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Animal Models



Ahmed, A.; Jafri, H.; Lutsar, I.; McCoig, C.C.; Trujillo, M.; Wubbel, L.; Shelton, S.; McCracken, G.H. Jr. (1999). Pharmacodynamics of vancomycin for the treatment of experimental penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 43 (4): 876-81, ISSN: 0066-4804.
NAL Call Number: RM265.A5132
Abstract: With the emergence of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance among strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, vancomycin has assumed an important role in the treatment of bacterial meningitis. Using the rabbit meningitis model, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vancomycin in this setting. Animals were given 80 mg/kg of body weight daily in two or four divided doses to determine the penetration and activity of vancomycin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); each regimen was administered with and without dexamethasone. Mean peak (2 h) concentrations in CSF that were four- to eightfold higher than the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; 0.5 microgram/ml) for the pathogen were adequate for bacterial clearance. In both groups concentrations in CSF remained higher than the MBC for greater than 80% of the respective dosing intervals, and the penetration of vancomycin into CSF was 20%. Mean concentrations in CSF at 24 to 36 h of therapy were lower than those achieved during the first 12 h, consistent with a decline in the level of antibiotic entry into CSF as inflammation wanes. Rates of bacterial clearance were similar for the two regimens, and for all animals cultures of CSF were sterile by 36 h. The coadministration of dexamethasone significantly reduced the penetration of vancomycin into CSF by 29% and significantly lowered the rate of bacterial clearance during the first 6 h in animals receiving 20-mg/kg doses of vancomycin. For animals receiving 40-mg/kg doses, therapeutic peak concentrations in CSF were obtained even with steroid use, suggesting that the effect of steroids may be circumvented by the use of larger daily doses of vancomycin.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, anti-inflammatory agents, therapeutic use, antibiotics, glycopeptide, cerebrospinal fluid, pharmacokinetics, cephalosporin resistance, dexamethasone, combination meningitis, pneumococcal, microbiology, outcome assessment, Streptococcus pneumoniae, drug effects.

Akita, M.; Ishii, K.; Kuwahara, M.; Tsubone, H. (2002). The daily pattern of cardiovascular parameters in Kurosawa and Kusanagi-Hypercholesterolemic (KHC) rabbits. Experimental Animals Tokyo 51 (4): 353-360, ISSN: 1341-1357.
NAL Call Number: RM265.A5132
Keywords: breed, Japanese White, Kurosawa, Kusanagi Hypercholesterolemic, animal model, hypercholesterolemia, etiology, radiotelemetry, monitoring method, physiological method, conscious, unrestrained, blood pressure, daily pattern, body temperature, cardiovascular parameters, circadian rhythm, heart rate, locomotor activity.

Akman, A.; Bilezikci, B.; Kucukerdonmez, C.; Demirhan, B.; Aydin, P. (2003). Suramin modulates wound healing of rabbit conjunctiva after trabeculectomy: comparison with mitomycin C. Current Eye Research 26 (1): 37-43, ISSN: 0271-3683.
Abstract: To investigate and compare the effects of suramin and mitomycin C on conjunctival wound healing after trabeculectomy in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups, and trabeculectomy was performed on the left eyes under general anesthesia. During the surgery, suramin (250 mg/ml) and mitomycin C (0.4 mg/ml) were applied to the scleral flap site for 2 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The control animals (group 3) received no pharmacological treatment during trabeculectomy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were recorded before surgery and every 3 days after the operation, starting from postoperative day 1. Three animals from each group were sacrificed on days 15, 20, and 25, yielding a total of 27 eyes for histopathological study. Each specimen was histochemically and immunohistochemically (CD3, CD20, CD68, and collagen III) evaluated, and graded. RESULTS: Bleb failure time was significantly longer in both the suramin (15.0 +/- 4.7 days) and mitomycin C (16.7 +/- 5.1 days) groups than in the controls (10.3 +/- 4.2 days) (p < 0.05). Starting from postoperative day 9, the IOP in the suramin and mitomycin C groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). This difference continued to be significant until day 18 for the suramin group, and until day 24 in the mitomycin C group. Histopathological evaluation showed lower degrees of cellularity, fibrosis, collagen III deposition, and CD3 density in the suramin- and mitomycin C-treated eyes compared to control eyes at all time points (p < 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the suramin and mitomycin C groups concerning these histopathological findings and CD3 density (p > 0.05). Although there were trends towards reduced mean elastic fiber deposition and lower CD20 and CD68 density in both groups of treated eyes, the differences between the treated and control groups were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that suramin has beneficial effects on wound healing in glaucoma surgery, and effectively prolongs bleb survival in rabbits. Suramin may be a promising alternative to anti-metabolite therapy in glaucoma surgery.
Keywords: New Zealand White, animal model, rabbits, antimetabolites, pharmacology, comparative study, conjunctiva, pathology, conjunctiva, physiopathology, growth substances, metabolism, intraocular pressure, drug effects, intraoperative care, mitomycin, administration and dosage, suramin, trabeculectomy, wound healing.

Akyol, N.; Demir, T.; Kukner, A.; Colakoglu, N. (2001). Effects of systemic octreotide, local mytomycine-C and local corticosteroids on wound-healing reaction after glaucoma surgery. International Ophthalmology 24 (5): 235-41, ISSN: 0165-5701.
Abstract: To determine and compare the effectiveness of octreotide, mitomycine-Cand corticosteroids on wound-healing reaction after glaucoma surgery. METHODS: A full thickness scleral trephination was carried out by the same surgeon on tour groups of six rabbits. A sponge soaked in mytomicine-C was applied subconjunctivally in group1 before trephination. Group 2 received corticosteroid drops tid topically for 14 days. Group 3 received subcutaneous octreotide injections tid for 14 days. The control group (group 4) was not givenany drug that may interfere with wound healing. All groups received gentamycine drops tid for seven days. The rabbits were Sacrificed on the fourteenth day and the trephination area with overlying conjunctiva was excised. The samples were prefixed with glutaraldehyde, dehydrated and embedded in Araldite Cy 212. Ten semithin sections stained with toluidin blue were analysed for each group. Fibroblast and macrophage counts were performed on the surgical site and subconjunctival area. RESULTS: Intensive fibroblastic activity, increased number of vessels and active macrophages were observed only in group 4. The fibroblast and macrophage densities in this group were significantly higher than the other three groups in which wound healing was modulated (p > 0.001). Mean number of fibroblasts in group 1 was also significantly less than the ones of groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.01). Macrophage densities were similar in groups 1, 2 and 3. No statistical significance was found between groups 2 and 3 by means of fibroblast and macrophage densities. CONCLUSION: Octreotide reduced wound-healing reaction in a similar fashion to corticosteroids or mitomycine-C. These initial results seem promising.
Keywords: animal model, rabbits, male, adrenal cortex hormones, administration and dosage, ciliary body, pathology, comparative study, conjunctiva,pathology, fibroblasts,pathology, filtering surgery, glaucoma,surgery, hormones, administration and dosage, subcutaneous injections, intraoperative care, macrophages, pathology, mitomycin, nucleic acid synthesis, octreotide, postoperative care, wound healing, drug effects.

Amthor, F.R.; Tootle, J.S.; Yildirim, A. (2003). A new transparent multi-unit recording array system fabricated by in-house laboratory technology. Journal of Neuroscience Methods 126 (2): 209-19, ISSN: 0165-0270.
Abstract: A new recording array system has been developed to record multi-unit activity in rabbit retina. The array consists of individually laid down layers of carbon fiber or tungsten microelectrodes whose center-center spacing can be made less than 100 microm. The array and associated electronics can be constructed by technology typically found in most electrophysiology laboratories. The array is mostly transparent, so that visual stimuli and microscopic examination can take place through it. The array can be manipulated much like a single electrode, and thus can be used to record from multiple tissue sites. Arrays as large as 32 elements have been used, with success rates of about 50% per electrode, with some electrodes picking up more than one cell. Stable recordings have been held for up to 6 h from groups of ganglion cells in an isolated eyecup preparation. These multi-electrode arrays have been used repeatedly in experiments for several months without any obvious degradation in recording quality. Although the arrays are hand-made, their layered method of assembly allows as many as 32 elements to be assembled.
Keywords: carbon, electric impedance, electrophysiology, instrumentation, microelectrodes, retinal ganglion cells, physiology.

Arens, S.; Kraft, C.; Schlegel, U.; Printzen, G.; Perren, S.M.; Hansis, M. (1998). [Does surgical approach have an effect on the development of local infection? Animal experiment comparison of conventional open vs. minimally invasive bone plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).] Langenbecks Archiv fur Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Chirurgie. Kongress.115 (Suppl. I): 193-6, ISSN: 0942-2854.
Abstract: With a standardised model we investigated the influence of two different surgical approaches to the rabbit tibia for plate osteosynthesis on resistance to local infection after postoperative inoculation of graduated concentrations of staphylococcus aureus at the implant. The infection rate for the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with insertion of the implant in closed, soft tissue tunneling technique was 25% (3/12 animals; ID50 = 6.2 x 10(6) CFU) and for the conventional open approach 38% (5/13 animals; ID50 = 2 x 10(6) CFU). This difference is statistically not significant (with P > 0.05).
Keywords: animal model, rabbits, bone plates, comparative study, fracture fixation, surgical wound infection, microbiology staphylococcal infections, microbial colony count, Staphylococcus aureus, growth and development, surgical procedures, tibia surgery, minimally invasive methods, German language.

