[11C]carfentanil PET imaging for studying the peripheral opioid system in vivo: effect of photoperiod on mu-opioid receptor availability in brown adipose tissue.

PURPOSE: Photoperiod determines the metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and affects the food intake and body mass of mammals. Sympathetic innervation of the BAT controls thermogenesis and facilitates physiological adaption to seasonal changes, but the exact mechanism remains elusive. Previous studies have shown that central opioid signaling regulates BAT thermogenesis, and that the expression of the brain mu-opioid receptor (MOR) varies seasonally. Therefore, it is important to know whether MOR expression in BAT shows seasonal variation. METHODS: We determined the effect of photoperiod on BAT MOR availability using [11C]carfentanil positron emission tomography (PET). Adult rats (n = 9) were repeatedly imaged under various photoperiods in order to simulate seasonal changes. RESULTS: Long photoperiod was associated with low MOR expression in BAT (ß = - 0.04, 95% confidence interval: - 0.07, - 0.01), but not in muscles. We confirmed the expression of MOR in BAT and muscle using immunofluorescence staining. CONCLUSION: Photoperiod affects MOR availability in BAT. Sympathetic innervation of BAT may influence thermogenesis via the peripheral MOR system. The present study supports the utility of [11C]carfentanil PET to study the peripheral MOR system.

Seasonal Variation in the Brain µ-Opioid Receptor Availability.

Seasonal rhythms influence mood and sociability. The brain µ-opioid receptor (MOR) system modulates a multitude of seasonally varying socioemotional functions, but its seasonal variation remains elusive with no previously reported in vivo evidence. Here, we first conducted a cross-sectional study with previously acquired human [11C]carfentanil PET imaging data (132 male and 72 female healthy subjects) to test whether there is seasonal variation in MOR availability. We then investigated experimentally whether seasonal variation in daylength causally influences brain MOR availability in rats. Rats (six male and three female rats) underwent daylength cycle simulating seasonal changes; control animals (two male and one female rats) were kept under constant daylength. Animals were scanned repeatedly with [11C]carfentanil PET imaging. Seasonally varying daylength had an inverted U-shaped functional relationship with brain MOR availability in humans. Brain regions sensitive to daylength spanned the socioemotional brain circuits, where MOR availability peaked during spring. In rats, MOR availabilities in the brain neocortex, thalamus, and striatum peaked at intermediate daylength. Varying daylength also affected the weight gain and stress hormone levels. We conclude that cerebral MOR availability in humans and rats shows significant seasonal variation, which is predominately associated with seasonal photoperiodic variation. Given the intimate links between MOR signaling and socioemotional behavior, these results suggest that the MOR system might underlie seasonal variation in human mood and social behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Seasonal rhythms influence emotion and sociability. The central µ-opioid receptor (MOR) system modulates numerous seasonally varying socioemotional functions, but its seasonal variation remains elusive. Here we used positron emission tomography to show that MOR levels in both human and rat brains show daylength-dependent seasonal variation. The highest MOR availability was observed at intermediate daylengths. Given the intimate links between MOR signaling and socioemotional behavior, these results suggest that the MOR system might underlie seasonal variation in human mood and social behavior.

CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) stimulates aromatase gene expression in mammary adipose tissue.

Obesity is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. Obesity-related inflammation upregulates aromatase expression, the rate-limiting enzyme for estrogen synthesis, in breast adipose tissue (BAT), increasing estrogen production and cancer risk. The regulation of aromatase gene (CYP19A1) in BAT is complex, and the mechanisms linking obesity and aromatase dysregulation are not fully understood. An obesity-associated factor that could regulate aromatase is the CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, a pro-inflammatory factor that also activates signaling pathways implicated in CYP19A1 transcription. By using human primary breast adipose stromal cells (ASCs) and aromatase reporter (hARO-Luc) mouse mammary adipose explants, we demonstrated that CCL2 enhances the glucocorticoid-mediated CYP19A1 transcription. The potential mechanism involves the activation of PI.4 via ERK1/2 pathway. We also showed that CCL2 contributes to the pro-inflammatory milieu and aromatase expression in obesity, evidenced by increased expression of CCL2 and CYP19A1 in mammary tissues from obese hARO-Luc mice, and subcutaneous adipose tissue from obese women. In summary, our results indicate that postmenopausal obesity may promote CCL2 production in BAT, leading to exacerbation of the menopause-related inflammatory state and further stimulation of local aromatase and estrogens. These results provide new insights into the regulation of aromatase and may aid in finding approaches to prevent breast cancer.

