Effects of cage type and gnawing blocks on weight gain, organ weights and open-field behaviour in wistar rats

Two separate experiments were conducted to study the environmental enrichment value of aspen gnawing blocks in solid bottom cages with bedding '(SBC) and in grid floor cages without bedding (GFC), and the effects of housing environments on the physiology and behaviour of male outbred Wistar rats (n=90). Animals were housed in groups of 3 from weaning until the age of 8-12 weeks. The behaviour of animals in the first experiment was tested in five minute open-field tests at the age of 8 and 12 weeks. Rats gnawed blocks about four times more in GFCs than in SBCs (p<0.01). In the first experiment, animals housed in GFCs had heavier adrenal glands (p<0.001) but lower serum corticosterone concentrations (p<0.01) and their weight gain was greater than animals housed in SBCS (p<0.000). The presence of blocks in cages decreased the weight gain in both cage types (p<0 001) In the first open-field test, the animals without blocks in both cage types decreased their activity in the central area during the last 2.5 min of the test (p<0.01). The similar effect of blocks was also seen in animals later transferred into GFCs (p<0.05). These rats without blocks were also less active in the periphery (p<0.01) and had more standing alert behaviour (p<0.01) than animals with gnawing blocks. In both open-field tests, rats housed in SBCs showed more grooming behaviour than animals in GFCs (p<0.05). In the second experiment. animals in GFCs had again enlarged adrenals (p<0.05) and their brown adipose tissue weights were slightly increased (p<0.05) Altogether, SBC as a living environment resulted in lighter animals with smaller adrenals. but higher serum eortieosterone concentrations. In the openfield, blocks seemed to result in more active and less timid animals and antagonize the effects of housing in GFCs. Aspen gnawing blocks can be recommended as enrichment objects especially in GFCs

Evaluation of quality systems for animal units: report of the Scand-LAS working group

No abstract availabl

Project evaluation in animal research – Possibilities for Harmonization in Nordic Countries

This paper is a report of discussion between responsible persons throughout the Nordic region on the activities, issues and problems encountered with evaluating project applications for experimental work involving the use of animals. Harmonization of the actions of responsible authorities in the evaluation of animal experimental projects is encouraged by policy makers at the European level, and the possibilities to encourage this are discussed. While the process of evaluation and the composition of the committees are broadly similar across the region there are differences. Applications are often made with insufficient attention, better guidance and simplification may improve this. Training was identified as a common problem, and training sources are available which could be used. The inclusion of persons with experimental design and statistical expertise is recommended.   It is concluded that it would be to the benefit of each committee if there were communication between the committees in the Nordic states, to share best practice and flag common errors and problems

IJOMEH 2007;20(2) CONTROLLING OCCUPATIONAL ALLERGIES IN THE WORKPLACE

Abstract Objectives: In recent years, the prevalence of work-related asthma has increased. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to occupational allergens and their avoidance and control in workplaces. However, risk assessment of occupational allergen exposure is diffi cult because the relationship between exposure concentration, sensitization, and symptoms has not been fully established. This paper introduces a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessing and managing allergen risks at workplaces. Materials and Methods: This approach relies on the cooperation and active communication during the whole process between management, employees, and health care personnel, with the assistance of experts when needed. In addition to gathering background information, including allergic symptoms, through questionnaires addressed to the management and employees, hazard identifi cation is also processed in the workplace through observations and measurements. The methods generally recommended to reduce allergen exposure are compared with those used in the workplace. The process is to be carefully planned and documented to allow later follow-up and re-evaluation. Results: The multi-faceted approach encompasses several risk assessment techniques, and reveals the prevalence of work-related allergic symptoms. The process effectively focuses on the potential means for controlling allergen exposure. Conclusion: Based on this approach, the synopsis on the critical points that require implementation of effective control measures can be presented