Asbell, P.A. (2000). Valacyclovir for the prevention of recurrent herpes simplex virus eye disease after excimer laser photokeratectomy. Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society 98: 285-303, ISSN: 0065-9533.
Abstract: A variety of factors have been reported as inducing the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus (HSV), among them stress, trauma, and UV radiation. Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a surgical procedure utilizing a 193 nm ultraviolet light to alter the curvature of the cornea and hence correct vision. Reactivation of ocular herpes simplex keratitis following such excimer laser PRK has been reported. All published cases of HSV reactivation following excimer laser treatment in humans are reviewed. The present study evaluates whether stress, trauma of the corneal de-epithelialization prior to the laser, or the excimer laser treatment itself to the stromal bed induces this ocular reactivation of the latent HSV, and whether a systemic antiviral agent, valacyclovir, would prevent such laser PRK-induced reactivation of the HSV. METHODS: Forty-three normal 1.5- to 2.5-kg New Zealand white rabbits were infected on the surface of the cornea with HSV-1, strain RE. The animals were monitored until resolution, and then all animals were divided into 5 treatment groups: (1) de-epithelialization only, intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline for 14 days; (2) de-epithelialization plus laser, i.p. saline for 14 days; (3) de-epithelialization plus laser, valacyclovir 50 mg/kg per day i.p. for 14 days; (4) de-epithelialization plus laser, valacyclovir 100 mg/kg per day i.p. for 14 days; (5) de-epithelialization plus laser, valacyclovir 150 mg/kg per day i.p. for 14 days. Animals were evaluated in a masked fashion by clinical examination biweekly and viral cultures biweekly through day 28. RESULTS: The reactivation rates were as follows: group 1, 0%; group 2, 67%; group 3, 50%; group 4, 17%; and group 5, 0%. Viral titers were negative in animals that had no reactivation but persistently positive in those that had reactivation (day 6 through day 28). CONCLUSIONS: Excimer laser (193 nm) treatment can trigger reactivation of ocular herpes disease (67%) and viral shedding in the latently infected rabbit. De-epithelialization alone is not sufficient to cause reactivation or viral shedding. Prophylaxis with intraperitoneal valacyclovir decreases the recurrence rate in a dose-response fashion. At 150 mg/kg per day, there are no recurrences. The presence of persistent viral shedding in reactivated animals may correlate with cases of late HSV recurrence reported in humans undergoing excimer treatment. The data suggest that humans undergoing excimer laser procedures for correction of refractive errors or treatment of corneal scars with a history of herpetic keratitis are at increased risk for reactivation. Such patients, however, may appropriately be considered for prophylactic systemic antiviral medication at the time of the laser procedure in order to decrease the possibility of recurrence.
Keywords: acyclovir, analogs and derivatives, therapeutic use, antiviral agents, keratectomy, photorefractive, excimer laser, herpetic keratitis, prevention and control, surgery, virology, postoperative care, recurrence, prevention and control, simplexvirus, isolation and purification.

Askar, I.; Sabuncuoglu, B.T.; Yormuk, E.; Saray, A. (2001). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging in animal research. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery 17 (5): 347-55; discussion 355-6, ISSN: 0743-684X.
Abstract: In nerve injuries, if it is not possible to reinnervate muscle by using neurorrhaphy and nerve grafting technique, reinnervation should be provided by the use of neuroization-directly implanting motor nerve into muscle. A comparative study of three techniques of neurotization is presented in rabbits. In this experimental study, a total of 40 white New Zealand rabbits were used and divided into four groups, each including 10 rabbits. In the first group (control--Group 1), only surgical exposure of the gastrocnemius muscle, main muscle nerve (tibial nerve), and peroneal nerve was done, without any injury to the nerves. In the second group (direct neurotization group--Group 2), the tibial nerve was transected, and the peroneal nerve, which had already been divided into fascicles, was implanted into the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle aneural zone. In the third group (dual neurotization group--Group 3), the tibial nerve which had been transected and re-anastomosed, and the peroneal nerve were implanted into the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In the last experimental group (hyperneurotization group--Group 4), fascicles of the peroneal nerve were implanted into the lateral head of the gastrocnemius, preserving the tibial nerve. Six months later, changes in the histologic pattern and the functional recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle were investigated. It was found that functional recovery was achieved in all neurotization groups. Groups with the tibial nerve transected had less muscular weights than those of groups with the tibial nerve intact. EMG recordings showed that polyphasic and late potentials were frequently seen in groups with the tibial nerve transected. Degeneration and regeneration of myofibrils was observed in such groups as well. New motor end-plates, including vesicles, were formed in a scattered manner in all neurotization groups. As a result, the authors conclude that direct and dual neurotization techniques are useful in peripheral nerve injuries, if it is not possible to reinnervate muscle by using neurorraphy and nerve grafting, and that there is no suggested superiority among these techniques.
Keywords: comparative study, animal model, rabbits, microsurgery, muscle contraction physiology, muscle fiber pathology, skeletal injuries, skeletal muscle innervation, surgery, nerve transfer, peroneal nerve transplantation, reconstructive surgical procedures, recovery, tibial nerve transplantation.

Avila, M.; Ortiz, G.; Lozano, J.M.; Franco, P.; Patarroyo, M.E. (2001). GGRGDSPCA peptide: a new antiscarring agent on glaucoma filtration surgery. Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers 32 (2): 134-9, ISSN: 1082-3069.
Abstract: GGRGDSPCA synthetic peptide competes for integrin receptor in scar formation after glaucoma filtering surgery in a rabbit model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of this peptide and compare it with mitomycin on glaucoma filtering surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Posterior sclerectomy was performed in both eyes of 17 rabbits. The right eye received GGRGDSPCA (p605) at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after. Nine left eyes received saline as a control; the remaining 8 eyes received mitomycin C at 0.5 mg/mL intraoperative. Intraocular pressures and biomicroscopy were evaluated as well as bleb function. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure decreased significantly in both the peptide and mitomycin treated eyes in comparison with the saline group (P = 0.0003). Pressure was similar in both groups. The blebs showed filtrating function in a functional analysis at day 21 and 41 in the mitomycin cases as well as in the peptide group. Histologic analysis performed in both peptide and mitomycin groups showed inhibitory effect in fibrocellular and collagen organization with bleb formation. CONCLUSIONS: The p605 peptide showed to be similar to mitomycin C in controlling and improving glaucoma filtering surgery in rabbits. This alternative may potentially be useful for similar purposes in humans for the control of glaucoma and improvement of filtering surgery.
Keywords: animal models, rabbits, female, glaucoma surgery, cicatrix, drug therapy, comparative study, filtering surgery, pathology, physiopathology, intraocular pressure mitomycin, adverse effects, therapeutic use, oligopeptides, chemical synthesis, postoperative care, GGRGDSPCA peptide.

Blasier, R.D.; White, R.J. (1998). Duration of immobilization after percutaneous sliding heel-cord lengthening.Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 18 (3): 299-303, ISSN: 0271-6798.
Abstract: Heel-cord lengthening is commonly performed for contractures in neuromuscular disease. Immobilization after this procedure has ranged from 3 to 8 weeks. A three-part study was performed to determine adequate length of immobilization. Sixteen rabbits had surgical transection of the right gastrocsoleus tendon in phase 1. Healing was allowed for 1, 3, 5, or 7 weeks. Tendons were then studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mechanical testing, or histologic section. A marker for healing was determined by MRI. Seven children underwent percutaneous sliding heel-cord lengthening (PSHCL) in phase 2. Healing was studied by MRI. Based on the marker from phase 1, adequate healing occurred at 3 weeks. Thirty-one children underwent PSHCL for neuromuscular contracture in phase 3. Cast immobilization was maintained for 3 weeks (group 1) and for >3 weeks (group 2). There was no evidence of rupture or progressive lengthening after cast removal in either group.
Keywords: human, child, animal model, rabbits, achilles tendon, pathology, surgery, casts, cerebral palsy, complications, child equinus deformity, etiology, equinus deformity, magnetic resonance imaging, postoperative care, wound healing.

Boppart, S.A.; Bouma, B.E.; Pitris, C.; Tearney, G.J.; Southern, J.F.; Brezinski, M.E.; Fujimoto, J.G. (July 1998). Intraoperative assessment of microsurgery with three-dimensional optical coherence tomography. Radiology 208 (1): 81-6, ISSN: 0033-8419.
Abstract: To evaluate three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) for use in the assessment of the microsurgical anastomoses of vessels and nerves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OCT is an optical analogue of ultrasonography and is capable of imaging nontransparent biologic tissue by detecting backscattered infrared light. Cross-sectional in vitro images of rabbit and human vessels and nerves were obtained in as little as 125 msec at 10-micron resolution by using a solid-state laser as a light source. A surgical microscope was integrated with OCT to perform simultaneous imaging with en face visualization. Cross-sectional images were assembled to produce three-dimensional reconstructions of microsurgical specimens. RESULTS: Three-dimensional OCT reconstructions depicted the structure within an arterial anastomosis and helped identify sites of luminal obstruction. The longitudinal spatial orientation of individual nerve fascicles was tracked in three dimensions to identify changes in position. In vitro human arteries and nerves embedded in highly scattering tissue and not visible at microscopy were located and imaged with OCT at eight frames per second. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional, micrometer-scale, diagnostic imaging capabilities of OCT permit rapid feedback for assessment of microsurgical procedures. OCT technology can be readily integrated with surgical microscopes and has potential for intraoperative monitoring to improve patient outcome.
Keywords: human, rabbits, anastomosis, surgical, anatomy, cross-sectional, arteries, human image processing, computer-assisted infrared rays, intraoperative care, lasers, microsurgery, intraoperative monitoring, neurosurgical procedures, optics, instrumentation, peripheral nerves, radiology.

Botham, P.A.; Hadfield, N.A.M. (1999). Review of the long-term in-house use of an in vitro test battery for predicting severe ocular irritants. Human and Experimental Toxicology 18 (8): 538.
Keywords: K562 cell line, rabbit, animal model, eye, sensory system, ocular irritants, in vitro test battery, assessment method, meeting.

Brooks, S.E.; Ribeiro, G.B.; Archer, S.M.; Elner, V.M.; Del Monte, M.A. (Jan-Feb 1996). Fat adherence syndrome treated with intraoperative mitomycin-C: a rabbit model. Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus 33 (1): 21-7, ISSN: 0191-3913.
Abstract: We used an animal model of restrictive strabismus analogous to the fat adherence syndrome in humans to test the efficacy of topical intraoperative mitomycin-C (MMC) in preventing the development of restrictive scar tissue. A cicatricial adhesion was created between the inferior rectus muscle and the inferior orbital rim of each eye in eight rabbits, and passive forced ductions were quantitatively measured with a spring scale. Eight eyes were treated intraoperatively with topical MMC 0.5 mg/mL, the other eight with sterile water. Passive forced ductions were again measured 4 weeks postoperatively and representative orbits were exenterated for histopathologic examination. Significant restriction of motility was produced in six of the eight control eyes. Though prophylactic treatment with MMC may have been beneficial in some cases, on average, the restriction developing in these eyes did not significantly differ from that in the control eyes. In addition, longer exposure times to MMC led to marked orbital inflammation and severe restriction of ocular motility. Finally, histopathologic evaluation of the orbits of the MMC-treated eyes revealed marked fibrosis of perimuscular connective tissues. Although MMC may have a role in the management of fat adherence syndrome, further study is needed to establish safe and efficacious methods of delivery.
Keywords: adhesions, complications, pathology, adipose tissue, cicatrix, disease models, intraoperative care, mitomycin, therapeutic use, oculomotor muscles, physiopathology orbital diseases, complications, postoperative period, strabismus, drug therapy, etiology, surgery.

Butler, P.E.; Sims, C.D.; Randolph, M.A.; Van de Water, A.P.; Lee, W.P. (1998). Prolonged survival in fetal rabbit surgery. Journal of Investigative Surgery: the Official Journal of the Academy of Surgical Research 11 (1): 57-61, ISSN: 0894-1939.
Abstract: Timing and outcome of antenatal surgical intervention is being explored using fetal animal models. Models that are currently used range from larger animals with fewer offspring and higher cost to smaller animals with larger litters and lower cost. The rabbit is an ideal “small” animal model for experimentation in the third trimester, with a large litter, short gestation and a relatively large fetus. This paper reports methods by which prolonged survival (greater than 110 days) may be achieved in as many as 60% of operated fetuses following complex fetal surgery in the rabbit.
Keywords: animal model, rabbits, abnormalities, surgery, intraoperative care, postoperative care, pregnancy, preoperative care, survival rate, time factors.

