Development of a canine model to enable the preclinical assessment of pH-dependent absorption of test compounds.

A preclinical canine model capable of predicting a compound's potential for pH-dependent absorption in humans was developed. This involved the surgical insertion of a gastrostomy feeding tube into the stomach of a beagle dog. The tube was sutured in position to allow frequent withdrawal of gastric fluid for pH measurement.

Medical records for animals used in research, teaching, and testing: public statement from the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.

Medical records are considered to be a key element of a program of adequate veterinary care for animals used in research, teaching, and testing. However, prior to the release of the public statement on medical records by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), the guidance that was available on the form and content of medical records used for the research setting was not consistent and, in some cases, was considered to be too rigid. To address this concern, ACLAM convened an ad hoc Medical Records Committee and charged the Committee with the task of developing a medical record guideline that was based on both professional judgment and performance standards.

The effect of chronic binge ethanol consumption on the primary stage of SIV infection in rhesus macaques.

Background: Alcohol abuse and infection with HIV individually compromise immune function, but the consequence of both conditions together is poorly understood owing to the difficulties of performing appropriate studies in human subjects. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of rhesus macaques is considered to closely model HIV disease in that the virus infects CD4+ cells and this infection leads to a similar AIDS state. This study was initiated to study the combined effects of chronic binge alcohol consumption on the primary stage of SIV infection.

A method of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for collection of thymic biopsies in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

To support an infectious disease study, we developed a surgical procedure to collect serial thymic biopsies in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). In many instances in which thymic tissue is required from living animals, open surgical approaches (thoracotomies) are used, which result in greater postoperative pain and longer recovery periods than those associated with thoracoscopic procedures. Our intent was to develop a surgical procedure that allowed serial biopsy of the thymus with minimal surgical morbidity.

Cerebrospinal fluid retrieval in the conscious dog: a methods development study.

A chronic cerebrospinal fluid access system is described for use in the conscious sling-restrained dog. In a pilot study of ten dogs, a fenestrated barium-impregnated silastic catheter was surgically implanted in the subarachnoid space of the second cervical vertebra through a dorsal laminectomy. This fenestrated catheter was coupled to a subcutaneous access port.