Abstract:Objective To understand the genetic background of the specific pathogen-free Yorkshire and Landrace pigs, imported from Canada by Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Methods The population genetics were investigated by using 19 pairs of microsatellite primers. Results In the Yorkshire pigs and Landrace pigs, 84 and 89 alleles, respectively, were detected at 19 microsatellites loci. The average polymorphic information content and mean heterozygosity in the Yorkshire pigs were 0.5271 and 0.5877, and in the Landrace population were 0.5652 and 0.6066, respectively. Because of the significant (P <0.01) differences of alleles in different loci such as S0155,S0143,S0178,Sw857 and Sw936, it made them possible to be used to identify Yorkshire and Landrace pigs' breed. F-statistics showed that the differentiation within the population was small and genetic structure was stable. Conclusions Compare with the domestic pedigree large White and Landrace pigs, the SPF pedigree pigs imported from Canada are more stable in genetic structure, and can be used as laboratory animal models in animal science research.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of down-regulation of Beclin 1, which is an autophagy regulatory molecule, expression induced by RNA interference on the proliferation and apoptosis in skin fibroblasts of naked mole rat. Methods The expression levels of Beclin 1 were detected after starvation or H₂O₂treatment. The fibroblasts were transiently transfected with specific siRNA targeting Beclin 1 and then screened by real-time PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using CCK-8 detection kit and flow cytometry (FCM). The expressions of related genes were detected by Western blot. Results The expression of Beclin 1gene at mRNA and protein levels was significantly lower in fibroblasts of the naked mole rat. Starvation and H₂O₂treatment induced changes of the Beclin 1 expression. Inhibition of Beclin 1 gene expression can inhibit cell proliferation and induce early and late apoptosis. The protein levels of p53, BAX, Bcl2, LC3B, p-AKT and mTOR were reduced after transient transfection with Beclin 1-siRNA. Conclusions The expression of Beclin 1 in fibroblasts of naked mole rat are changed in response to starvation or H₂O₂ stimulation. Inhibition of Beclin 1 gene expression can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Therefore, Beclin1 gene may play a regulatory role in autophagy, proliferation and apoptosis in the skin fibroblasts of naked mole rat.