Caliendo, F.J.; Halpern, V.J.; Marini, C.P.; Nathan, I.M.; Patel, D.; Faust, G.; Cohen, J.R. (1999). Warfarin anticoagulation in the perioperative period: is it safe? Annals of Vascular Surgery 13 (1): 11-6, ISSN: 0890-5096.
Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine if warfarin anticoagulation could be safely continued during surgery and in the perioperative period. An animal model was followed by a prospective human study of all patients on heparin or warfarin at the time of surgery. Twenty-four rabbits underwent laparotomy, during which a controlled liver injury was created and repaired. Group 1 (Warf) was anticoagulated with warfarin to raise the mean international normalization ratio (INR) to 2.5-3.0. Group 2 (Hep) was anticoagulated with heparin to raise the activated partial thromboplastin time to 1.5-2.0 times control. The heparin was then stopped 6 hr prior to surgery and resumed 6 hr postoperatively without a bolus. Group 3 (control) was not anticoagulated and received saline infusion. For the human study, data were collected on 40 patients undergoing 50 operations from October 1996 to January 1998. The results of this study reveal that (1) bleeding was less in the group anticoagulated with warfarin throughout surgery in the animal model, (2) bleeding complications were less in the patients continued on warfarin through surgery than those on heparin (3) older patients may have an increased risk of bleeding, and (4) an INR of >3 at the time of surgery may increase the risk of bleeding.
Keywords: human, rabbits, animal model, anticoagulants, warfarin, adverse effects, therapeutic use, blood loss, surgical, prevention and control, statistics and numerical data, comparative study, heparin, adverse effects, perioperative care, risk factors, time factors, adverse effects.

Chen, C.H.; Chen, W.J.; Shih, C.H. (May-June 2002). Enveloping of periosteum on the hamstring tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy: the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery 18 (5): 27E, ISSN: 0749-8063.
Abstract: Tendon-bone incorporation of a tendon graft within the bone tunnel is a major concern when using tendon graft for ligament reconstruction. Periosteum consists of multipotent mesodermal cells to form all varieties of connective tissue, including osteogenic and chondrogenic tissues. From our histologic and biomechanical studies in animals, a superior healing process and stronger healing strength can be achieved when periosteum is sutured onto the tendon inserted within a bone tunnel. We applied this idea to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to enhance tendon-bone healing. A quadruple-stranded hamstring tendon graft is used. A piece of periosteum, 3 x 3 cm, harvested from the anterior cortex of proximal tibia, is split into 2 rectangle flaps (1.5 x 3 cm each). The periosteum flaps are wrapped and sutured around the tendon graft at the portions near the femoral and tibial tunnel openings. The cambium layer is faced outside to the bone tunnel. Periosteum is easy to harvest from proximal tibia, where is a routine incision for harvesting hamstring tendons. Besides the potential for enhancement of tendon-bone healing, periosteum may be able to seal off the intra-articular opening in a very early period to avoid synovial fluid reflux into the tunnel.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, anterior cruciate ligament, physiopathology, surgery, biomechanics, bone, nails, femur, surgery, knee joint, surgery, osteogenesis, periosteum transplantation, postoperative care, suture techniques, tendon transfer methods, rehabilitation, tibia surgery, wound healing.

Choi, M.Y.; Auh, S.J.; Choi, D.G.; Chang, B.L. (2001). Effect of ADCON-L on adjustable strabismus surgery in rabbits. The British Journal of Ophthalmology 85 (1): 80-4, ISSN: 0007-1161.
Abstract: In search of a way to prevent postoperative adhesion after strabismus surgery, an animal study was performed to assess the effect of a gel consisting of a polyglycan ester in a gelatin matrix (ADCON-L). METHODS: Bilateral recessions of superior rectus muscle (SR) were performed on 16 rabbits. ADCON-L was applied beneath and over the SR in the right eyes of all rabbits, while the operative fields in the left eyes were irrigated with a balanced salt solution (BSS). The adjustment was performed on each SR at 4 and 7 days postoperatively on the same eye. The length and force of the adjustment and the degree of adhesion were recorded. At 3 weeks postoperatively, disinsertional force was measured in several of the eyes, and the other eyes were enucleated. RESULTS: The length of the adjustment was longer and the force of the adjustment was less in the ADCON-L group than in the BSS treated group at 4 and 7 days postoperatively (p=0.00). A significant reduction (p=0.00) in the degree of adhesion was noted in eyes treated with ADCON-L. There was no significant difference in disinsertional force between the two groups. Histopathological evaluation of the muscle revealed decreased fibrosis of perimuscular connective tissue in eyes treated with ADCON-L at 3 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ADCON-L helps to prevent postoperative adhesion in rabbits and enables adjustment twice within 7 days postoperatively without complications.
Keywords: animal models, rabbit, strabismus surgery, adhesions, prevention and control, gels, therapeutic use, muscular diseases, oculomotor muscles, surgery, postoperative care, postoperative complications, prevention and control, suture techniques.

Cox, L. (2003). Present angiogenesis research and its possible future implementation in wound care. Journal of Wound Care 12 (6): 225-8, ISSN: 0969-0700.
Abstract: The process of new blood vessel formation is essential for wound healing. Nurses should be aware of the latest scientific findings on angiogenesis which will enhance their understanding of how it may affect clinical practice.
Keywords: review, human, animal models, rabbits, rats, swine, anoxia, physiopathology, cell physiology, extracellular matrix, physiology, growth substances, metabolism, neovascularization, research trends, wound healing.

Cruz, O.A.; Matkovich, L. (1995). Effects of intraoperative topical mitomycin-C on strabismus surgery in the rabbit: a preliminary study. Ophthalmic Surgery 26 (3): 237-40, ISSN: 0022-023X.
Abstract: The effect of intraoperative topical exposure of mitomycin-C (MMC) on muscle reattachment and scarring in strabismus surgery was prospectively investigated in the rabbit by performing bilateral recession surgery in which one eye was treated with topical MMC (0.2 mg/mL) and the other eye served as the control. One week postoperatively, in random, masked fashion, the severity of postoperative adhesions was rated lower in the MMC-treated eyes. Also, histology demonstrated decreased fibrosis in the muscle reattachment sites in the MMC-treated eyes. The muscle tension in the reattached muscles was greater than 100 g in all of the eyes. This preliminary study indicates that topical MMC exposure may inhibit scarring in strabismus surgery without inhibiting muscle reattachment or causing other obvious adverse effects.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, adhesions, prevention and control, fibrosis, intraoperative care, mitomycin, administration and dosage, pharmacology, oculomotor muscles, drug effects, surgery, ophthalmic solutions, postoperative complications, prevention and control, strabismus surgery.

Demir, T.; Turgut, B.; Akyol, N.; Ozercan, I.; Ulas, F.; Celiker, U. (2002). Effects of amniotic membrane transplantation and mitomycin C on wound healing in experimental glaucoma surgery. Ophthalmologica 216 (6): 438-42.
Keywords: administration, topical amnion, pathology, amnion, transplantation, antibiotics, antineoplastic, pharmacology, therapeutic use comparative study fibroblasts, pathology glaucoma, drug therapy glaucoma, surgery, intraocular pressure, drug effects intraoperative care macrophages, pathology mitomycin, pharmacology, mitomycin, therapeutic use ophthalmologic surgical procedures, trabeculectomy transplantation, autologous wound healing, drug effects, wound healing, physiology, antineoplastic mitomycin.

Dinslage, S.; McLaren, J.; Brubaker, R. (Nov. 1998). Intraocular pressure in rabbits by telemetry II: effects of animal handling and drugs. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 39 (12): 2485-9, ISSN: 0146-0404.
Abstract: To measure under carefully controlled conditions the effects in the rabbit eye of commonly used therapeutic agents for glaucoma. METHODS: Rabbits were outfitted in one eye with an implantable telemetric pressure transducer and monitored for several months under controlled conditions of light/ dark and handling. Effects of tonometry, handling, water drinking, and instillation of topical ophthalmic medications on intraocular pressure were recorded during each 24-hour day/night cycle. RESULTS: Pneumatonometry, animal handling, and water drinking all had an effect on intraocular pressure that in many instances was of the same magnitude as the effects of pharmacologic agents. Dorzolamide and timolol caused a sustained reduction of intraocular pressure during the nocturnal period. Epinephrine had a biphasic effect, causing an immediate pressure elevation followed by a prolonged depression. Apraclonidine, latanoprost, and pilocarpine had no measurable effect. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous telemetric measurement of intraocular pressure in rabbits permits the measurement of uncontrollable artifacts that occur with tonometric measurements and animal handling. If environmental conditions are rigidly controlled, this method is very sensitive for detecting therapeutic effects of candidates for ocular hypotensive drugs. When healthy animals are used, the method appears to be more sensitive for drugs that affect aqueous humor formation than for drugs that affect aqueous humor outflow resistance.
Keywords: husbandry, circadian rhythm, clonidine, pilocarpine, prostaglandins F, sulfonamides, thiophenes, epinephrine, analogs and derivatives, pharmacology, intraocular pressure, drug effects, ophthalmic solutions, telemetry methods, tonometry, ocular methods.

Eze, C.A.; Chah, F.K.; Ubah, S.A. (2002). Clinical observations on antibacterial effect of honey as a surgical wound dressing agent. Journal of Natural Remedies 2 (2): 150-154, ISSN: 0972-5547.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, Staphylococcus aureus, wound contaminant, antibacterial agents, antibacterial properties, bacterial diseases, disease models, drug therapy, honey, human diseases, penicillins, postoperative care, streptomycin, wound dressings.

