Alternative educational tools, such as training videos and simulators, are recommended in the education of laboratory animal science. However, evidence supporting their educational utility in the training of rodent experimental techniques remains limited. In this study, we assessed the utility of alternative educational tools in the practice of laboratory animal science for novice veterinary students. 149 students participated in a stepwise program beginning with lectures, followed by preparatory learning sessions using training videos and two types of mouse simulators (a silicone-based model and fabric toy mouse), and then hands-on training with live mice. The program covered basic techniques: habituation, restraint, and vaginal smear sampling for estrous cycle determination. A survey-based evaluation was conducted to assess the educational utility of alternative educational tools. The contribution of each preparatory resource (videos, lectures, simulators, printed materials, and notes) to skill acquisition was evaluated, showing that videos, lectures, and printed materials highly contributed. The training videos were rated as more necessary than the simulators for skill acquisition. Psychological evaluation showed that 84% of students experienced anxiety before practice. A positive correlation was found between anxiety levels and frequency of use for all three tools, and students reported that all tools were effective in reducing anxiety during practice. All techniques showed high proficiency rates. Our findings suggest that integrating alternative tools with live-animal training promotes technical skill acquisition, enhances psychological readiness, and supports 3Rs-based laboratory animal practice.

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As aging affects the appearance of the skin, anti-aging research has intensified in dermatology, skincare, and aesthetic medicine. Because natural aging takes a very long time, one essential anti-aging approach is to pharmacologically mimic aging, such as with D-galactose treatment. Hairless mice (HR-1) have been extensively used in skin research because of their lack of body hair and ease of animal care. In the present study, HR-1 mice were treated with D-galactose to determine whether detrimental effects were induced in the skin. After 3 months of D-galactose treatment, AGEs in the skin significantly increased. On the other hand, no signs of skin disorders (dermal thickness, type I collagen content, expression of various genes, collagen synthesis, and degradation signals) were observed. Even when the concentration of D-galactose increased, no apparent changes in dermal thickness were observed. These findings suggest that D-galactose treatment induces AGEs accumulation but no further detrimental effects in the HR-1 skin.

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In 2016, an outbreak of Rattus norvegicus polyomavirus 2 (RatPyV2) infection was reported in a colony of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) rats in the United States. While RatPyV2 infection persists asymptomatically in immunocompetent rats, immunodeficient XSCID rats develop variable respiratory symptoms, emaciation, impaired breeding performance, and systemic deteriorating condition. RatPyV2 is an epitheliotropic virus targeting epithelial cells of the salivary glands, Harderian glands, extraorbital lacrimal glands, respiratory system, and reproductive or accessory reproductive organs. Histopathologically, the formation of large basophilic nuclear inclusion bodies in the infected epithelial cells is a characteristic feature, along with hyperplasia or dysplasia. Glandular atrophy and loss, accompanied by fibrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration, are also observed in the salivary glands, Harderian glands, and extraocular lacrimal glands. In particular, the parotid salivary glands are prone to be severely and extensively affected with relatively severe and diffuse lesions even at one month of age. Severely affected animals also develop interstitial pneumonia. Among target tissues, the parotid salivary glands appear to be higher susceptible to RatPyV2, therefore pathological examination and PCR examination of the salivary glands, including the parotid salivary glands, are essential for the diagnosis of RatPyV2 infection. This review paper provides a comprehensive summary of the features (clinical signs, pathological findings, and transmission), diagnostic methods, and prevalence of RatPyV2 infection, based on our research and reports from research groups in the United States.

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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complicated systemic disease displaying various pathophysiological symptoms including mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Ideally, early intervention for CKD-MBD would be desirable, however, there is not enough evidence regarding treatment of CKD-MBD, especially in its early stages, due to its multifactorial pathophysiology and the difficulty in generating adequate animal models. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) inhibitor, SBI-425 in a CKD-MBD animal model, produced by a combination of nephrectomy and high inorganic phosphate (P_i) diet. This combination induced renal damage, and significantly elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Plasma levels of fibroblast growing factor 23 (FGF-23), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and phosphate were also elevated, leading to ectopic calcification in the kidneys, particularly in the renal tubules. We orally administered SBI-425 twice daily for 12 weeks at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg, and this treatment significantly inhibited the progression of calcium deposition in the renal tubules. Furthermore, SBI-425 effectively prevented the deterioration of plasma parameters, BUN, FGF-23, PTH, and phosphate. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TNAP inhibition can effectively slow the progression of CKD-MBD by inhibiting the calcification in the renal tubules. These results may have implications for better clinical care of patients with CKD.