Abstract:Objective To establish an osteoporosis model in tree shrews by bilateral ovariectomy. Methods One hundred healthy 6-24 month old female tree shrews were used in this study. The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in the model tree shrews was assessed according to the Interpretation of the Clinical Practice Guideines for Primary Osteoporosis 2011 released by the Chinese Medical Association of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Salt Disease Branch.① According to the human natural life span, sexual maturation time and peak bone mineral density (PBMD) and the tree shrew natural life span and sexual maturation time, we estimated the PBMD of tree shrew in the age of months. Six 6-, 12-, 18-and 24-month old tree shrews in each group were randomly taken for measurement of BMD, and compared the differences between groups to verify the PBMD age of tree shrews. ② We chose 626-month old tree shrews from the rest of tree shrews to measure their BMD to determine the mean and standard deviation of BMD. Then we divided them into study group (n=32) and control group (n=30). Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in the study group, while omentectomy was done in the control group. BMD was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12 months after the surgery, 6 animals from each group. The animals which met the criteria of guideline were taken for pathological examination. Results ①The PBMD of 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-month old tree shrews was 0.138±0.012, 0.143±0.010, 0.141±0.009, and 0.139±0.009) g/cm², respectively, showing no significant differences among them (P>0.05). ②The mean PBMD of the tree shrews was 0.143±0.016 g/cm². ③ In the model groups, the number of tree shrews whose BMD met the criteria of guideline was 0, 5, 4, 5, respectively. The pathological examination of the proximal tibia from the model group showed sparse and some disrupted trabeculae and enlarged inter-trabecular space. In the control group, the tibia tissues showed normal histology of bone structure and no one tree shrew showed a BMD value which met the criteria of diagnosis of osteoporosis. Conclusions An osteoporosis model in tree shrews can be established at 6 months after bilateral ovariectomy, showing similar manifestation of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The success rate of this modeling method is high and the model is stable.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of ambient temperature on body mass, thermogenic activity and uncoupling protein-1(UCP1) content of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri), and to provide theoretical basis for establishing tree shrews model of obesity. Methods Forty healthy adult tree shrews with similar body mass were uesd in our experiment. The tree shrews were divided into five groups (n=8):control group (0 d), the animals were maintained under 25±1℃ and 12L:12D (light:dark, lights on 08:00) photoperiod; and the animals were maintained under 5±1℃ and 12L:12D photoperiod for 7 d, 14 d, 21 d and 28 d groups, respectively. At the end of experiment, the changes of body mass, nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), BAT mass and uncoupling protein 1(UCP1) content were determined. Results Compared with the control group (0 d), the body mass, NST, BAT mass and UCP1 content of the cold acclimation groups were improved significantly, the BAT color also obviously deepened, and after cold acclimation for 28 d, the body mass, NST, BAT mass and UCP1 content were increased by 26.32%, 20.65, 53.85% and 43%, respectively. Apparently, the UCP1 content was significantly positively correlated with BAT mass and NST. Conclusions BAT proliferation may be induced and UCP1 expression upregulated by cold acclimation in Tupaia belangeri, therefore, enhancing the thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue to increase energy expenditure. We would speculate that BAT might be used as a target organ for treatment of obesity by energetic approach in the future.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the positive and suspicious rates of BV, SRV, SIV and STLV-1 antibody of the cynomolgus monkeys introduced from Laos, dynamic monitoring of virus antibody during the establishment of SPF cynomolgus monkey population, and then comparing the positive rate of virus antibody in the baby monkeys between the common with SPF populations. Methods Continuous monitoring four kinds of virus in the monkeys was carried out using special reagent kits and analyzed the data. Results In the introduced cynomolgus monkeys (n=1998), the positive rate of BV antibody was 52.35%, suspicious rate of BV antibody was 8.31%, and negative rate of BV antibody was only 39.34%, the positive rates of SRV and STLV-1 antibody were 7.45% and 8.56%, respectively, and positive or suspicious SIV antibody in the cynomolgus monkeys was not detected. After screening and establishment of the SPF population, the positive rates of BV, SRV and STLV-1 antibody were 5.24%, 1.01% and 0.4%, respectively, in the year 2010. Then after five years of screening and elimination, by the end of 2014, the positive rates of BV, SRV and STLV-1 antibodies were 0.82%, 0.27% and 0.27%, respectively, and positive or suspicious SIV antibody in the cynomolgus monkeys was not detected. The BV antibody positive rate of the baby monkeys was 9.71% and the suspicious rate was 1.85% in the common population, but only 0.22% of the baby monkeys in the SPF population. Conclusions Continuous monitoring virus antibodies and eliminating positive and suspicious animals have important significance in the establishment of a SPF cynomolgus monkey population.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of low frequency electrical stimulation on hormone levels in organs of Chinese tree shrews after death. Methods Giving Chinese tree shrews low frequency electrical stimulation.At 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, 36 h and 72 h after death, the thyroid, liver, spleen were taken,and the levels of endothelin (ET), atrial natriuretic factor(ANF), thromboxane (TX) were determined by RIA method.At 0 h after death, midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) of Chinese tree shrews was taken to detect the c-fos expression. Results After electrical stimulation, ET, ANF, TX levels in the cadaver organs and VTA c-fos expression of Chinese tree shrews were significantly increased than in the control group. The contents were decreasing with the time after death. Conclusions Low frequency electrical stimulation can induce the synthesis and release of hormones in organs and c-fos expression in brain tissue of Chinese tree shrews.