Farhat, F.; Loisance, D.; Garnier, J.P.; Kirsch, M. (2001). Norepinephrine release after acute brain death abolishes the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning in rabbit. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 19 (3): 313-20, ISSN: 1010-7940.
Abstract: Brain death (BD) abolishes the infarct-limiting effect of ischemic preconditioning (IP) in rabbits. We wished to define the role of the norepinephrine storm in this observation. METHODS: Rabbits were randomized into six groups of ten animals each. In control group (CTRL), anaesthetized rabbits were subjected to 30 min left coronary marginal branch occlusion and 90 min reperfusion. In CTRL+IP group, anaesthetized rabbits were preconditioned with a 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion sequence before coronary occlusion. In CTRL+NE+IP group, anaesthetized rabbits received a 10 microg/kg norepinephrine injection 90 min before IP. In BD group, rabbits were subjected to 90 min of BD before coronary occlusion. In BD+IP group, brain-dead rabbits were preconditioned before coronary occlusion. In BD+LA+IP group, rabbits received an intra-arterial bolus injection of an alpha and beta adrenoreceptor blocking agent (labetolol, 1 mg/kg) prior to brain death induction and subsequent preconditioning. BD was induced by rapid inflation of an intracranial balloon. At termination of the experiment, left ventricular volume (LVV), myocardial volume at risk (VAR) and infarct volume (IV) were determined with methylene blue and tetrazolium staining, and measured using planimetry. RESULTS: LVV was not significantly different among groups. Myocardial VAR/LVV was not significantly different between groups (CTRL, 22.5+/-6.9%; CTRL+IP, 23.3+/-2.2%; CTRL+NE+IP, 25.9+/-12.7%; BD, 19.9+/-4.8%; BD+IP, 21.7+/-3.1%; BD+LA+IP, 23.4+/-5.8%; P=NS). IV/VAR was significantly reduced in the CTRL+IP group as compared with CTRL and CTR+NE+IP groups (12.2+/-1.2 vs. 49.7+/-1.7 and 49.3+/-4.7%; P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in IV/VAR between BD and BD+IP groups. In contrast, IV/VAR was reduced in BD+LA+IP compared to BD and BD+IP groups (13.9+/-5.4 vs. 50.0+/-1.4 and 49.6+/-1.5%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The loss of infarct-limiting effect of IP in brain-dead rabbits is related to the massive release of norepinephrine that occurs as a consequence of BD.
Keywords: animal models, rabbit, brain death, metabolism, comparative study, coronary disease, physiopathology, surgery, hemodynamic processes, physiology, ischemic preconditioning, myocardial methods, labetalol, pharmacology, myocardial infarction, prevention and control, myocardial reperfusion methods, norepinephrine pharmacology, norepinephrine secretion, preoperative care.

Fields, M.J.; Hoshijima, K.; Richardson, W.J.; Myers, B.S. (2000). Clinical outcome scales for use in a rabbit model of cervical myelopathy. Journal of Spinal Disorders 13 (2): 124-30, ISSN: 0895-0385.
Abstract: This study determined the ability of an upper extremity Tarlov scale, a lower extremity Tarlov scale, and the Durham scale to predict the development of myelopathy and the likelihood of survival in a rabbit model of surgical treatments for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Forty-eight rabbits were evaluated using the scales after cervical spinal surgery. Logistic regression analysis revealed that all three scales could predict the occurrence of myelopathy. However, only the Durham and lower extremity Tarlov scales also predicted the likelihood of survival. The Durham scale is offered as a useful predictor of myelopathy and survival in an animal model of surgical treatments for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The lower extremity Tarlov scale is also a useful predictor of outcome; however, the upper extremity Tarlov scale is not recommended.
Keywords: animal models, rabbits, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical vertebrae physiopathology, surgery, comparative study, prognosis, recovery of function, spinal cord compression, spinal osteophytosis.

Freud, E.; Eshet, R. (2001). Insights from animal models for growing intestinal neomucosa with serosal patching: A still untapped technique for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. Laboratory Animals 35 (2): 180-187, ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, rat, laboratory animal science, laboratory animal welfare, intestinal neomucosa, digestive system, regeneration, epidermal growth factor, octreotide, pharmacodynamics, prostaglandin E-2, urogastrone, short bowel syndrome, digestive system disease, serosal patch technique, therapeutic method.

Gad, S.C. (2002). Evaluating products for their potential to cause dermal and ocular irritation and corrosion. Journal of Toxicology Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 21 (3): 213-244, ISSN: 0731-3829.
NAL Call Number: RL803.J67
Keywords: animal models, rabbit, dog, mouse, monkey, dermal irritants; dermal toxicants, ocular irritants, corrosion, dermal irritation, ocular irritation, ocular testing, product safety, toxicity testing methods, literature review.

Grover, P.; Kaiser, J. (2001). Alternative methods for dermal and ocular animal safety testing of chemicals. Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy. Part B, Reviews and Tracts: Biological Sciences 67 (1/2): 1-20, ISSN: 0073-6000.
Keywords: laws, regulations, laboratory animal science, laboratory animals, rabbits, animal testing alternatives, animal welfare, eyes, methodology, reviews, toxicity, India.

Guzzardella, G.A.; Torricelli, P.; Nicoli-Aldini, N.; Giardino, R. (2003). Osseointegration of endosseous ceramic implants after postoperative low-power laser stimulation: an in vivo comparative study. Clinical Oral Implants Research 14 (2): 226-32, ISSN: 0905-7161.
Abstract: Stimulation with low-power laser (LPL) can enhance bone repair as reported in experimental studies on bone defects and fracture healing. Little data exist concerning the use of LPL postoperative stimulation to improve osseointegration of endosseous implants in orthopaedic and dental surgery. An in vivo model was used for the present study to evaluate whether Ga-Al-As (780 nm) LPL stimulation can improve biomaterial osseointegration. After drilling holes, cylindrical implants of hydroxyapatite (HA) were placed into both distal femurs of 12 rabbits. From postoperative day 1 and for 5 consecutive days, the left femurs of all rabbits were submitted to LPL treatment (LPL group) with the following parameters: 300 J/cm2, 1 W, 300 Hz, pulsating emission, 10 min. The right femurs were sham-treated (control group). Three and 6 weeks after implantation, histomorphometric and microhardness measurements were taken. A higher affinity index was observed at the HA-bone interface in the LPL group at 3 (P<0.0005) and 6 weeks (P<0.001); a significant difference in bone microhardness was seen in the LPL group vs. the control group (P<0.01). These results suggest that LPL postoperative treatment enhances the bone-implant interface.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, aluminum, analysis of variance, arsenic, bone density, radiation effects, ceramics, chemistry, comparative study, dental implants, dental prosthesis design, durapatite, femur pathology, radiation effects, femur surgery, gallium, laser therapy, osseointegration, postoperative care.

Harumal, P.; Morgan, M.; Walton, S.F.; Holt, D.C.; Rode, J.; Arlian, L.G.; Currie, B.J.; Kemp, D.J. (2003). Identification of a homologue of a house dust mite allergen in a cDNA library from Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis and evaluation of its vaccine potential in a rabbit/ S. scabiei var. canis model. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 68 (1): 54-60, ISSN: 0002-9637.
NAL Call Number: 448.8 Am326
Abstract: Identification of a homologue of a house dust mite allergen in a cDNA library from Sarcoptes scabieii var. hominis and evaluation of its vaccine potential in a rabbit/S. scabiei var. canis model. Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Sarcoptes scabiei (“itch mite”) causes scabies, a disease of considerable human and veterinary significance. Little work has been done at the molecular level because of the difficulty of obtaining mites. We have used mites in skin from the bedding of crusted scabies patients for the construction of a library of 10(5) cDNAs from S. scabiei var. hominis cloned in the vector pGEX4T-2. We describe the isolation by immunoscreening of 2 clones, one of which (Ssagl) is homologous to and cross-reactive with the house dust mite Euroglyphus maynei allergen M-177, an apolipoprotein from hemolymph. Immunohistochemistry revealed that it is located around the internal organs and cuticle of the mite and in eggs. Although it was not found to be protective in a challenge trial, the rabbits did not exhibit typical crust characteristics. This work shows that it is now possible to conduct such challenge trials with cloned scabies antigens.
Keywords: animal model, rabbits, skin disease, Sarcoptes scabiei, chemistry, genetics, immunology, amino acid sequence, base sequence cloning, molecular DNA, animal gene library, human immune sera, vaccines.

Holmes, J.M.; Townshend, A.M. (1995). Optimum timing of postoperative adjustment in a rabbit model of adjustable suture strabismus surgery. Ophthalmic Surgery 26 (3): 241-3, ISSN: 0022-023X.
Abstract: Strabismus surgeons disagree on the optimum timing of the postoperative adjustment in adjustable suture surgery. We compared the peak force necessary for adjustment at various postoperative times using a rabbit model. Twenty-four eyes of 12 rabbits underwent a superior rectus recession of 5 mm using a standard adjustable suture technique. The eyes were randomized to adjustment at 15 minutes, and at 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. The peak force required to advance the muscle 3 mm was measured using a strain gauge. During each adjustment, the peak force was noted to be that required for initial disinsertion of muscle from sclera. The mean peak force required was 14 +/- 5 g at 15 minutes, 37 +/- 10 g at 6 hours, 60 +/- 40 g at 24 hours, and 103 +/- 52 g at 48 hours. There was a significant relationship between the time of adjustment and the peak force required for adjustment (F = 7.8, P = 0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed that the peak force required at 48 hours was greater than that required at 24 hours (P = 0.04), 6 hours (P = 0.003), and at 15 minutes (P = 0.0002). The force required for adjustment at 24 hours and beyond was greater than the maximal force generated by an extraocular muscle. We therefore suggest that the postoperative adjustment should be performed within the first 24 hours.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, muscle contraction, physiology, oculomotor muscles, surgery, postoperative care, strabismus surgery, suture techniques, time factors.

Holzheimer, R.G. (2001). Antibiotic induced endotoxin release and clinical sepsis. A review. Journal of Chemotherapy 13 (Special Issue 1): 159-172, ISSN: 1120-009X.
Keywords: literature review, human, animal models, rabbit, rat, antibiotics, cefotaxime, antibacterial drug, antiinfective drug, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, cytokines, endotoxin, antibiotic induced release, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem, penicillin binding protein, tobramycin, bacteremia, bacterial disease, sepsis, intra abdominal infection, infectious disease, peritonitis, digestive system disease, intensive care, multi organ failure.

Hosemann, W.; Goede, U.; Sauer, M. (1999). Wound healing of mucosal autografts for frontal cerebrospinal fluid leaks: Clinical and experimental investigations. Rhinology 37 (3): 108-112, ISSN: 0300-0729.
Keywords: laboratory animals, methods and techniques, cerebrospinal fluid, leaks, nervous system, clinical investigations, experimental investigations, frontal leakage, nasal septum, respiratory system, skull skeletal system, wound healing, mucosal autografting, application procedures, fibrous transformation, postoperative care, surgical method, therapeutic method.

Ito, T.; Shiomi, M. (2001). Cerebral atherosclerosis occurs spontaneously in homozygous WHHL rabbits.Atherosclerosis 156 (1) :57-66, ISSN: 0021-9150.
Abstract: We demonstrated that selectively bred homozygous WHHL rabbits known to show hypercholesterolemia and severe coronary atherosclerosis also spontaneously develop cerebral atherosclerosis beginning at 9 months of age. These intracranial lesions occurred in the absence of hypertension in 24 of 25 animals at various sites, mainly along arteries at the base of the brain. No lesions were observed in penetrating arteries. Lesions were rich in smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue, showing only rare fragmentation or disappearance of the internal elastic lamina, and only limited lipid deposition. Few macrophages were observed in these lesions. No significant correlation was seen between severity of cerebral atherosclerosis and age, systolic blood pressure (BP), serum total cholesterol, or triglyceride concentration. Xanthomas of the pia mater were observed in all 25 rabbits. Arterial findings were similar to those in human cerebral atherosclerosis, indicating that the coronary atherosclerosis-prone homozygous WHHL rabbit represents the first animal model for spontaneous cerebral atherosclerosis.
Keywords: animal model, rabbits, male, aging, physiology, husbandry, aorta, thoracic, pathology, arteries, blood pressure, brain diseases, etiology, cerebral arteries, coronary vessels, female, homozygote, hyperlipidemia, genetics, intracranial arteriosclerosis, etiology, lipids, blood, pia mater, genetics, receptors, deficiency, severity of illness index.

