Dysregulated inflammatory response to Candida albicans in a C5-deficient mouse strain.

Experimental infection of inbred mouse strains with Candida albicans provides a good model system to identify host genetic determinants that regulate onset of, response to, and ultimate outcome of disseminated candidiasis. The A/J mouse strain is exquisitely sensitive to infection with C. albicans, while the C57BL/6J strain is relatively resistant, as measured by survival following intravenous injection of Candida blastospores.

The Influence of Euthanasia Methods on Rat Liver Metabolism.

An important consideration in any terminal experiment is the method for euthanizing animals. Although the prime consideration is that the method is humane, some methods can have a dramatic impact on experimental outcomes. To determine the optimal method of euthanasia in metabolic experiments, a physical method (decapitation), two asphyxiation methods (CO2 and O2/CO2), and anesthetic (isoflurane) exposure followed by exsanguination were compared for their effects on liver metabolism.