Abstract:Objective To explore the normal range of serum uric acid in quails. Method The data were collected from male and female quails of different strains in 11 experiments, and analyzed by the way of medical reference value. Result The mean value of serum uric acid of male Difake strain quails was (221.06±79.59)μmol/L,and the normal range was (87.32 to 382.34)μmol/L. The mean value of serum uric acid of female Difake strain quails was (189.85±68.58)μmol/L,and the normal range was (72.72 to 369.73)μmol/L. The mean value of serum uric acid of male Longcheng strain quails was (217.22±72.91)μmol/L,and the normal range was (82.92 to 360.24)μmol/L. The mean value of serum uric acid of female Longcheng strain quails was (197.27±66.84)μmol/L,and the normal range was (95.36 to 348.73)μmol/L. The serum uric acid value of female quails was significantly lower than that of male quails. There was no significant difference in the value of serum uric acid between female and male quails from each day-age groups. Conclusions This study has established the normal ranges for serum uric acid in quails of different strains and genders.

Abstract:Objective To establish a diabetic rat model of hindlimb ischemia, and provide a test method for diabetic limb ischemia and diabetic foot study. Methods Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into three groups:the model group and control group (n=10), and sham operated group (n=5). The rats of model group were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg), with the blood glucose level over 16.8 mmol/L, while the rats of control group were injected with normal saline. All the rats had the left femoral artery and its branches ligated, and then Doppler scan blood flow analysis was performed for the two hind limbs after operation at different time points. In the meantime, the changes of body weight and blood glucose were observed. The animals were sacrificed at 21days after operation. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastrocnemius and femoral arteries. Capillary density and intima hyperplasia were examined using immunostaining for CD31 and a-SMA. Results Blood glucose of the model group rats was significantly increased as well as the quantity of urine and feces,and associated with weight loss, which were maintained for more than 21 days. The blood flow of control rats was markedly decreased immediatly after operation, reached to the lowest point after surgery, and recovered from 7-14 days after operation. In contrast to the control group, the model group showed a marked reduction in blood flow in the ischemic hind limb. Pathological examination revealed remarkable vascular atrophy and a significantly reduced number of vessels per high power field in the gastrocnemius muscle of model group rats with respect to the control group, and the femoral arteries of model rats were more narrowed than that of the control rats. Conclusions In this study, an effective, convenient diabetic rat model of hindlimb ischemia is successfully established which will facilitate the studies of drug intervention for diabetic limb ischemia and diabetic foot in the future.

Abstract:Objective To establish a high throughput general multiple competitive polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) detecting method of copy number variations (CNVs) for the population of chromosome 1 substitution strains from wild mice. Method The selected 14 loci, including 11 CNVs on chromosome 1 and internal control loci on other three chromosmes (Chr 7, Chr 19 and Chr X), were detected based on the universal fluorescent primer multiple competitive polymerase chain reaction. All specific cloned plasmids were constructed as competitors. Results Altogether 11 CNVs were designed in one panel, and the copy of Chr X accurately reflects the gender. Conclusions A rapid and high-throughput fluorescent multiplex cPCR assay is established which can be used for detection of copy number variations on chromosome 1 in mice.

Abstract:Objective To establish a stable transfection cell line of iRhom2 and its mutant through recombinant lentivirus infection. Methods The full-length gene of iRhom2 and its mutant were cloned into the lentivirus vector Lenti-OE-Flag, and got recombinant lentiviral vector of Lenti-OE-iRhom2 and Lenti-OE-iRhom2mut. The constructed recombinant lentivirus vectors were transfected into HEK-293T packaging cells to obtain the recombinant virus. Vero cells were infected with recombinant virus. The stable expressing cell lines were obtained by pressure screening with puromycin. Results The recombinant lentivirus vectors were constructed and the recombinant virus was obtained. The stable expressing cell lines were obtained using virus infection and the protein expression was testified with Western blotting. Conclusions Stable iRhom2-expressing Vero cell line and its mutant are achieved by recombinant lentivirus infection. It paves the way for future study on biological functions and mechanism of iRhom2.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the proper dose of propofol injected intraperitoneally (i.p.)in neonatal rats and to study the regional distribution of propofol at different doses in the neonatal brain. Methods Part I:Sixty postnatal 7-day-old rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, which received different doses of propofol injected i.p.The behavior, anesthetic intervals and arterial blood gas were recorded. Part Ⅱ:Twenty neonatal rats were randomly divided into 2 groups:anesthesia group (group A) and sedation group (group S), and were injected propofol i.p. at the proper dose according to the results of Part I. Rats were decapitated when they reached the ideal anesthesia depth. The regional concentration of propofol in different regions of the brain was examined by high performance liquid chromatography. Results 25 mg/kg propofol i.p. was the sedate dose for neonatal rats, while 75 mg/kg i.p. was the anesthetic dose. In the group S, the concentration of propofol in the thalamus was significantly higher than in other regions (P<0.05), while in the group A, the concentrations of propofol in the frontal and parietal cortex were obviously lower, and the concentrations of propofol in the hippocampus and cingulate gyrus were obviously higher than that in other regions (P<0.05). Conclusions Propofol is a suitable anesthetic for neonatal rats and its distribution in the brain is quite different when given at different doses.