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Uncovering protein interaction networks in vivo is essential for understanding physiological and pathological processes. Here, we report the generation of a novel knock-in mouse model expressing miniTurbo, a highly active biotin ligase, fused to the endogenous Usp46 gene. This model enables proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) of USP46-associated proteins in the brain. In adult mice, biotinylation was induced by feeding a 0.1% biotin diet. We further evaluated whether the combination of miniTurbo and dietary biotin supplementation is effective for BioID in the developing brain. Biotinylation was successfully induced in embryonic and neonatal brains via maternal biotin intake, demonstrating the transfer of biotin to the offspring through the placenta during pregnancy and through milk during lactation. This strategy enables proximity labeling under physiological conditions without invasive procedures, such as repetitive subcutaneous injections, during developmental stages. Using mass spectrometry, we identified USP46-proximal proteins, including known cofactors WDR48 and WDR20, in the adult brain. Gene Ontology analysis revealed enrichment in postsynaptic pathways, consistent with known localization of USP46. Among the identified proteins, PLPP3, a phospholipid phosphatase, was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus of Usp46-knockout mice. These findings establish the USP46-miniTurbo knock-in mouse as a powerful tool for in vivo interactome analysis and provide new insights into the molecular functions of USP46 in the brain.

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Emerging evidence indicates that oxidative stress in skeletal muscle is a prerequisite for sarcopenia in diabetic patients. In this study, we show that ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) 2 mitigates the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mature muscle cells. Treatment with ML364, a canonical USP2 inhibitor, robustly increased mitochondrial ROS in mouse C2C12 myotubes and caused an accompanying increase in the glutathione disulfide (GSSG)/glutathione (GSH) ratio. ML364 also caused mitochondrial damage in C2C12 myotubes, resulting in a reduction in intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels. Correspondingly, under diabetic condition, the muscle-specific Usp2-knockout (msUsp2KO) C57BL/6N mice exhibited a significantly higher lipid peroxide level and GSSG/GSH ratio in skeletal muscle than the control mice. The msUsp2KO mice also exhibited augmented insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, but showed no obvious deterioration in muscle weight or histology relative to the control mice. However, damaged mitochondria in the soleus muscle were more frequently observed in msUsp2KO mice than in the control mice. Together, these data suggest that USP2 mitigates ROS accumulation and subsequent mitochondrial damage in muscle cells in mice.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that causes the selective loss of motor neurons. A histopathological hallmark of ALS is the cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43, a ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein involved in transcription and splicing regulation. To prevent abnormal accumulation, TDP-43 controls its expression levels through an autoregulatory feedback loop. While most ALS studies have focused on pathogenic variants that impair the protein function of TDP-43, the mechanisms underlying endogenous TDP-43 dysregulation mediated by non-coding elements, including the 3´ untranslated region (3´UTR), remain incompletely understood. In this study, we generated a mouse model carrying a targeted deletion of the Tardbp 3´UTR that encompasses the TDP-binding region, polyadenylation signals, and alternative intronic sequences. Our findings demonstrate that the Tardbp 3´UTR is essential for normal mouse development. Loss of this region led to decreased Tardbp mRNA expression and embryonic lethality after gastrulation. Young heterozygous mice were phenotypically normal with no overt disruption in TDP-43 autoregulation. However, aged heterozygous mice displayed mild locomotor dysfunction accompanied by a modest increase in spinal cord TDP-43 protein levels and a reduction in motor neuron numbers. These findings indicate that regulatory elements within the Tardbp 3´UTR play a pivotal role in normal development and contribute to TDP-43 pathology relevant to ALS.