Antiandrogens Reduce Intratumoral Androgen Concentrations and Induce Androgen Receptor Expression in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Xenografts.

The development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is associated with the activation of intratumoral androgen biosynthesis and an increase in androgen receptor (AR) expression. We recently demonstrated that, similarly to the clinical CRPC, orthotopically grown castration-resistant VCaP (CR-VCaP) xenografts express high levels of AR and retain intratumoral androgen concentrations similar to tumors grown in intact mice. Herein, we show that antiandrogen treatment (enzalutamide or ARN-509) significantly reduced (10-fold, P < 0.01) intratumoral testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations in the CR-VCaP tumors, indicating that the reduction in intratumoral androgens is a novel mechanism by which antiandrogens mediate their effects in CRPC. Antiandrogen treatment also altered the expression of multiple enzymes potentially involved in steroid metabolism. Identical to clinical CRPC, the expression levels of the full-length AR (twofold, P < 0.05) and the AR splice variants 1 (threefold, P < 0.05) and 7 (threefold, P < 0.01) were further increased in the antiandrogen-treated tumors. Nonsignificant effects were observed in the expression of certain classic androgen-regulated genes, such as TMPRSS2 and KLK3, despite the low levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. However, other genes recently identified to be highly sensitive to androgen-regulated AR action, such as NOV and ST6GalNAc1, were markedly altered, which indicated reduced androgen action. Taken together, the data indicate that, besides blocking AR, antiandrogens modify androgen signaling in CR-VCaP xenografts at multiple levels.

Safety Study of Single-Dose Intravenously Administered DOTA-Siglec-9 Peptide in Sprague Dawley Rats.

The peptide-based radioactive compound [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 is a novel agent for imaging of inflammation with positron emission tomography. The drug target of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 is vascular adhesion protein 1. Previous studies have obtained promising results with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 in experimental animals. However, before taking this novel imaging agent into clinical trials, safety and toxicological studies need to be performed with the nonradioactive precursor compound DOTA-Siglec-9. This extended single-dose toxicity study was designed to provide information on the major toxic effects of DOTA-Siglec-9 and to indicate possible target organs after a single intravenous (iv) injection in rats. The study was performed using 60 adult Hsd: Sprague Dawley rats and included a control group and a treatment group to investigate the toxicity of DOTA-Siglec-9 solution at a final concentration of 0.2 mg/mL after a single iv injection of 582 µg/kg. The maximum dose tested was 1,000-fold the clinical dose on a mg/kg basis as indicated in European Medicines Agency International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guideline M3(R2). The planned human clinical dose is approximately 0.582 µg of DOTA-Siglec-9 per kg of body mass. This study demonstrates that iv administration of DOTA-Siglec-9 at a dose of 582 µg/kg was well tolerated in rats and did not produce toxicologically significant adverse effects.

Castration induces up-regulation of intratumoral androgen biosynthesis and androgen receptor expression in an orthotopic VCaP human prostate cancer xenograft model.

Androgens are key factors involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), and PCa growth can be suppressed by androgen deprivation therapy. In a considerable proportion of men receiving androgen deprivation therapy, however, PCa progresses to castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), making the development of efficient therapies challenging. We used an orthotopic VCaP human PCa xenograft model to study cellular and molecular changes in tumors after androgen deprivation therapy (castration). Tumor growth was monitored through weekly serum prostate-specific antigen measurements, and mice with recurrent tumors after castration were randomized to treatment groups. Serum prostate-specific antigen concentrations showed significant correlation with tumor volume. Castration-resistant tumors retained concentrations of intratumoral androgen (androstenedione, testosterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone) at levels similar to tumors growing in intact hosts. Accordingly, castration induced up-regulation of enzymes involved in androgen synthesis (CYP17A1, AKR1C3, and HSD17B6), as well as expression of full-length androgen receptor (AR) and AR splice variants (AR-V1 and AR-V7). Furthermore, AR target gene expression was maintained in castration-resistant xenografts. The AR antagonists enzalutamide (MDV3100) and ARN-509 suppressed PSA production of castration-resistant tumors, confirming the androgen dependency of these tumors. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that our VCaP xenograft model exhibits the key characteristics of clinical CRPC and thus provides a valuable tool for identifying druggable targets and for testing therapeutic strategies targeting AR signaling in CRPC.