Abstract:Objective To develop an apoptosis model of nucleus pulposus cells in cell culture. Methods To mimic the nutrient-deficient microenvironment of degenerative intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus cells derived from infant SD rat disc were cultured under serum limiting conditions. Nucleus pulposus cells were cultured in culture medium containing 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% and 10% fetal bovine serum(FBS) respectively to select the optimum FBA concentration.Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, Western blot,cell counting kit, and immunofluorescence technique.Results The flow cytometry revealed that apoptosis rate of the nucleus pulposus cells increased with decreasing concentration of FBS, and 3%FBS used in the experimental group was the most effective concentration to induce apoptosis(P<0.05). Western blot demonstrated significantly higher expression of Bax and caspase-3 enzyme in the 3%FBS group than in the 10%FBS group,while bcl-2 activity decreased. The results of CCK-8 test indicated that the nucleus pulposus cells got slower proliferation in the medium containing 3%FBS.Immunofluoresence analysis showed that FAS expression was significantly higher in the 3%FBS group than in the 10%FBS group. Conclusions 3%FBS condition may induce apoptosis in the nucleus pulposus cells and compromise the cell function to induce intervertebral disc degeneration.The caspase family should be involved in the process.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the role of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway in rat models of left heart disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-LHD).Methods Twenty male SD rats (3-4 week-old, 90-100 g) were randomly divided into two groups (10 rats in each group):the group C (control group) with sham operation, and group H (pulmonary arterial hypertension). The rat model of left heart disease-associated pulmonary hypertension was established by supracoronary aortic banding in the group H, and the sham surgery was applied for the rats in the group C (The titanium clip was fixed at the mediastinal tissue adjacent to the artery rather than the ascending aorta). On day 60 after the operation, the cardiac functions, including right ventricular systolic pressure and pulmonary artery pressure were evaluated. After that, all rats were sacrificed and treated with cardiopulmonary lavage in vivo until the lung became white. Then the left lung tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for pathological observation while the right lung tissues were frozen for mRNA detection. Results Compared with the group C, both ventricular systolic pressure and pulmonary artery pressure in the group H were increased significantly (P<0.01). Pathological data demonstrated that the pulmonary artery walls in H group were much thicker than that in the group C. Moreover, vascular wall hypertrophy index in the group H was increased greatly compared with that in the group C (P<0.01). QPCR data showed that mRNA levels of Rho kinase, RhoA and ET-A R in the group H were up-regulated compared with the group C (P<0.01). Conclusions Rat model of left heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension can be successfully established by supracoronary aortic banding. Rho-kinase-mediated pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis and progress of left heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of IGF-1 gene therapy and electric stimulation therapy on the rat models of postpartum stress urinary incontinence, and explore the ideal treatment for this disease. Methods 240 SD female rats were used to establish the model of postpartum stress urinary incontinence by water sac vaginal dilation. 148 model rats were randomly selected from 185 successful models and divided into 5 groups:IGF-1 gene therapy, clenbuterol treatment, electric stimulation therapy, injection of empty vector plasmid, and untreated groups. Besides, 20 non-modeled rats were used as blank control group. Urodynamic test was performed, pelvic floor pubococcygeus muscle/muscle weight ratio was calculated, and serum biochemical indices (LDH, CK) were detected, and the morphological changes of pubococcygeus muscle fibers were observed by light microscopy at 1, 21, 42 and 63 days after treatment. Results At 21 days after treatment, the maximum bladder capacity, leak point pressure, the contractile force/muscle weight ratio in the IGF-1 group and electric stimulation treatment group were significantly better (P>0.05), and the differences between the IGF-1 group and electric stimulation group were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusions The effect of IGF-1 gene therapy and electric stimulation on the rat models of postpartum stress urinary incontinence is better than that in the drug therapy group and other groups.