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The ε-containing GABA (A) receptors (GABAARs), a lesser-studied subtype within the GABAAR family, have garnered attention due to their distinct pharmacological properties and potential involvement in brain injury. Zolpidem (ZPM), a widely used Z-drug, is known to induce paradoxical effects in patients with brain injury, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rat model was established using Permanent Bilateral Occlusion of the Common Carotid Arteries (PBOCCA), followed by administration of ZPM at doses of 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/kg. Behavioral assessments demonstrated that the 1.0 mg/kg dose of ZPM significantly improved spatial learning and memory acquisition (P<0.01) and enhanced memory retention (P<0.001), whereas higher doses resulted in sedation and cognitive impairment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an upregulation of the ε subunit expression in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions of CCH rats (P<0.05), suggesting alterations in receptor composition in response to cerebral hypoperfusion. Further investigation of ZPM’s interaction with ε-containing GABAARs (specifically the α1β2ε subtype) was conducted using in silico techniques. Molecular docking identified the α1+/ε- binding interface as a favorable ZPM binding site, with key residues being either conserved or suitably replaced. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that ZPM stabilizes the receptor while permitting conformational flexibility, consistent with its role as a positive allosteric modulator. These findings provide evidence that ZPM interacts with ε-containing GABAARs, potentially explaining its paradoxical effects observed in brain injury models.

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Archiving and sharing cryopreserved rat sperm can improve animal experiments’ reliability, reproducibility, and sustainability in the scientific community. When sharing cryopreserved sperm from genetically engineered rats, a shipment system is required. Generally, a dry shipper, which can maintain at below −150°C, is the most widely used for sperm transport. However, using it for shipping cryopreserved sperm faces some difficulties, such as the risk of transporting hazardous materials (liquid nitrogen), its high cost, and the round-trip fee. Recently, the shipment of cryopreserved mouse sperm with dry ice at −79°C has been alternatively accepted in the scientific community. However, its outcome in terms of the fertilization and developmental abilities of the cryopreserved rat sperm was not examined. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the fertilization and developmental abilities of cryopreserved rat sperm after being stored in a deep freezer (−80°C) and dry ice (−79°C). We also demonstrated the transport of cryopreserved rat sperm in a Styrofoam box with dry ice. The fertilization rate of cryopreserved sperm stored in a deep freezer or dry ice was comparable to that in liquid nitrogen. In the transport experiment, the rat sperm transported between Kumamoto and Hokkaido maintained a high fertilization rate, and live pups were obtained from the embryos derived from the transported sperm. Fertilization and developmental abilities of cryopreserved rat sperm were maintained after shipment using a Styrofoam box with dry ice for storage.

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Uncontrolled activation of autophagy following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to cell death. The superfamily of ankyrin repeat proteins (N-Ank protein) was reported to be involved in autophagy regulation and cardiac protection. Bioinformatics analysis was performed (GSE61592 and GSE160516) and ten N-Ank proteins were differentially expressed in I/R models. Retinoic acid-induced protein 14 (RAI14), a member of N-Ank protein family, was upregulated in I/R-injured cardiac tissue and was first selected for research. A mouse I/R model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce 90 min of ischemia, followed by 72 h of reperfusion. RAI14 was found upregulated in ischemic penumbra. RAI14 overexpression in cardiac tissue by injecting adeno-associated virus-9-RAI14 plasmid system via tail vein improved cardiac function and reduced infarct and apoptosis. Furthermore, the activated autophagy in ischemic penumbra of I/R mice was reversed by RAI14 overexpression along with decreased LC3-II and increased p62 expressions. RAI14 silence showed an opposite effect. A cell model was established by using mouse cardiomyocytes HL-1 underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment. Similarly, H/R also enhanced RAI14 expression and RAI14 overexpression inhibited H/R-induced apoptosis and autophagy in HL-1 cells. Mechanistically, autophagy inhibitor, the AKT/mTOR pathway, was found to be suppressed in mouse and cell models whereas RAI14 overexpression activated this pathway. Collectively, we demonstrated that compensatory increase of RAI14 inhibited I/R-induced myocardial injury by preventing excessive autophagy through activating the AKT/mTOR pathway, which providing an idea to explore strategies for preventing I/R injury.