Small animal PET with spontaneous inhalation of 15O-labelled oxygen gases: Longitudinal assessment of cerebral oxygen metabolism in a rat model of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.

Perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the leading cause of irreversible brain damage resulting in serious neurological dysfunction among neonates. We evaluated the feasibility of positron emission tomography (PET) methodology with 15O-labelled gases without intravenous or tracheal cannulation for assessing temporal changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) in a neonatal HIE rat model. Sequential PET scans with spontaneous inhalation of 15O-gases mixed with isoflurane were performed over 14 days after the hypoxic-ischaemic insult in HIE pups and age-matched controls. CBF and CMRO2 in the injured hemispheres of HIE pups remarkably decreased 2 days after the insult, gradually recovering over 14 days in line with their increase found in healthy controls according to their natural maturation process. The magnitude of hemispheric tissue loss histologically measured after the last PET scan was significantly correlated with the decreases in CBF and CMRO2.This fully non-invasive imaging strategy may be useful for monitoring damage progression in neonatal HIE and for evaluating potential therapeutic outcomes.

Targeting CD33+ Acute Myeloid Leukemia with GLK-33, a Lintuzumab-Auristatin Conjugate with a Wide Therapeutic Window.

CD33 (Siglec-3) is a cell surface receptor expressed in approximately 90% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts, making it an attractive target for therapy of AML. Although previous CD33-targeting antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) like gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO, Mylotarg) have shown efficacy in AML treatment, they have suffered from toxicity and narrow therapeutic window. This study aimed to develop a novelADCwith improved tolerability and a wider therapeutic window. GLK-33 consists of the anti-CD33 antibody lintuzumab and eight mavg-MMAU auristatin linkerpayloads per antibody. The experimental methods included testing in cell cultures, patient-derived samples, mouse xenograft models, and rat toxicology studies. GLK-33 exhibited remarkable efficacy in reducing cell viability within CD33-positive leukemia cell lines and primary AML samples. Notably, GLK-33 demonstrated antitumor activity at single dose as low as 300 mg/kg in mice, while maintaining tolerability at single dose of 20 to 30 mg/kg in rats. In contrast with both GO and lintuzumab vedotin, GLK-33 exhibited a wide therapeutic window and activity against multidrug-resistant cells. The development of GLK-33 addresses the limitations of previous ADCs, offering a wider therapeutic window, improved tolerability, and activity against drug-resistant leukemia cells. These findings encourage further exploration of GLK-33 in AML through clinical trials.

Bioactive glass air-abrasion promotes healing around contaminated implant surfaces surrounded by circumferential bone defects: An experimental study in the rat.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the healing of experimentally induced bone defects around contaminated dental implants after air-abrasion using 45S5 or zinc oxide (ZnO)-containing bioactive glasses (BAGs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One maxillary first molar was extracted from each Sprague-Dawley rat (n = 30). After 4-week healing, a titanium implant was placed in the extraction site with a circumferential bone defect. The rats were randomized into five different groups: (1) implants with Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis dual-species biofilm (IB); (2) implants with biofilm subjected to inert glass air-abrasion (inert); (3) sterile implants (S); (4) implants with biofilm subjected to 45S5 BAG air-abrasion (45S5); and (5) implants with biofilm subjected to ZnO-containing BAG air-abrasion (Zn4). After 8-week healing, maxillae were dissected, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. RESULTS: The first bone-to-implant contact was significantly shorter for the inert (1.58 ± 1.16 mm; p = 0.016), S (0.28 ± 0.13 mm; p < 0.001), 45S5 (0.41 ± 0.28 mm; p < 0.001), and Zn4 (0.26 ± 0.16 mm; p < 0.001) groups compared to IB group. Also, significantly more bone-to-implant contact was seen for S (72.35% ± 8.32%; p < 0.001), 45S5 (57.91% ± 24.10%; p = 0.002), and Zn4 (70.49% ± 12.74%; p < 0.001) groups than the IB group. The bone volume with the threads demonstrated significantly higher value for S (69.32% ± 9.15%; p < 0.001), 45S5 (58.93% ± 23.53%; p = 0.001), and Zn4 (68.65% ± 12.41%; p < 0.001) groups compared to the IB group. The bone volume within the defects was significantly higher for S (68.79% ± 11.77%; p < 0.001), 45S5 (62.51% ± 20.51%; p = 0.002), and Zn4 (73.81% ± 15.07%; p < 0.001) groups compared to the IB group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that air-abrasion of contaminated moderately rough implant surfaces with either 45S5 or ZnO-containing BAGs enhances osseointegration and bone defect regeneration.