Abstract:Objective To isolate, culture and identify mouse umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(mUCMSCs)and to study whether they can be induced to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts.Methods The mUCMSCs were isolated and expanded by adherent culture from fresh mouse umbilical cord.The morphological characteristics of the resulting cells were observed under inverted phase contrast microscope, and their expression of mesenchymal surface markers was identified and analyzed by flow cytometry.Then mUCMSCs were induced to differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts in vitro.Results Fibroblast-like cells could be isolated from the fresh umbilical cord by adherent culture.These adherent cells highly expressed mesenchymal markers including CD29, CD90 and CD105 while low expression of CD34. The cells were successfully induced to differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts.Conclusions The mUCMSCs isolated from fresh mouse umbilical cord by adherent culture have potential of differentiation into chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts.

Abstract:Objective To study the differences in intestinal flora of normal and type 2 diabetic mice, the effect of alcoholic extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt on mouse intestinal flora, and explore the possible relationship between alcoholic extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt, intestinal flora and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in mice. Methods Stool samples were collected from the normal control group (A), high dose (1.8 g/kg) (B) and moderate dose (1.2 g/kg) (C) alcoholic extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt model groups, metformin (0.2 g/kg) treatment group (D) and blank control (E) group. 16S rDNA real-time quantitative PCR assay was used to determine the levels of Clostridium coccoides and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron in the stool samples. Pearson analysis method was used to analyze the correlation between the levels of target bacterial species and the fasting blood glucose (FBG) in the mice. Results 1. Compared with the normal control group, the levels of Clostridium coccoides and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron in the T2DM model group were significantly lowered (P=0.017, P=0.002). 2. Compared with the model group, the levels of Clostridium coccoides and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron of the high dose Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt alcohol extract group were significantly different (2 weeks:P=0.027, P=0.006; 4 weeks: P=0.007, P=0.012). 3. The levels of Clostridium coccoides and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron were positively correlated with the FBG level in the mice. Conclusions The alcohol extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt has certain effect on the intestinal flora in type 2 diabetic mice and there is certain correlation between the effect of alcohol extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt and their blood glucose level.

Abstract:Objective To improve the method to establish a rat model of vascular dementia and to better serve the experimental studies on vascular dementia.Methods We used the method of "repeatedly clipping the carotid artery combined with injection of sodium nitroprusside and with permanent unilateral carotid artery ligation" to prepare a rat model of vascular dementia. The drug piracetam was used to validate the established rat model in respect of the behavior and histopathology. Results Different from the reports of previous research, firstly, the results of this study suggested that injection dose of sodium nitroprusside should be 2.0 mg/kg, room temperature should be controlled at 28℃ during surgical operation, and kept at 25℃ postoperatively for 24 hours. Under these experimental conditions, the rats were stable and the death rate was reduced. Secondly, "repeatedly clipping carotid artery combined with permanent unilateral carotid artery ligation" could cut off about a third of cerebral blood supply, and causing chronic cerebral ischemia, which is seemingly more consistent with the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. Experimental results showed that compared with the control group, the navigation incubation period was extended and space search ability became worse in the model group, cell number was decreased, with blurred cell contour and deeply stained cytoplasm, and cell nuclei were not clear in the hippocampal tissue. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the improved method "repeatedly clipping the carotid artery combined with injection of sodium nitroprusside and with permanent unilateral carotid artery ligation" can be used to efficiently establish a rat model of vascular dementia. The similar results of experiment using piracetam validate that this rat model can be used in vascular dementia-related experimental studies.