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Euthanasia agents should induce a rapid and painless loss of consciousness, followed by cardiopulmonary arrest and subsequent brain death. Injectable drugs such as pentobarbital sodium are commonly used for laboratory rodents due to their quick and smooth action. However, the discontinuation of pharmaceutical-grade pentobarbital sodium and secobarbital sodium in Japan, along with a global shortage of pentobarbital in late 2020, has increased the demand for new injectable euthanasia drugs. In Japan, the combination of medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol (MMB), as well as a newer formulation in which midazolam is replaced with alfaxalone (MAB), have been widely used as balanced anesthesia for rodents. To evaluate their potential as alternative euthanasia agents in mice, we compared mortality rates and the time intervals to the loss of the righting reflex, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest following anesthetic administration. An intraperitoneal injection of MAB at five times the anesthetic dose induced death within 10 min with the loss of the righting reflex, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest occurring at 1.5 min, 4 min, and 9 min respectively, in all mice, which was comparable to those observed with 300 mg/kg of secobarbital. In contrast, none of the mice administered MMB at five times the anesthetic dose experienced cardiopulmonary arrest within 30 min. Intraperitoneal overdose of MAB induces rapid and irreversible death, supporting its potential use as an effective euthanasia agent in mice.

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DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are among the most hazardous cellular damages, potentially leading to cell death or oncogenesis if unrepaired. Genome editing methods, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system, induce DSBs and utilize these repair pathways for gene knockout and knock-in. Although ionizing radiation also induces DSBs, it is not clear whether the efficiency of genome editing is affected by ionizing radiation. This study investigated the impact of gamma-ray exposure on the genome editing efficiency of the improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery (i-GONAD) method. Gamma-rays were exposed to pregnant mice receiving i-GONAD targeting the Hr gene, whose mutation causes hair loss in mice. The exposure on the fertilization day (Day 0) decreased natural delivery rates and litter sizes, with notable effects at 0.3 Gy or higher. Although the proportions of hairless offspring obtained by i-GONAD differed greatly between single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) used, total mutation rates, including hairless, mosaic, and indel, were equivalent. Gamma-ray exposure on Day 0 and the day after fertilization (Day 1) similarly and almost dose-dependently enhanced the genome editing efficiency evaluated by the total mutation rate. This study suggests the improvement of genome editing efficiency by gamma-ray exposure, at least in i-GONAD method, potentially facilitating the creation of diverse experimental animal models.

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The Lepr gene encodes a receptor for leptin, a hormone instrumental in the regulation of appetite and metabolism. Mutations in the Lepr gene impair leptin signaling, leading to metabolic dysfunctions and facilitating the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we compared the NAFLD-associated phenotypes of two mutant strains of mice, C57BL/6J-Lepr^em1hwl/Korl (Lepr^em1hwl) and C57BLKS/J-Lepr^db/J (Lepr^db/db), carrying different alleles of the Lepr gene. Although both Lepr^em1hwl and Lepr^db/dbmice were characterized by similar obesity phenotypes, leptin resistance, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, comparatively, Lepr^em1hwl mice were found to have relatively more severe hepatic steatosis, along with the upregulated expression of enzymes associated with lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis, and, notably, the histological characteristics of steatohepatitis were observed only in these mice. In addition, compared with the Lepr^db/dbmice, Lepr^em1hwl mice developed hepatic fibrosis characterized by elevated levels of collagen deposition and expression of profibrotic factors. Moreover, we detected elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and increases in M1 macrophage markers in the serum and liver, respectively, of Lepr^em1hwl mice. These findings highlight the distinct NAFLD-associated phenotypic differences between Lepr^em1hwl and Lepr^db/dbmice, and thereby indicate that Lepr^em1hwl mice could serve as a valuable model for studying NAFLD, including steatohepatitis and fibrosis.

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The ratio of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a morphological marker reflecting fetal exposure to sex steroid hormones. This ratio exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically showing a significantly lower ratio than females, which results from higher androgen exposure during the fetal period. While studies in humans have suggested a relationship between sexual orientation and the 2D:4D ratio, this relationship in rodents remains elusive. Here, we investigated this relationship using rats as an experimental model. We found that male rats exhibited significantly shorter 2D length than females, resulting in a lower 2D:4D ratio in males, similar to humans. Observations of sexual behavior revealed that males that ejaculated during the first mating test exhibited shorter 2D length compared to males those that did not ejaculate. When males were classified into two groups based on 2D length (long-2D and short-2D groups), short-2D males were more sexually active than long-2D males. Additionally, only short-2D males showed a preference for female odors. These findings suggest that, in rats, 2D length is a useful morphological marker reflecting sexual activity and preference. Furthermore, they provide evidence supporting the potential use of the 2D:4D ratio as a tool for studying the relationship between sexual orientation and the 2D:4D ratio in humans.