Preclinical Evaluation of 89Zr-Desferrioxamine-Bexmarilimab, a Humanized Antibody Against Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor-1, in a Rabbit Model of Renal Fibrosis.

Bexmarilimab is a new humanized monoclonal antibody against common lymphatic endothelial and vascular endothelial receptor-1 (CLEVER-1) and is in clinical trials for macrophage-guided cancer immunotherapy. In addition being associated with cancer, CLEVER-1 is also associated with fibrosis. To facilitate prospective human PET studies, we preclinically evaluated 89Zr-labeled bexmarilimab in rabbits. Methods: Bexmarilimab was conjugated with desferrioxamine (DFO) and radiolabeled with 89Zr. Retained immunoreactivity was confirmed by flow cytometry. The distribution kinetics of intravenously administered 89Zr-DFO-bexmarilimab (0.1 mg/kg) were determined for up to 7 d in a rabbit model of renal fibrosis mediated by unilateral ureteric obstruction. The in vivo stability of 89Zr-DFO-bexmarilimab was evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in combination with autoradiography. Additionally, we estimated the human radiation dose from data obtained in healthy rabbits. Results: 89Zr-DFO-bexmarilimab cleared rapidly from the blood circulation and distributed to the liver and spleen. At 24 h after injection, PET/CT, ex vivo γ-counting, and autoradiography demonstrated that there was significantly higher 89Zr-DFO-bexmarilimab uptake in unilateral ureteric obstruction-operated fibrotic renal cortex, characterized by abundant CLEVER-1-positive cells, than in contralateral or healthy kidneys. The estimated effective dose for a 70-kg human was 0.70 mSv/MBq. Conclusion: The characteristics of 89Zr-DFO-bexmarilimab support future human PET studies to, for example, stratify patients for bexmarilimab treatment, evaluate the efficacy of treatment, or monitor disease progression.

Coronavirus spike protein-specific antibodies indicate frequent infections and reinfections in infancy and among BNT162b2-vaccinated healthcare workers.

The prevalence of seasonal human coronavirus (HCoV) infections in early childhood and adults has not been well analyzed in longitudinal serological studies. Here we analyzed the changes in HCoV (229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2) spike-specific antibody levels in follow-up serum specimens of 140 children at the age of 1, 2, and 3 years, and of 113 healthcare workers vaccinated for Covid-19 with BNT162b2-vaccine. IgG antibody levels against six recombinant HCoV spike subunit 1 (S1) proteins were measured by enzyme immunoassay. We show that by the age of three years the cumulative seropositivity for seasonal HCoVs increased to 38-81% depending on virus type. BNT162b2 vaccinations increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 antibodies, but no increase in seasonal coronavirus antibodies associated with vaccinations. In healthcare workers (HCWs), during a 1-year follow-up, diagnostic antibody rises were seen in 5, 4 and 14% of the cases against 229E, NL63 and OC43 viruses, respectively, correlating well with the circulating HCoVs. In 6% of the HCWs, a diagnostic antibody rise was seen against S1 of HKU1, however, these rises coincided with anti-OC43 S1 antibody rises. Rabbit and guinea pig immune sera against HCoV S1 proteins indicated immunological cross-reactivity within alpha-CoV (229E and NL63) and beta-CoV (HKU1 and OC43) genera.

The Translational Role of Animal Models for Estrogen-Related Functional Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Prostatic Inflammation.

The prevalence of LUTS and prostatic diseases increases with age both in humans and companion animals, suggesting that a common underlying cause of these conditions may be age-associated alterations in the balance of sex hormones. The symptoms are present with different and variable micturition dysfunctions and can be assigned to different clinical conditions including bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). LUTS may also be linked to chronic non-bacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), but the relationship between these conditions is unknown. This review summarizes the preclinical data that supports a role for excessive estrogen action in the development of obstructive voiding and nonbacterial prostatic inflammation. Preclinical studies that are emphasized in this review have unequivocally indicated that estrogens can induce functional and structural changes resembling those seen in human diseases. Recognizing excessive estrogen action as a possible hormonal basis for the effects observed at multiple sites in the LUT may inspire the development of innovative treatment options for human and animal patients with LUTS associated with functional BOO and CP/CPPS.