Abstract:Objective To study the influence of different routes of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) immunization on the T-cell-dependent antibody response in mice.Methods SPF Kunming mice were divided into four groups:the intravenous injection group, subcutaneous injection group, intraperitoneal injection group and control group. Each mouse was injected 200μg KLH intravenously, subcutaneously or intraperitoneally daily for consecutive 10 days, respectively. Mice in the control group were given solvent injection only. Serum concentration of IgG stimulated by KLH antigen was measured 7 days after the last dosing. Spleen was isolated to calculate the organ coefficient and examined by pathology using hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results Intravenously, subcutaneously and intraperitoneally administered KLH stimulated the generation of secondary lymphoid follicles and germinal center to varying degrees, B cell apoptosis, increased amount of cells in the marginal zone and other pathological changes were observed in the spleen. Intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of KLH led to more pronounced pathological changes compared with that in the subcutaneous injection group. All of the three administration routes of KLH induced generation of IgG antibody, significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Intravenous injection of KLH generated the highest concentration of IgG and organ coefficient among the three administration routes (P<0.05). Conclusions Different immunization routes do affect the production of IgG antibody, organ coefficient and pathological changes in the spleen, and these differences should be taken into consideration when analyzing the T cell dependent antibody response in mice.

Abstract:Objective To establish a patient-derived gastric cancer xenograft(PDX)model in nude mice and to investigate the application of near infrared fluorescent (NIRF)dye IR-783 in in vivo imaging of gastric cancer xenograft models. Methods Fresh human gastric cancer tissue was taken and transplanted into the subrenal capsule of nude mice to establish the xenograft model.When the transplanted tumors grew,took part of the tumor tissue to do HE staining and compare the structural characteristics with the primary tumor.Another portion of the tumor was xenografted into nude mice subcutaneously.Twenty days later,the tumor-bearing mice were injected intraperitoneally with IR-783 dye (10μM) in a dose of 100 mg/20 g. The intensity of the tumor image was monitored by optical NIRF imaging. The correction between tumor volume and fluorescence intensity was analyzed.Finally,the expression of OATP1B3 and HIF1α in the xenografted tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results We successfully established three patient-derived xenograft (PDH) models of human gastric cancer. The transplanted tumor tissues maintained the histological characteristics of the primary tumor well. NIRF signal can be detec ted in subrenal capsule of the xenografted nude mice. The correlation between tumor size and fluorescence intensity in the PDX models reached higher than 98%. Strong positive expressions of HIF1α and OATP1B3 in the tumor tissues were detected. Conclusions NIRF dye IR-783 can be specifically accumulated at the tumor site,therefore, can be used to detect PDX in vivo early.The tumor targeting property may be related to the expression of OATP1B3 and HIF1α.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the genetic patterns of iris pigmentat mutation in the white hair black eye (WHBE) rabbits. Methods To construct six two-generation families between WHBE rabbit and Japanese white rabbit, and the quantity of individuals had different eye colours in F1 and F2 generations were recorded and analyzed.Results χ² test showed there was no significant difference between observed values and expected values in the mode of autosomal dominate inheritance (P>0.05), while there were significant differences between observed values and expected values in the autosomal recessive inheritance and sex-linked genetic pattern(P<0.05).Conclusions Iris pigmentat mutation in WHBE rabbit has a monogenic character due to autosomal dominant mutation.

Abstract:Tree shrews have an excellent visual system, their cones accounted for 96% of the photorecepter cells, so that their color vision and stereo vision are well developed. With their rich resources and low cost, tree shrews have been considered as an ideal animal model in eye research in comparative medicine and genomics research. The ophthalmological research on tree shrew mainly focused on the establishment of myopia model, as well as the changes in myopic sclera and choroids, and the basic studies of their retina, optic and visual cortex. This paper reviewed the basic ophthalmological research of tree shrew.

Abstract:Although the concept of the 3Rs was developed in the 1950s, it took many years before it became a central theme when planning and conducting experiments which might involve animals. There are still many ways in which protocols can be improved to increase both animal welfare and the reliability of the scientific data obtained from the studies.This paper gives some practical advice on how the 3Rs can be implemented more thoroughly in animal research.