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Translation regulation is crucial for cellular homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that, in addition to the conventional AUG start codon, eukaryotic mRNA can also possess non-canonical start codons. These non-canonical start codons, including non-AUG codons, can be found both upstream and downstream of the conventional AUG start codon. Translation of these non-canonical open reading frames (ORFs) has been implicated in the development of diseases, such as cardiac diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer development. Non-AUG translation initiation is regulated by eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2A and eIF2D; however, their target non-canonical ORFs, roles in disease development, and the underlying precise mechanisms of translation regulation remain poorly understood. To address these gaps, we generated mice lacking either or both of Eif2a and Eif2d genes on an ICR background and investigated their cardiac function using echocardiography. The results indicated that simultaneous disruption of both Eif2a and Eif2d led to perinatal cardiac impairment, as evidenced by a significant reduction in cardiac contractility as measured by ejection fraction. Furthermore, the absence of phenotypic changes in single knockouts of either Eif2a or Eif2d suggests that eIF2A and eIF2D function redundantly in their molecular roles. These findings underscore the importance of non-AUG translation initiation in maintaining cardiac function and suggest its broader implications in other physiological and pathological processes. We propose the Eif2a and Eif2d double-knockout mice as a novel stress-sensitive animal model to investigate the molecular mechanisms of translation regulation and their contribution to disease pathogenesis.

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The pathophysiology of endometriosis remains incompletely understood, necessitating the development of effective animal models for research. We generated and characterized a luminescent endometriosis mouse model utilizing luminescent B6-CAG-ELuc transgenic mice as uterine tissue donors and B6.Cg-c/c-hr/hr mice as recipients, enabling non-invasive in vivo imaging. Following transplantation of minced uterine tissue fragments into the peritoneal cavity of recipients, we monitored lesion growth via in vivo imaging system on 0, 14, 28, 42 days post transplantation. Morphology of the lesion was observed by dissecting microscopy, X-ray micro-computed tomography, and conventional histology. Inflammation-related serum cytokines were quantified using multiplex immunobeads assay. The growth of endometriotic lesions was efficiently observed by bioluminescence from day 0 through 42 days post transplantation. Comprehensive morphological observations revealed typical endometriotic lesions consisted of multiple fluid-filled cysts lined with single-layered epithelium, associated with glandular epithelial tissues and interstitial stroma. The level of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IFN-γ, and TNF-α was quantified simultaneously in each serum sample to evaluate the temporal changes of each cytokine, showing four distinct patterns: IFN-γ and TNF-α showed continuous increase, IL-12p70 and IL-1β demonstrated gradual increase followed by marked elevation, IL-6 and IL-2 exhibited dramatic increase in later stages, while IL-10 showed transient increase followed by gradual decrease. In conclusion, this luminescent endometriosis mouse model using B6 luminescent transgenic mice as uterine tissue donor and B6.Cg-c/c-hr/hr recipient could be used to investigate comprehensive cytokine profiling in the development of endometriosis.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung disease that mainly induced by cigarette smoking (CS). Soyasaponin I is an amphiphilic oleanane triterpenoid glycoside extracted form Astragali Radix. In order to investigate treatment strategies of COPD, this study focused on the effect of soyasaponin I on the lung tissue of COPD model. The mouse model of COPD was induced by CS exposure for 12 weeks, and was administrated with different doses of soyasaponin I. Subsequently, the morphology and histopathology of lung tissue, the proportion of inflammatory cell, the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and indicators of oxidative stress were assessed and analyzed. The signaling pathway potentially regulated by soyasaponin I in the pathogenesis of COPD were predicted by network pharmacology analysis and validated by western blot. Our results demonstrated that soyasaponin I mitigated the lung injury and bronchial lesions induced by COPD through reducing the lung coefficient, wall area of the bronchioles and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)-positive cells in the lung tissue. The CS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress was alleviated by soyasaponin I through reversing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators. In addition, the phosphorylation of p38, JNK and ERK1/2 was activated in COPD model, and was reverted by soyasaponin I in the lung tissue. Collectively, the present study confirmed that soyasaponin I is an effective compound that attenuates the lung injury through inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress via the MAPK signaling pathway.