Students' experiences of blended laboratory animal science courses.

Students and course providers have found online options for laboratory animal science (LAS) courses helpful because the content is accessible with flexible timing options. This study aimed to explore whether a blended LAS course with video lectures would be preferred and perceived effective, accounting for students' educational levels as well as prior experiences and future expectations in the use of animals. Data were collected by a feedback survey including three 5-Likert type scales and open-ended questions created by the authors. Of the 134 course students from various programmes, 101 consented to the use of their responses in this study. The analyses indicated that the respondents were generally satisfied with the blended course, especially the hands-on components, even though some found video lectures challenging due to their own ineffective time and study management skills. Plans to use animals in the future increased satisfaction with the course significantly, while the education level or previous experience with animals did not affect the outcome. Background variables did not affect views about video lectures significantly. Conclusively, the blended structure seemed to provide sustainable LAS course experiences for normal and unpredictable times.

Infection with the enteric pathogen C. rodentium promotes islet-specific autoimmunity by activating a lymphatic route from the gut to pancreatic lymph node.

In nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, C. rodentium promotes priming of islet-specific T-cells in pancreatic lymph nodes (PaLN), which is a critical step in initiation and perpetuation of islet-autoimmunity. To investigate mechanisms by which C. rodentium promotes T-cell priming in PaLN, we used fluorescent imaging of lymphatic vasculature emanating from colon, followed dendritic cell (DC) migration from colon using photoconvertible-reporter mice, and evaluated the translocation of bacteria to lymph nodes with GFP-C. rodentium and in situ hybridization of bacterial DNA. Fluorescent dextran injected in the colon wall accumulated under subcapsular sinus of PaLN indicating the existence of a lymphatic route from colon to PaLN. Infection with C. rodentium induced DC migration from colon to PaLN and bacterial DNA was detected in medullary sinus and inner cortex of PaLN. Following infection with GFP-C. rodentium, fluorescence appeared in macrophages and gut-derived (CD103+) and resident (CD103-/XCR1+) DC, indicating transportation of bacteria from colon to PaLN both by DC and by lymph itself. This induced proinflammatory cytokine transcripts, activation of DC and islet-specific T-cells in PaLN of NOD mice. Our findings demonstrate the existence of a direct, enteric pathogen-activated route for lymph, cells, and bacteria from colon, which promotes activation of islet-specific T-cells in PaLN.

Animal unit hygienic conditions influence mouse intestinal microbiota and contribute to T-cell-mediated colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with worldwide increasing incidence. Recent studies indicate that certain species of intestinal bacteria are strongly associated with IBD. Helper T lymphocytes are not only the key players in mediating host defense against a wide variety of pathogens but also contribute to pathogenesis of many immune-related diseases. Here, using the T cell transfer model of colitis, we observed that the mice maintained in a specific-pathogen free (SPF) unit after receiving naïve CD4+ T cells developed mild disease. The same mice developed different degrees of disease when they were maintained in a conventional animal facility (non-SPF), where some pathogens were detected during routine health monitoring. Consistently, increased circulating inflammatory cytokines as well as Th1 and Th17 cells were detected in mice housed in non-SPF units. 16S rRNA sequencing of feces samples enabled us to identify changes in the microbiota composition of mice kept in different facilities. Our data indicate that environmental factors influence gut microbiota composition of mice, leading to development of colitis in a T-cell-dependent manner. In conclusion, changes in environmental conditions and microbial status of experimental animals appear to contribute to progression of colitis.

Signature of circulating small non-coding RNAs during early fracture healing in mice.