Jones, P.A.; Budynsky, E.; Cooper, K.J.; Decker, D.; Griffiths, H.A.; Fentem, J.H. (2001). Comparative evaluation of five in vitro tests for assessing the eye irritation potential of hair-care products. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals: ATLA 29 (6): 669-692, ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994 L3A5
Abstract: This study compared five methods, the isolated rabbit eye (IRE), bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP), EpiOcular, fluorescein leakage (FL) and neutral red release (NRR) assays, for predicting the eye irritation potential of hair-care formulations. Ten shampoo and seven conditioner formulations of known ocular irritation potential were tested. Each group included a market-acceptable formulation as a comparative benchmark. Predictions of ocular irritation were made by using classification models (IRE, BCOP and EpiOcular assays) or by direct comparison with benchmarks (IRE, EpiOcular, FL and NRR assays). The BCOP assay was less sensitive than the IRE test in discriminating between formulations of different irritation potentials, and did not perform as well as the other assays in identifying mild formulations. All of the assays appeared to be better at discriminating correctly between the shampoos than between the conditioners. The EpiOcular assay showed the closest concordance between the in vivo results and the in vitro data from cell-based assays (particularly for shampoos). The FL assay also showed a high concordance (particularly for conditioners). There was a tendency for these in vitro assays to over-predict eye irritation potential, but there was no under-prediction and they were particularly successful at identifying mild formulations. The NRR assay was less predictive with both shampoos and conditioners. The results from this comparative evaluation fully support the continued use of the IRE test as a suitable alternative to in vivo eye irritation testing in rabbits, although it also over-predicted the irritancies of several of the formulations.
Keywords: shampoos, hair, surfactants, testing, irritant properties, assays, in vitro, eyes, rabbits, cattle, cornea, fluorescein, laboratory tests, coagulation, prediction, accuracy, animal testing alternatives, eye irritation tests, fluorescein leakage assay, neutral red uptake assay, bovine corneal opacity, permeability assay, epiocular assay, animal use replacement.

Kaatz, G.W.; Seo, S.M.; Aeschlimann, J.R.; Houlihan, H.H.; Mercier, R.C.; Rybak, M.J. (1998). Efficacy of trovafloxacin against experimental Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 42 (2): 254-6, ISSN: 0066-4804.
Abstract: Trovafloxacin is a new fluoronaphthyridone chemically and functionally related to members of the fluoroquinolone class of antimicrobial agents. The in vivo efficacy of the drug was compared with that of vancomycin by using the rabbit model of left-sided endocarditis. Rabbits infected with either a nafcillin-susceptible or -resistant test strain were treated with trovafloxacin (13.3 mg/kg of body weight every 12 h) or vancomycin (25 mg/kg of body weight every 8 h) for 4 days. In comparison with untreated controls, both antimicrobial agents effectively cleared bacteremia and significantly reduced bacterial counts in vegetations and tissues of animals infected with either test strain. No resistance to trovafloxacin emerged in test strains during therapy. We conclude that in this model trovafloxacin is as efficacious as vancomycin is and may serve as a viable alternative to vancomycin for use in humans with similar infections.
Keywords: anti-infective agents, therapeutic use, drug resistance, drug therapy, endocarditis, fluoroquinolones, naphthyridines, trovafloxacin, staphylococcal infections.

Kallfass, E.; Kramling, H.J.; Schultz-Hector, S. (May 1996). Early inflammatory reaction of the rabbit coeliac artery wall after combined intraoperative (IORT) and external (ERT) Irradiation. Radiotherapy and Oncology: Journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 39 (2): 167-78, ISSN: 0167-8140.
Abstract: The present immunohistochemical study of radiation-induced damage in major blood vessels is based on a multidisciplinary study (Schultz-Hector et al., Radiother. Oncol., 38: 205-214, 1996) investigating the combined effect of IORT of the coeliac axis and upper abdominal ERT. The paper describes the sequential changes occurring in the coeliac artery after IORT with 30 Gy, i.e. during and after combined IORT and fractionated ERT (total dose 40 Gy). Within 24 h after IORT, the arterial wall was found to be invaded by TNF-alpha positive macrophages, which later on disappeared within 7-14 days. At 2 days post-IORT, the medical smooth muscle cells were strongly positive for TNF-alpha and remained positive throughout the observation period of 63 days. At 80 days, a comparison of different IORT dose groups showed that TNF-alpha expression after 20 and 30 Gy IORT plus 40 Gy ERT had subsided, while it was still strongly evident after 40 Gy IORT. Negative reactions in sham irradiated animals or animals treated with ERT alone indicate that TNF-alpha expression was caused by IORT. After > 30 days post-IORT, there was increased collagen type I deposition in the adventitia. In two animals receiving the full ERT course, intimal proliferations involving mainly smooth muscle cells were observed. Our findings indicate that some features typical of radiation induced arteriosclerosis such as periarterial fibrosis and intimal proliferations can occur as early as < 60 days postirradiation. Macrophage invasion as well as TNF-alpha expression in medial smooth muscle cells are known to be important steps in the development of spontaneous atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, early TNF-alpha induction in the arterial wall by a high local dose of X-irradiation may be regarded as one initiating factor of chronic radiation-induced arteriosclerosis.
Keywords: arteriosclerosis, etiology, metabolism, pathology, celiac artery, pathology, radiation effects, cell division, radiation effects, collagen, comparative study, densitometry, female, immunohistochemistry intraoperative care, adverse effects, muscle, smooth, vascular, pathology, radiation effects, radiation injuries, tumor necrosis factor.

Kim, H.K.; Kerr, R.G.; Turley, C.B.; Evans, P.J.; Jay, V.; Salter, R.B. (1998). The effects of postoperative continuous passive motion on peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. An experimental investigation in rabbits. Journal of Hand Surgery 23 (5): 594-7, ISSN: 0266-7681.
Abstract: The effects of continuous passive motion (CPM) on nerve regeneration following nerve repair were investigated. In 26 rabbits, the medial popliteal nerve was transected and microsurgically repaired. Half of the animals were treated with cast immobilization and the rest with 70 degrees arc CPM. Both treatments were discontinued on day 14. After sacrifice on day 100, no animal showed separation at the suture line. Mean nerve conduction velocity was slightly slower in the CPM than in the immobilization group. Mean fibre density was also slightly less in the CPM group but the difference was not significant. Mean fibre diameters, fibre diameter distributions, and soleus-muscle wet weights were similar in the two groups.
Keywords: action potentials, physiology, analysis of variance, axons, pathology, casts, surgical, comparative study, computer-assisted image processing, immobilization, microsurgery, motion therapy, nerve fibers, postoperative care, tibial nerve surgery.

King, G.J.; Edwards, P.; Brant, R.F.; Shrive, N.G.; Frank, C.B. (1995). Intraoperative graft tensioning alters viscoelastic but not failure behaviours of rabbit medial collateral ligament autografts. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 13 (6): 915-22, ISSN: 0736-0266.
Abstract: The effects of three different degrees of intraoperative graft tensioning on measures of ex vivo laxity, viscoelastic behaviour, and structural and material failure of isolated healing medial collateral ligament autografts were investigated in a rabbit model. The grafts were orthotopically replaced at one of three different loads (too tight, anatomic, or too loose) and were mechanically evaluated after 0, 12, 24, and 48 weeks of healing. Laxity of the ligament was influenced by intraoperative graft tensioning at time zero. However, after 12 weeks of healing, values for laxity were indistinguishable among the experimental groups. Cyclic load relaxation, a measure of viscoelastic behaviour, was significantly influenced by intraoperative graft tensioning, and this effect persisted even after 48 weeks of healing. Grafts placed under excessive tension relaxed one-third less than grafts placed under abnormally low in situ tension. The relevance of these differences remains to be determined. Intraoperative tensioning had no significant influence on characteristics of structural or material failure of the graft during the first year of healing. These results suggest that, in this model, control of graft tension at the time of placement and fixation does not improve the failure characteristics of the medial collateral ligament. The structural strength of the grafts collectively improved to nearly normal values after 48 weeks; however, material recovery was less complete. Failure loads averaged 89% of control values, whereas failure stress averaged only 52% after 48 weeks of healing.
Keywords: female, elasticity, hindlimb, intraoperative care, medial collateral ligament, physiology, transplantation, stress, tibia transplantation, autologous, methods, viscosity, weight-bearing, wound healing.

Kinoshita, A.; Braga, F.J.; Graeff, C.F.; Baffa, O. (2001). ESR dosimetry of 89Sr and 153Sm in bone. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 54 (2): 269-74, ISSN: 0969-8043.
Abstract: The radiation absorbed dose in the rabbit bone delivered by 153Sm-EDTMP (samarium ethylenediaminetetra methylene diphosphonic acid) and 89SRCl2 (strontium chloride) was measured by means of electron spin resonance (ESR). These radioisotopes are used in systemic radiotherapy for palliation of painful bone metastases. The knowledge of the dose is important in order to avoid side effects to the bone marrow. The ESR radiation dose signal was calibrated by the additive dose method using cobalt-60 gamma rays. For 153Sm-EDTMP, the bone doses in three rabbits were (4 +/- 2), (5 +/- 1) and (5 +/- 2) cGy kg/MBq. For 89SrCl2, a dose of (2 +/- 1) cGy kg/MBq was found in one rabbit.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, bone marrow, radiation effects, bone neoplasms, radiotherapy, electron spin resonance, spectroscopy, methods, organometallic compounds, administration and dosage, therapeutic use, organophosphorus compounds, radioisotopes, radiometry, methods, radiopharmaceuticals, samarium, strontium.

Leenaars, P.P.A.M. (1998). Assessment of side effects induced by injection of different adjuvant/antigen combinations in rabbits and mice. Laboratory Animals 32 (4): 387-406. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55 A1L3
Keywords: rabbits, mice, adverse effects, adjuvants.

Marty, M.S.; Neeper-Bradley, T.L.; Neptun, D.A.; Carney, E.W. (1999). Developmental toxicity of diethanolamine applied cutaneously to CD rats and New Zealand White rabbits. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 30 (3): 169-181, ISSN: 0273-2300.
Keywords: laboratory animals, New Zealand White rabbit, CD rat, toxicity, diethanolamine, cutaneous administration, developmental toxicity, skin lesions, reduced food consumption, personal care product, organogenesis.