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Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome related to multiple causes, including oxidative stress. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 (Acot1) is an enzyme in fatty acids metabolism, but it remains unclear in HF. Transverse aortic coarctation induced HF mouse model and hypoxia-stimulated cardiomyocyte (HL-1) model were established. Acot1 expression was down-regulated in heart tissues of HF mice. AAV9-mediated Acot1 overexpression improved cardiac function and pathological injury of heart tissues in TAC-induced HF mice. Acot1 overexpression ameliorated oxidative stress in heart tissues of HF mice and hypoxia-stimulated HL-1 cells, as indicated by reduced ROS and MDA levels and elevated SOD and GSH levels. We found that Acot1 overexpression inhibited apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro, with decreased protein levels of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9. Mechanically, Acot1 activated Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, leading to the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased Nrf2-regulated gene NQO1 expression. Rescue experiment indicated that ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) abolished the effect of Acot1 overexpression on oxidative stress. Collectively, these results suggested that Acot1 overexpression protects heart from injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, possibly through activating Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

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Injectable anesthesia is widely used in laboratory animals because of its ease of administration and minimal equipment requirements. However, it necessitates careful monitoring as well as thermal and oxygen support. This study evaluated the efficacy of medetomidine-alfaxalone-butorphanol (MAB) anesthesia in male rabbits using a dual-route administration protocol. The anesthetic doses were as follows: medetomidine, 0.2 mg/kg; alfaxalone, 2.0 mg/kg; and butorphanol, 2.0 mg/kg. MAB anesthesia, administered via intravenous and subcutaneous routes, induced rapid and smooth induction, achieving anesthetic scores comparable to those of medetomidine-midazolam-butorphanol (MMB) anesthesia. MAB anesthesia resulted in mild hypothermia during the procedure. Upon atipamezole administration, rabbits under MAB anesthesia exhibited faster recovery of the righting reflex and respiration rate than those under MMB. Importantly, no abnormal behaviors, such as jumping or agitation, were observed during induction or recovery, as reported with alfaxalone use in other species. Both protocols maintained spontaneous breathing, although transient hypoxemia was observed in all rabbits. The dual-route MAB protocol provided effective anesthesia while addressing the limitations of conventional MMB anesthesia in rabbits, suggesting its potential as a refined anesthetic method for this species. Unlike mice, which showed weaker anesthetic effects with MAB compared to MMB, MAB demonstrated superior anesthetic properties in rabbits. This study highlights the importance of species-specific anesthetic protocols and the potential benefits of MAB anesthesia in rabbits, particularly its smooth induction and recovery profile, without adverse behaviors often associated with alfaxalone in other species.

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This study aims to clarify the disruption of gut barrier and dysbiosis of the microbiota in an experimental macaque model with 6-year diabetes mellitus (DM), and provide evidence for the application of therapeutic strategies targeting the human microbiota in the future. A single intravenous injection of high-dose streptozotocin was used to induce the type 1 diabetes (T1D) macaque model. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining were conducted to observe colon morphological changes. The composition of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis was adopted to predict alterations in the microbial phenotype and function. Obvious intestinal inflammation and decreased goblet cells were observed in T1D macaques. 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested a significantly different β diversity of the microbiota in the T1D group, where expanded Proteobacteria (dominantly Escherichia-Shigella) and Actinomycetota (formerly known as Actinobacteria) replaced the dominance of Bacillota (formerly known as Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly known as Bacteroidetes), indicating an imbalance in the microbial composition. Archaea was identified as a biomarker between groups. Moreover, with the reduction of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillaceae) and the increase of pro-inflammatory bacteria and opportunistic pathogens (Enterobacteriaceae), the phenotypes of the microbiota were reversed, resulting in abnormal up- (e.g., carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism) or down-regulation (e.g., protein digestion and absorption) of multiple metabolic pathways. There were intestinal structural disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis in T1D macaques, indicating that strategies targeting gut microbiota may be effective to treat metabolic diseases like DM.

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This article released online on March 23, 2020 as advance publication was withdrawn from consideration for publication in Experimental Animals at author’s request.

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