Fracture healing is a complex process with multiple overlapping metabolic and differentiation phases. Small non-coding RNAs are involved in the regulation of fracture healing and their presence in circulation is under current interest due to their obvious value as potential biomarkers. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been characterized to some extent but the current knowledge on tRNA-derived small RNA fragments (tsRNAs) is relatively scarce, especially in circulation. In this study, the spectrum of circulating miRNAs and tsRNAs was analysed by next generation sequencing to show their differential expression during fracture healing in vivo. Analysed tsRNA fragments included stress-induced translation interfering tRNA fragments (tiRNAs or tRNA halves) and internal tRNA fragments (i-tRF), within the size range of 28-36 bp. To unveil the expression of these non-coding RNAs, genome-wide analysis was performed on two months old C57BL/6 mice on days 1, 5, 7, 10, and 14 (D1, D5, D7, D10, and D14) after a closed tibial fracture. Valine isoacceptor tRNA-derived Val-AAC 5'end and Val-CAC 5'end fragments were the major types of 5'end tiRNAs in circulation, comprising about 65 % of the total counts. Their expression was not affected by fracture. After a fracture, the levels of two 5'end tiRNAs Lys-TTT 5' and Lys-CTT 5' were decreased and His-GTG 5' was increased through D1-D14. The level of miR-451a was decreased on the first post-fracture day (D1), whereas miR-328-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-375-3p, miR-423-5p, and miR-150-5p were increased post-fracture. These data provide evidence on how fracture healing could provoke systemic metabolic effects and further pinpoint the potential of small non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for tissue regeneration.

Evaluation of [18F]F-DPA PET for Detecting Microglial Activation in the Spinal Cord of a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have linked activated spinal glia to neuropathic pain. Here, using a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner with high spatial resolution and sensitivity, we evaluated the feasibility and sensitivity of N,N-diethyl-2-(2-(4-([18F]fluoro)phenyl)-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl)acetamide ([18F]F-DPA) imaging for detecting spinal cord microglial activation after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in rats. PROCEDURES: Neuropathic pain was induced in rats (n = 20) by PSNL, and pain sensation tests were conducted before surgery and 3 and 7 days post-injury. On day 7, in vivo PET imaging and ex vivo autoradiography were performed using [18F]F-DPA or [11C]PK11195. Ex vivo biodistribution and PET imaging of the removed spinal cord were carried out with [18F]F-DPA. Sham-operated and PK11195-pretreated animals were also examined. RESULTS: Mechanical allodynia was confirmed in the PSNL rats from day 3 through day 7. Ex vivo autoradiography showed a higher lesion-to-background uptake with [18F]F-DPA compared with [11C]PK11195. Ex vivo PET imaging of the removed spinal cord showed [18F]F-DPA accumulation in the inflammation site, which was immunohistochemically confirmed to coincide with microglia activation. Pretreatment with PK11195 eliminated the uptake. The SUV values of in vivo [18F]F-DPA and [11C]PK11195 PET were not significantly increased in the lesion compared with the reference region, and were fivefold higher than the values obtained from the ex vivo data. Ex vivo biodistribution revealed a twofold higher [18F]F-DPA uptake in the vertebral body compared to that seen in the bone from the skull. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]F-DPA aided visualization of the spinal cord inflammation site in PSNL rats on ex vivo autoradiography and was superior to [11C]PK11195. In vivo [18F]F-DPA PET did not allow for visualization of tracer accumulation even using a high-spatial-resolution PET scanner. The main reason for this result was due to insufficient SUVs in the spinal cord region as compared with the background noise, in addition to a spillover from the vertebral body.

A real-time health notification system aimed at enhancing the interaction between animal care staff and researchers promotes animal welfare.

Regardless of the microbiological status of an animal facility, research animals may experience health problems, leading to pain, suffering and distress. Simple and efficient tools are needed to collect data systematically, allowing researchers to react and resolve animals' health issues. We have developed a real-time notification method for recording clinical observations, which caretakers can input into the ELLI record-keeping system, accompanied by a picture or video. A browser-based interface system sends alerts using a three-tier scale (+, 120 hours; ++, 72 hours; +++, 24 hours) by email and/or SMS. The percentage of animal health notifications for rodents was 1.31% in 2016, 1.33% in 2017 and 1.58% in 2018, with 34-44% for coat and skin conditions (wounds, bites and scratches). All other notifications, including environment and behaviour, procedure-specific indicators (weight loss, bleeding and abnormal secretions) and other abnormalities such as eye and teeth malformations, ranged from 5% to 10% during the three-year period. Researchers displayed good compliance by reacting to the notifications within the expected time frame. Most health notifications concerned genetically modified (GM) animals without a predetermined harmful phenotype, regardless of being on project licence or maintenance licence. Health notification records may be useful retrospectively not only to review the health and welfare issues of new GM lines but also to evaluate the actual severity of procedures. The health notification system described here provides valuable information to the veterinarian and the animal welfare body by helping to address specific health conditions and to improve animal welfare and implement the 3Rs.