Minguini, N.; Monteiro de Carvalho, K.M.; Akaishi, P.M.; De Luca, I.M. (2000). Histologic effect of mitomycin C on strabismus surgery in the rabbit. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 41 (11): 3399-401, ISSN: 0146-0404.
Abstract: To evaluate the efficiency of mitomycin C (MMC) in limiting the postoperative inflammatory response and scarring after strabismus surgery. METHODS: A prospective, two-stage, masked, controlled trial was conducted. In the first stage, the inflammatory response at the extraocular muscle reattachment site was increased after inferior rectus recession in eight rabbits. In the second stage, MMC (0.4 mg/ml) was applied during surgery to the eyes of 22 rabbits with inferior rectus recession. As a control, contralateral eyes were treated with saline solution. Seven weeks later, exenteration was performed, and the sites of muscle reattachment were processed for histologic examinations. The sums of the areas of the granulomas in the extraocular muscle reattachment sites of control and treated eyes were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant inhibitory effect of MMC on the inflammatory response of treated eyes compared with that of control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative use of MMC (0.4 mg/ml) was not effective in controlling the postoperative inflammatory response in rabbit eyes after extraocular muscle surgery. These data do not support the hypothesis that MMC reduces postoperative adhesions after strabismus surgery.
Keywords: antimetabolites, therapeutic use, cicatrix, pathology, prevention and control, granuloma, intraoperative care, mitomycin, oculomotor muscles, surgery, postoperative complications.

Moldenhauer, F. (2003). Using in vitro prediction models instead of the rabbit eye irritation test to classify and label new chemicals: A post hoc data analysis of the international EC/HO validation study. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals: ATLA 31 (1): 31-46, ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Keywords: Draize rabbit eye irritation test, international validation study, applied and field techniques, animal testing alternative evaluation, bovine opacity and permeability test, classification error estimation, linear discriminant analysis, mathematical and computer techniques, neutral red uptake test, new chemical evaluation, post hoc data analysis.

Nagasawa, K.; Nakanishi, H.; Yamamoto, R.; Kintsuji, S.; Fujimoto, S. (2002). Decreased bioavailability of carbamazepine suppository after its intrarectal and intracolostomal administration to rectal-resected or colostoma-constructed rabbits. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 241 (2): 375-384, ISSN: 0378-5173.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, colon, rectum, carbamazepine, analgesic drug, bioavailability, suppository, carbamazepine 10,11 epoxide, rectal resection, therapeutic method, palliative care.

Nyce, J.W.; Metzger, W.J. (1997). DNA antisense therapy for asthma in an animal model. Nature 385 (6618): 721-725, ISSN: 0028-0836.
NAL Call Number: 472 N21
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, laboratory animals therapy, asthma, arthropod allergies, house dust mites, allergens, DNA, adenosine, respiratory diseases, nucleotides, allergies.

Ojeda, J.L.; Ventosa, J.A.; Piedra, S. (2001). The three dimensional microanatomy of the rabbit and human cornea. A chemical and mechanical microdissection SEM approach. Journal of Anatomy 199 (5): 567-576, ISSN: 0021-8782.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 J826
Keywords: eye, cornea, cellular and extracellular organization, new 3D aspects, morphologically, stromal neural plexus, comparative anatomy.

Orafidiya, L.O.; Agbani, E.O.; Abereoje, O.A.; Awe, T.; Abudu, A.; Fakoya, F.A. (2003). An investigation into the wound-healing properties of essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. Journal of Wound Care 12 (9): 331-4, ISSN: 0969-0700.
Abstract: To investigate the effects of Ocimum oil and two antibacterial preparations, Cicatrin (GlaxoWellcome) and Cetavlex (AstraZeneca), on the healing of full-thickness excisional and incisional wounds, created under anaesthesia, on the back of test and control groups of adult albino rabbits. METHOD: Treatment was by topical application of the test substances onto the wound surface for 15 days. Observation continued for a further six days. Quantitative parameters of wound healing were determined daily. Swabs were taken from wound sites that appeared not to be healing for identification of wound contaminants and sensitivity tests. RESULTS: There was a marked enhancement in the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound healing in the rabbits treated with Ocimum oil, suggesting that the oil facilitated the healing process to a greater extent than the control and reference products. Wounds treated with Cetavlex showed no sign of healing for eight days but responded to Ocimum oil after a three-day wash-out period. CONCLUSION: The essential oil Ocimum gratissimum can promote wound healing. However, large studies will need to be carried out using domestic pigs, followed by clinical trials on human wounds.
Keywords: laboratory animals, albino rabbits, animal models, wound healing, Bacitracin, Cysteine, Neomycin, plant oils, Nigerio oils, African Traditional, volatile, pharmacology, cutaneous administration.

Osborne, R.; Carr, G.J.; Kohrman, K.A.; Stitzel, K.A. (1999). Examination of the reversibility of corneal opacity using an historical eye irritation database. Journal of Toxicology Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 18 (4): 349-358, ISSN: 0731-3829.
NAL Call Number: RL803.J67
Keywords: laboratory animal, cornea, sensory system, eye, sensory system, eye irritants, Draize eye test, toxicity testing method, low volume eye test, toxicity testing method, nonrinse procedure, laboratory method, rinse procedure, Good Laboratory Practice, regulations, animal welfare, corneal opacity, reversibility, historical eye irritation database, human safety assessments, regulatory classifications, training programs, visual clarity.

Pablo, L.E.; Ramirez, T.; Pueyo, M.; Larrosa, J.M.; Polo, V.; Honrubia, F.M. (1997). Long-term effects of postoperative subconjunctival injections of mitomycin-C in the rabbit eye. European Journal of Ophthalmology 7 (4): 340-4, ISSN: 1120-6721.
Abstract: Single or multiple subconjunctival injections of mitomycin-C (MMC) may offer one way of establishing the total dosage of MMC more accurately. The method also allows re-applications later postoperatively. In this experimental, randomized prospective study we compared the effects of a single intraoperative application of MMC at the filtering site and a single postoperative subconjunctival injection of the drug. METHODS: The left eyes of 32 pigmented rabbits were divided into two groups. In the first group we applied MMC intraoperatively (IO) with a 4 x 1 mm surgical sponge soaked in a MMC solution (0.5 mg/ml). In the second group we injected 0.4 ml of the same solution subconjunctivally (SC) immediately after (conjunctival) suture. Post-operative evaluation was carried out every day during the first week, then every three days until day 58. Survival analyses were done for intraocular pressure (IOP) and bleb failure. Log-rank tests were used to compare survival differences between the groups. RESULTS: The IO group showed longer survival parameters than the SC group (p < 0.05), both in the control of IOP and as regards blebs. The histological persistence of fistulas was similar. The IO group, however, had a higher incidence of undesirable side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest IO application of MMC is more effective in reducing fibroblast ingrowth. However, subconjunctival application offers certain advantages such as the possibility of repeating the treatment postoperatively and, therefore, using a smaller initial dose.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, antibiotics, antineoplastic, administration and dosage, conjunctiva, drug effects, fibroblasts pathology, follow-up studies, injections, intraocular pressure, intraoperative care, iris surgery, mitomycin, administration and dosage, postoperative complications, pathology, prevention and control, sclerostomy.

Park, M.J.; Lee, M.C.; Seong S.C. (2001). A comparative study of the healing of tendon autograft and tendon-bone autograft using patellar tendon in rabbits. International Orthopaedics 25 (1): 35-9, ISSN: 0341-2695.
Abstract: In order to compare the healing of tendon to bone and the healing of bone to bone in a rabbit model, the lateral 4 mm of patellar tendons were detached from their insertion into the tibia either subperiosteally (group I) or with a bone block (group II) and implanted into drill holes in the proximal articular surface of the tibia. The histological and biomechanical features of the graft incorporation were observed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Histological patterns similar to normal tendon-bone attachment were seen at the tendon-bone interface in group I by 12 weeks, while direct bony union was seen in group II by 8 weeks. The maximum tensile load and stiffness were significantly greater in group II at 4 and 8 weeks while the difference between the two groups was not significant at 2 and 12 weeks. These findings show that more rapid incorporation of the graft occurs in group II although no significant difference in biomechanical parameters was noted once healing was complete.
Keywords: bone transplantation, adverse effects, rehabilitation, comparative study, disease models, elasticity osseointegration, patellar ligament transplantation, patellar ligament ultrastructure, postoperative care methods, tensile strength, tibia, surgery, time factors, autologous transplantation, adverse effects, rehabilitation, wound healing.

Potzl, W.; Witt, K.A.; Hackenberg, L.; Heusner, T.; Steinbeck J. (2003). Influence of postoperative immobilization on tendon length after radiofrequency-induced shrinkage. An in vivo rabbit study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 31 (1): 36-40, ISSN: 0363-5465.
Abstract: Despite the widespread use of radiofrequency-induced shrinkage of collagenous tissues, there have been no animal studies on the effects of postoperative immobilization after such treatment. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of postoperative immobilization after radiofrequency energy treatment, with special emphasis on any tissue length increases. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: The right patellar tendon of 60 New Zealand White rabbits was shrunk with a radiofrequency probe. Tendon length was measured intraoperatively before and after shrinkage and via radiographs immediately postoperatively and at 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Twenty rabbits were not immobilized, 20 were immobilized for 3 weeks, and 20 were immobilized for 6 weeks. RESULTS: In the nonimmobilized limbs, the tendon length increased 34.9% at 3 weeks and another 2.5% at 6 weeks, versus 11.2% at 3 weeks and 6.6% at 6 weeks in the immobilized limbs. Ten of the 20 rabbits that were immobilized for 6 weeks were sacrificed at 9 weeks and were found to have a further length increase of 10.8%. At 9 weeks, the tendons of this group were no longer significantly shorter than the tendons from rabbits that had not been immobilized. CONCLUSIONS: Careful postoperative rehabilitation is imperative after radiofrequency-induced shrinkage. Without protection, exposure to normal physiologic loads places the shrunken tissue at risk of stretching out beyond the preshrinkage length. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Shrunken tissue is at risk of stretching out after radiofrequency-induced shrinkage.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, catheter ablation, methods, comparative study immobilization, physiology, patella, surgery, postoperative care methods, risk factors support, tendons, physiology, surgery, time factors.

