/6J mice were set up and randomized into 3 cage change groups: 1) cage change at 8 d after parturition, 2) cage change at 3 d after parturition, or 3) cage change at 3 d after parturition with the addition of a polycarbonate hut in the cage. Pairs were bred to produce a minimum of 4 litters. Pup survival to weaning relative to experimental cage change date, and survival rates after cage change were evaluated. The results revealed no significant differences between experimental groups. The majority of pup loss occurred within the first 24 h after birth for those pups that were alive at birth. Overall, the postpartum day of cage change did not affect the perinatal survival of mouse pups.

General

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) currently publishes two journals containing data-driven, peer-reviewed articles.

The mission of Comparative Medicine (CM) is to disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed information that expands biomedical knowledge and promotes human and animal health through the study of laboratory animal disease, animal models of disease, and basic biologic mechanisms related to disease in people and animals.

Facts and Statistics

Average submission to final decision time: 30 days
495 pages printed in 2023
42% acceptance rate

JAALAS

Average submission to final decision time: 37 days
570 pages printed in 2023
68%

Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Three Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) Originating from Saint Kitts

Michael A EckhausVMD, DACVP,

Jeremy J BearssDVM, DACVP,

Rachel M FleischmannBS,

Jennifer KetzisPhD,

Tiffany LavinderDVM,

Amy BeierschmittDVM,

Jessica PlunkardMPH, DVM, and

Gregory W SalyardsDVM, MPH, DACLAM

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Assessing Methods for Replacement of Soiled Bedding Sentinels in Cage-level Exhaust IVC Racks” by Eichner and Smith

Reply to Manuel and Colleagues Letter to the Editor

Extrinsic Environmental Variables: The Umwelt of Research Animals and the Implications for the 3Rs and Study Reproducibility

Evaluation of Vibration as an Extrinsic Variable in In Vivo Research

Abstract

Light: An Extrinsic Factor Influencing Animal-based Research

Abstract

Effect of Cage Change Frequency on Perinatal Mortality in C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract

Effects of Home Cage Tunnels on Within-cage Behaviors of Mice with Cranial Implants

Abstract

Establishing New Isosexual Pairs in Adult Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) to Facilitate Social Housing

Abstract

Effects of Midazolam/Dexmedetomidine with Buprenorphine or Extended-release Buprenorphine Anesthesia in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

A Comparison of Three Anesthetic Drug Combinations for Use in Inducing Surgical Anesthesia in Female Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

Differences in Fluid, Electrolyte, and Energy Balance in C57BL/6J Mice (Mus musculus) in Metabolic Caging at Thermoneutral or Standard Room Temperatures

Abstract

Information for Authors

General

Erratum: Evaluation and Refinement of a Spot-change-only Cage Management System for Mice

AALAS Members

How to access member-only articles.

Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Three Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) Originating from Saint Kitts

Subcutaneous Buprenorphine Is an Acceptable Preoperative Analgesic in Pregnant Ewes Undergoing Hysterotomy (Ovis aries)

Animals in Teaching and Research in the Americas: Analysis of Legislation

Characteristics of Tuberculosis Tests Performed during Postimport Quarantine of Nonhuman Primates, United States, 2021 to 2024

From the Archives, in Recognition of the 75th Anniversary of AALAS: The History of Commercial Production of Laboratory Rodents (1980)

Short-Term Storage and Transport at Cold Temperatures of 2-Cell Mouse Embryos Produced by Cryopreserved Sperm

Serologic Prevalence of MPV1 in Mouse Strains in a Commercial Laboratory Mouse Colony Determined by Using VP1 Antigen

Comparison of Carbon Dioxide and Argon Euthanasia: Effects on Behavior, Heart Rate, and Respiratory Lesions in Rats

Spontaneous Staphylococcus xylosus Infection in Mice Deficient in NADPH Oxidase and Comparison with Other Laboratory Mouse Strains

Treatment and Eradication of Murine Fur Mites: I. Toxicologic Evaluation of Ivermectin-Compounded Feed