Multiple targets identified with genome wide profiling of small RNA and mRNA expression are linked to fracture healing in mice.

Long-bone fracture is a common injury and its healing process at the fracture site involves several overlapping phases, including inflammation, migration of mesenchymal progenitors into the fracture site, endochondral ossification, angiogenesis and finally bone remodelling. Increasing evidence shows that small noncoding RNAs are important regulators of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and fracture healing. MicroRNAs are small single-stranded, non-coding RNA-molecules intervening in most physiological and biological processes, including fracture healing. Angiogenin-cleaved 5' tRNA halves, also called as tiRNAs (stress-induced RNAs) have been shown to repress protein translation. In order to gain further understanding on the role of small noncoding RNAs in fracture healing, genome wide expression profiles of tiRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were followed up to 14 days after fracture in callus tissue of an in vivo mouse model with closed tibial fracture and, compared to intact bone and articular cartilage at 2 months of age. Total tiRNA expression level in cartilage was only approximately one third of that observed in control D0 bone. In callus tissue, 11 mature 5'end tiRNAs out of 191 tiRNAs were highly expressed, and seven of them were differentially expressed during fracture healing. When comparing the control tissues, 25 miRNAs characteristic to bone and 29 miRNAs characteristic to cartilage tissue homeostasis were identified. Further, a total of 54 out of 806 miRNAs and 5420 out of 18,700 mRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) in callus tissue during fracture healing and, in comparison to control bone. They were associated to gene ontology processes related to mesenchymal tissue development and differentiation. A total of 581 miRNA-mRNA interactions were identified for these 54 DE miRNAs by literature searches in PubMed, thereby linking by Spearman correlation analysis 14 downregulated and 28 upregulated miRNAs to 164 negatively correlating and 168 positively correlating miRNA-mRNA pairs with chondrogenic and osteogenic phases of fracture healing. These data indicated that tiRNAs and miRNAs were differentially expressed in fracture callus tissue, suggesting them important physiological functions during fracture healing. Hence, the data provided by this study may contribute to future clinical applications, such as potential use as biomarkers or as tools in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for fracture healing.

In vivo Induction of Functional Inhibitory IgG Antibodies by a Hypoallergenic Bet v 1 Variant.

Allergic sensitization to the major allergen Bet v 1 represents the dominating factor inducing a vast variety of allergic symptoms in birch pollen allergic patients worldwide, including the pollen food allergy syndrome. In order to overcome the huge socio-economic burden associated with allergic diseases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) as a curative strategy to manage the disease was introduced. Still, many hurdles related to this treatment exist making AIT not the patients' first choice. To improve the current situation, the development of hypoallergen-based drug products has raised attention in the last decade. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of the novel AIT candidate BM4, a hypoallergenic variant of Bet v 1, to induce treatment-relevant cross-reactive Bet v 1-specific IgG antibodies in two different mammals, Wistar rats and New Zealand White rabbits. We further analyzed the cross-reactivity of BM4-induced Wistar rat antibodies with the birch pollen-associated food allergens Mal d 1 and Cor a 1, and the functional capability of the induced antibodies to act as IgE-blocking IgG antibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the titers of rat IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgE, as well as rabbit IgG and IgE antibodies. To address the functional relevance of the induced IgG antibodies, the capacity of rat sera to suppress binding of human IgE to Bet v 1 was investigated by using an inhibition ELISA and an IgE-facilitated allergen-binding inhibition assay. We found that the treatment with BM4 induced elevated Bet v 1-specific IgG antibody titers in both mammalian species. In Wistar rats, high BM4-specific IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b titers (104 to 106) were induced, which cross-reacted with wild-type Bet v 1, and the homologous allergens Mal d 1 and Cor a 1. Rat allergen-specific IgG antibodies sustained upon treatment discontinuation. Sera of rats immunized with BM4 were able to significantly suppress binding of human IgE to the wild-type allergens and CD23-mediated human IgE-facilitated Bet v 1 binding on B cells. By contrast, treatment-induced IgE antibody levels were low or undetectable. In summary, BM4 induced a robust IgG immune response that efficiently blocked human IgE-binding to wild-type allergens, underscoring its potential therapeutic value in AIT.