Prata, J.A., Jr; Minckler, D.S.; Mermoud, A.; Baerveldt, G. (Feb. 1996). Effects of intraoperative mitomycin-C on the function of Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implants in rabbits. Journal of Glaucoma 5 (1): 29-38, ISSN: 1057-0829.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of intraoperative mitomycin-C (MMC) on the function of Baerveldt glaucoma implants in rabbits. METHODS: Bilateral implantations of 200 mm2 Baerveldt drainage devices were performed in 30 normal albino rabbits. One eye, randomly selected, received intraoperative application of MMC at the site of the implant plate for 5 min, via a 6 x 4 x 2 mm cellulose sponge saturated with 0.5 mg/ml of MMC. The opposite eye served as a control. MMC-treated and control eyes (five animals each group) were compared for intraocular pressure (IOP), resistance to flow, flow rates through the implant and histopathological findings at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Resistance to flow and flow rates through the implants were studied after opening the cornea and connecting the drain tube to a micromanometric system. RESULTS: Preoperative IOP did not differ between groups. MMC-treated eyes had lower levels of IOP than did controls at all postoperative times. The differences in IOP were statistically significant up to 8 weeks postoperatively. Resistance to flow was lower in MMC-treated eyes at all times studied, but the differences were statistically significant only at the time points of 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Flow rates through the implant bleb were always higher in MMC-treated eyes, and statistically significant differences were seen at 2, 4, 6, and 24 weeks. Histopathologically, MMC-treated eyes had thinner implant capsules with delayed maturation and less inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSION: MMC causes lower IOP and higher perfusion rates through the implant capsule at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. Wound dehiscence, bleb leaks, and extraocular muscle injury were observed only in MMC-treated eyes.
Keywords: administration, topical animals aqueous humor, secretion comparative study drainage, instrumentation, filtering surgery, glaucoma, pathology glaucoma, physiopathology, glaucoma, surgery, intraocular pressure, drug effects intraoperative care mitomycin, pharmacology, nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors, pharmacology, oculomotor muscles, pathology prostheses and implants, rabbits random allocation sclera, ultrastructure.

Reuter, J.D.; Ovadia, S.; Howell, P.; Jaskwich, D.H. (2002). Femoral fracture repair and postoperative management in New Zealand White rabbits. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 41 (4): 49-52, ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5 A23
Keywords: laboratory mammals, bone fractures, fracture fixation, experimental surgery, case reports, femur, postoperative care, postoperative complications.

Ross, R.G.; Selvasubramanian, S.; Jayasundar, S. (2003). Effect of levamisole upon dexamethasone induced immunosuppression in rabbits. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 73 (1): 58-59, ISSN: 0367-8318.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IN22
Keywords: breed, New Zealand, dexamethasone, immunologic drug, toxicity, levamisole, drug induced immunosuppression, immune system disease, toxicity, cell mediated immunity, humoral immunity, immune response, stress.

Sakai, H.; Fukui, N.; Kawakami, A.; Kurosawa, H. (2000). Biological fixation of the graft within bone after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in rabbits: effects of the duration of postoperative immobilization. Journal of Orthopaedic Science 5 (1): 43-51, ISSN: 0949-2658.
Abstract: To investigate the effects of the duration of postoperative immobilization on the biological fixation of the graft within bone after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; we performed ACL reconstruction in 27 rabbits, which were divided into five groups - no immobilization and 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-week immobilization. All animals were killed 6 weeks postoperatively, and the graft-bone tunnel interface was examined biomechanically and histologically. In the groups with immobilization, in tensile failure tests, most specimens failed through the intraarticular portion of the grafts. There was no significant difference in the maximum load between these groups. In the no-immobilization group, all specimens failed through pulling of the grafts out of the femoral tunnel, with a lower maximum load than in the other groups. Histologically, new bone formation and occasional collagen fiber continuity were observed at the interface; which consisted of a fibrous tissue. In the no-immobilization group, the graft was partly separated from the fibrous tissue covering the bony wall. It is concluded that no immobilization delays the biological fixation process in the bone tunnel after ACL reconstruction, and that a certain period of immobilization is necessary for the fixation to proceed smoothly.
Keywords: animal model, rabbit, anterior cruciate ligament, pathology, physiology, transplantation, biomechanics femur, physiology, surgery, immobilization, male postoperative care, rabbits, tibia, pathology, wound healing.

Scherer, R.U. (1995). Short-time rabbit model of endotoxin-induced hypercoagulability. Laboratory Animal Science 45 (5): 538-546, ISSN: 0023-6764.
NAL Call Number: 410.9 P94
Keywords: animal models, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemostasis.

Schneider, D.J.; Moulton, M.J.; Singapuri, K.; Chinchilli, V.; Deol, G.S.; Krenitsky, G.; Pellegrini, V.D. Jr. (1998). The Frank Stinchfield Award. Inhibition of heterotopic ossification with radiation therapy in an animal model. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 355: 35-46, ISSN: 0009-921X.
Abstract: An animal model for the study of heterotopic ossification was developed and the effects of perioperative radiation were analyzed. In Phase I, New Zealand White rabbits (n = 18) underwent surgery either with or without muscle injury on each hip to establish the most reliable model in which to study heterotopic ossification. In Phase II, rabbits (n = 36) underwent either 400, 800, or 1200 cGy radiation to one hip 24 hours after bilateral hip surgery to establish a dose response relationship for postoperative radiation therapy. In Phase III, rabbits (n = 24) underwent preoperative radiation therapy (800 cGy) at 4, 16, or 24 hours preoperatively to investigate the mechanism of action and efficacy of preoperative radiation therapy. Monthly radiographs were graded by blinded observers for severity of heterotopic ossification. Mean grade, intraobserver and interobserver variability, and statistical significance were evaluated. In Phase II, 17 of 18 rabbits generated heterotopic ossification in both hips, and the mean grade of heterotopic ossification was always greater on the operative side with intentional muscle injury. Variability in the grading was considered excellent. Phase II revealed that 800 cGy was the minimal effective dose. Contrary to hypothesis, Phase III revealed an increasing grade of heterotopic ossification coinciding with a decreasing preoperative time interval, with the difference in heterotopic ossification grade with 24-hour versus 4-hour preoperative radiation being significant. The rabbit model is reliable and reproducible and closely resembles the human clinical situation after hip surgery. Preoperative and postoperative radiation effectively prevented heterotopic ossification formation. The results support the use of preoperative radiation and establish a need for additional investigation regarding the mechanism of action and timing of preoperative radiation therapy.
Keywords: animal model, disease model, rabbit, arthroplasty, hip replacement, adverse effects, methods, radiation, dose-response relationship, ossification, heterotopic, etiology, prevention and control, perioperative care, severity of illness index, single-blind method.

Schwartz, D.M.; Jethmalani, J.M.; Sandstedt, C.A.; Kornfield, J.A.; Grubbs, R.H. (2001). Post, implantation adjustable intraocular lenses. Ophthalmology Clinics of North America 14 (2): 339-45, ISSN: 0896-1549.
Abstract: To eliminate persistent refractive errors after cataract and phakic IOL surgery, photosensitive silicone IOLs have been developed. These IOL formulations enable precise laser adjustment of IOL power to correct spherical and toric errors post-operatively, after wound and IOL stabilization. Initial experience with these laser adjustable IOLs indicate excellent biocompatability and adjustability of more than five diopters.
Keywords: human, animal model, rabbit, lens implantation, intraocular methods, postoperative care, methods, prosthesis design, refractive errors, surgery.

Shimada, K.; Yoshida, K.; Tadokoro, H.; Kitsukawa, S.; Takami, A.; Suzuki, K.; Tanada, S., Masuda, Y. (1998). High-resolution cardiac PET in rabbits: imaging and quantitation of myocardial blood flow. Journal of Nuclear Medicine 39 (12): 2022-7, ISSN: 0161-5505.
NAL Call Number: RM845.J78
Abstract: A high-resolution PET system for small animals was tested for its applicability to the investigation of regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) in rabbits. METHODS: Nineteen measurements were performed in 10 closed-chest anesthetized rabbits at baseline and during infusions of adenosine (0.2 mg/kg/min) and propranolol (0.20-1.20 mg slow infusion) to obtain a wide range of MBF. Myocardial blood flow was assessed both by dynamic 13N-ammonia PET and by colored microspheres. Blood was withdrawn directly from the femoral artery, and arterial 13N activity was measured by coincidence type gamma detection system for the input function. Nitrogen-13 myocardial uptake was calculated by dividing the myocardial 13N activity by the integral value of the input function. RESULTS: Three or four contiguous cross-sectional myocardial images were obtained after 13N-ammonia injection. The left ventricular wall and cardiac cavity were clearly visualized. Moreover, initial passage of the tracer through the heart was obtained with serial 10-sec PET images. Nitrogen-13 myocardial uptake correlated well with flow measured with microspheres (r = 0.88). CONCLUSION: Our cardiac PET system can be used for in vivo imaging and quantitation of MBF in small animals and may play an important role in the future study of animal models of cardiovascular diseases.
Keywords: animal models, rabbits, male, adenosine, propranolol, ammonia, pharmacology, diagnostic use, heart, physiology, myocardium, metabolism, nitrogen radioisotopes, tomography.

Simunovic, Z.; Ivankovich, A.D.; Depolo, A. (2000). Wound healing of animal and human body sport and traffic accident injuries using low-level laser therapy treatment: a randomized clinical study of seventy-four patients with control group. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery 18 (2): 67-73, ISSN: 1044-5471.
Abstract: The main objective of current animal and clinical studies was to assess the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing in rabbits and humans. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the initial part of our research we conducted a randomized controlled animal study, where we evaluated the effects of laser irradiation on the healing of surgical wounds on rabbits. The manner of the application of LLLT on the human body are analogous to those of similar physiologic structure in animal tissue, therefore, this study was continued on humans. Clinical study was performed on 74 patients with injuries to the following anatomic locations: ankle and knee, bilaterally, Achilles tendon; epicondylus; shoulder; wrist; interphalangeal joints of hands, unilaterally. All patients had had surgical procedure prior to LLLT. Two types of laser devices were used: infrared diode laser (GaAlAs) 830 nm continuous wave for treatment of trigger points (TPs) and HeNe 632.8 nm combined with diode laser 904-nm pulsed wave for scanning procedure. Both were applied as monotherapy during current clinical study. The results were observed and measured according to the following clinical parameters: redness, heat, pain, swelling and loss of function, and finally postponed to statistical analysis via chi2 test. RESULTS: After comparing the healing process between two groups of patients, we obtained the following results: wound healing was significantly accelerated (25%-35%) in the group of patients treated with LLLT. Pain relief and functional recovery of patients treated with LLLT were significantly improved comparing to untreated patients. CONCLUSION: In addition to accelerated wound healing, the main advantages of LLLT for postoperative sport and traffic related injuries include prevention of side effects of drugs, significantly accelerated functional recovery, earlier return to work, training and sport competition compared to the control group of patients, and cost benefit.
Keywords: accidents, traffic, human, animal model, rabbit, athletic injuries, radiotherapy, disease models, laser therapy, low-level, postoperative care,wound healing, radiation effects, radiotherapy.

Sitges-Serra, A.; Hernandez, R.; Maestro, S.; Fernandez, N.; Girvent, M.; Sancho, J.J. (2001). Influence of parenteral nutrition on postoperative recovery in an experimental model of peritonitis. Clinical Nutrition 20 (5): 439-43, ISSN: 0261-5614.
NAL Call Number: RM216.M342
Abstract: There seems to be no clear-cut indications for routine TPN support after major elective surgery. The present study was designed to investigate whether TPN could improve the results of standard surgical care for acute peritonitis (laparotomy plus antibiotics). ANIMALS AND METHODS: Peritonitis was induced in 48 New Zealand rabbits (day -2). On day 0, appendectomy and peritoneal lavage were performed, ceftriaxone (250 mg, i.m./24 h.) was started and animals were randomly assigned to receive regular fluids (RF), glucose-based TPN (G-TPN) or isocaloric fat-based TPN (F-TPN) for 6 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Balance studies (days 1-3), s-albumin, thyroid hormones and urinary catecholamines were determined at various points of the experiment. At postmortem, wound infection, residual intra-abdominal infection and laparotomy wound breaking strength were recorded. RESULTS: Peritonitis produced a fall in weight, s-albumin and T3. At day 6, weight-loss was more pronounced in RF than in G-TPN or F-TPN (-7 vs 1.5 vs -1.2%;P=0.0001) but s-albumin and T3 concentrations were similar. Diuresis (377 vs 268 vs 269 mL/3 days; P=0.01) was higher and water balance lower (373 vs 511 vs 480 mL/3 days; P=0.01) in Group RF. Although the differences were not statistically significant (P<0.2), persistent infection and wound breaking strength were slightly worse in the pooled TPN groups compared with the RF group (19 vs 6% and 542 vs 701 g, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: TPN failed to improve relevant biochemical markers and clinical outcome after laparotomy for peritonitis.
Keywords: acute disease, appendectomy, animal models, disease, liver function tests, nutritional status, total parenteral nutrition, adverse effects, peritonitis, chemically induced, mortality, therapy, postoperative care, postoperative complications, prevention and control, random allocation, serum albumin analysis, thyroid hormones, blood, treatment outcome, wound healing.

Tichias, K. (1998). Progress in toxicological testing: reduction and refinement issues. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals: ATLA 26 (5): 619-627.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Keywords: passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, screening, guinea pigs.

Unur, E. (2002). Morphological investigation of carotid body and its arteries in rabbits. Anatomia Histologia Embryologia 31 (5): 266-268, ISSN: 0340-2096.
NAL Call Number: SF761.Z4
Keywords: Oryctolagus cuniculus, morphology, chemoreception, carotid body, arteries, carotid artery, anatomy, sensory reception, circulatory system, blood vessels.

Upman, P.J.; Anderson, J.; Tasse, L. (2003). An analysis of ISO intracutaneous reactivity test results to justify a reduction in animal requirements. Lab Animal 32 (3): 26-7, ISSN: 0093-7355.
NAL Call Number: QL55 A1L33
Abstract: The ISO intracutaneous reactivity test is the standard protocol for determining a medical device’s potential for causing irritation. The authors present data indicating that the number of animals required per test can be reduced from three rabbits to two.
Keywords: welfare, drug evaluation, preclinical, intradermal injections, international cooperation, intradermal tests, irritants, administration and dosage, toxicity, skin, drug effects.

Worth, A.P.; Cronin, M.T.D. (2000). Structure-permeability relationships for transcorneal penetration. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals: ATLA 28 (3): 403-413, ISSN: 0261-1929.
NAL Call Number: Z7994.L3A5
Keywords: laboratory animals, rabbits, cornea, penetration, animal welfare, drug development.

Xu, Y.; Yang, G.H.; Jin, W.M.; Chen, K.Q.; Li, J.X. (1997). Effect of topical aclacinomycin on glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics: the Official Journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 13 (6): 507-15, ISSN: 1080-7683.
Abstract: A prospective, randomized, double-masked and placebo-controlled study was performed to compare the effects of a single 5-minute intraoperative exposure to aclacinomycin (AMC) 0.4 mg/ml or 0.8 mg/ml with control eyes treated with saline solution on the success of glaucoma filtration surgery in 26 rabbits. Intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb survival, fistula patency and complications were evaluated. The results showed that IOP in the eyes treated with AMC was significantly lower than that in the control eyes from days 5-40 in the 0.4 mg/ml group and from days 5-20 in the 0.8 mg/ml group. The bleb survival lasted significantly longer in the two treated groups than in the control group and in the AMC 0.4 mg/ml group than in the AMC 0.8 mg/ml group. At 40 days, the rate of sclera fistula occlusion was 0% in the AMC 0.4 mg/ml eyes, 43.8% in the AMC 0.8 mg/ml eyes, and 100% in the control eyes. Significant complications, such as anterior chamber inflammation, hyphema, moderate and severe corneal haze, dense corneal neovascularization and mild cataract occurred only in the eyes treated with AMC 0.8 mg/ml. The results indicated that intraocular treatment with AMC at a dose of 0.4 mg/ml had a markedly beneficial effect on IOP, bleb appearance and fistula patency after experimental filtration surgery in rabbits.
Keywords: comparative study, aclarubicin, analogs and derivatives, therapeutic use, drug effects, pathology, filtering surgery, glaucoma surgery, intraocular pressure, intraoperative care, antibiotics, antineoplastic.

Yamasaki, M. (1996). Comparative anatomical studies on the thyroid and thymic arteries. 4. Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Journal of Anatomy 188 (3): 557-564, ISSN: 0021-8782.
NAL Call Number: 447.8 J826
Keywords: thyroid and thymic arteries anatomy, comparative study, thymus gland, thymic arteries, morphological variation.

Yanabe, M.; Shibuya, M.; Gonda, T.; Asai, H.; Tanaka, T.; Narita, T.; Sudo, K.; Itoh, K. (1999). Establishment of specific pathogen-free rabbit colonies with limited-flora rabbits associated with conventional rabbit flora, and monitoring of their cecal flora. Experimental Animals 48 (2): 101-106, ISSN: 1341-1357.
NAL Call Number: QL55.J55.
Keywords: laboratory animals, specific pathogen free, cecal flora, fertility, rabbit colony establishment, weaning rates.

Yanabe, M.; Shibuya, M.; Gonda, T.; Asai, H.; Tanaka, T.; Narita, T.; Sudo, K.; Matsui, T.; Itoh, K. (1999). Production of ex-germfree rabbits for establishment of specific pathogen-free (SPF) colonies. Experimental Animals 48 (2): 79-86, ISSN: 1341-1357.
NAL Call Number: QL55.J55
Keywords: diarrhea, cecal flora, mortality, specific pathogen-free, colony establishment.

Yuan, C.; Zhao, X.Q.; Hatsukami, T.S. (2002). Quantitative evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques by magnetic resonance imaging. Current Atherosclerosis Reports 4 (5): 351-7, ISSN: 1523-3804.
Abstract: In order to study human atherosclerotic plaque burden and composition in vivo, an imaging technique is needed that can directly measure volume and characterize the cross-sectional morphologic components of the atherosclerotic arterial wall. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is noninvasive and nonirradiative, has been described as one promising modality to achieve these purposes. MRI allows direct visualization of the diseased vessel wall and is capable of characterizing the morphology of individual atherosclerotic carotid plaques.
Keywords: review, animal model, disease, rabbits, arteriosclerosis, diagnosis, carotid stenosis, pathology, radiography, surgery, endarterectomy, methods, magnetic resonance angiography, contrast media, postoperative period, preoperative care, severity of illness index.

Yucel, I.; Bagci, G.; Duranoglu, Y.; Ozturk, A.; Aksu, G.; Luleci, G. (1999). The effect of hydroxyurea on rabbit subconjunctival fibroblast culture and use of hydroxyurea in rabbits after glaucoma filtration surgery. Ophthalmologica 213 (5) :311-9, ISSN: 0030-3755.
Abstract: In an in vitro study, rabbit subconjunctival fibroblasts were cultured and the effects of an antineoplastic drug, hydroxyurea (HU), on fibroblast proliferation and fibroblast attachment was investigated. The effects of HU were compared with those of mitomycin C (MMC). Different concentrations of HU and MMC were added to culture medium. The HU doses which led to 50% of inhibition (ID(50)) and the dose which led to about 90% of inhibition (subtoxic high dose, STHD) were determined to be 8 and 1,000 microg/ml, respectively. ID(50) of MMC and its STHD which led to about 100% inhibition were found to be 0.01 and 1 microg/ml, respectively. Reversibility studies revealed that inhibition disappeared depending on the dose and incubation period of both HU and MMC. In an in vivo study, glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) was performed in rabbits which were treated with HU (treatment group) and distilled water (control group). Tissue samples were taken from the subconjunctival area treated at 1 h, 1 day, 5 days and 30 days postoperatively. The biopsy specimens were then placed in tissue culture media. Fibroblast outgrowth rates detected in the HU group were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group in the specimens taken at the end of the first hour. The difference was significant on culture days 9-15 in the biopsy specimens taken on day 1 while it was not significant in those taken on days 5 and 30.
Keywords: in vitro, in vivo, rabbits, animals cell adhesion, drug effects, dose response relationship, cultured cells, conjunctiva, cytology, fibroblasts, filtering surgery, glaucoma, surgery, hydroxyurea, mitomycin, administration and dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use, nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors, postoperative care.

Zhang, X.; Peng, D.; Zheng, H.; Liang, M.(1997). Lack of corneal toxicity of interferon Alpha-2b administered subconjunctivally after sclerectomy. Yan Ke Xue Bao 13 (1): 35-7, ISSN: 1000-4432.
Abstract: To evaluate the corneal toxicity of subconjunctival injection interferon alpha-2b at filtering bleb after sclerectomy in white rabbits. METHODS: Eight rabbits which had been performed sclerectomy were randomly divided into two groups. Each group consisted of four rabbits. Eight eyes in group 1 were subconjunctivally received interferon alpha-2b 5 x 10(5) IU/0.2 ml into filtering bleb from the edge of the filtering site immediately after operation and every postoperative day. The other eight eyes in group 2 were injected with 0.2 ml normal saline. All of the eyes underwent daily examination by slip-lamp microscopy and direct ophthalmoloscopy. Sodium fluorescein was used to assess corneal epithelial integrity. On day 3, 4, 7 and 14, every two rabbits (group 1 and 2 each, respectively) were killed and removed cornea immediately to take examination of the viability of corneal endothelium by dual staining with typan blue and alizanin red S. RESULTS: No sign of toxicity in corneal epithelium and endothelium were found following continuously injection interferon alpha-2b at filtering bleb 3-14 days totally for selected doses. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctivally administered interferon alpha-2b at filtering bleb after glaucoma filtering surgery may be a safe drug-applied method.
Keywords: endothelium, corneal drug effects, epithelium, filtering surgery, interferon alfa-2b, administration and dosage, toxicity, postoperative care, sclera surgery.


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