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Biomedical subjects

D M Stark

Publications and source records attributed to D M Stark.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Prevalence of feline leukemia virus infection in random source laboratory cats.

Three years of quarantine data involving the prevalence of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in laboratory cats (Felis catus) was evaluated. Testing was performed using a commercially available ELISA system. Annual prevalence of infection ranged from 5.4 to 10.7% of the 937 cats tested. Results obtained with the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system compared well with tests performed using an immunofluorescent antibody assay system (IFA). Seasonal periodicity was noted with higher infection rates among animals received in April. Holding period at the supplier and gender did not influence disease prevalence. The availability of a simple test system, the unacceptability of FeLV infected cats for research, the danger of transmission and a higher prevalence of infection than earlier reports indicated that supplier and user evaluation of research cats for FeLV would be prudent.

Animals↗

A battery of potential alternatives to the Draize test: uridine uptake inhibition, morphological cytotoxicity, macrophage chemotaxis and exfoliative cytology.

Four assays that may serve as components of a battery of alternatives to the conventional Draize test were described. The exfoliative cytology assay is a refinement of the Draize test that may provide a more sensitive and more objective end-point. The macrophage migration assay addresses the inflammatory aspects of the physiological response to irritation. The uridine uptake inhibition assay uses a quantitative, reversible end-point to detect the short-term action of agents on cell membranes and cell phosphorylative potential. Finally, the cytological assay serves as a rapid, easily performed general indicator of cytotoxic action. The two latter assays have been demonstrated to correlate very well with Draize test results and with each other for a wide range of test agents.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

Susceptibility of laboratory rats, hamsters, and mice to wound infection with Staphylococcus aureus.

Response of rodents to experimentally induced subcutaneous infection was examined to determine whether laboratory rats used in invasive procedures have a superior ability to withstand wound infection than do hamsters and mice. Rats, hamsters, and mice were injected subcutaneously with 10(9), 10(7), and 10(5) colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus. Quantitative counts of viable S aureus from the injection site, bacteriologic cultures of heart blood, and histologic examinations of the subcutaneous tissues were performed. Multiple linear regression of the quantitative data and equality of regression lines among groups were determined. Results indicated that the ability to eliminate bacteria varied between species and depended on the dose injected within each species. Compared with hamsters and mice at all doses, rats eliminated bacteria faster and had the mildest and most rapidly organized inflammatory response after inoculation. Experimental bacteremia developed in 3.7% of all animals evaluated, with no species-specific pattern. The rat was more resistant to localized wound infection with S aureus than were hamsters and mice.

Abscess↗

Comparison of three serologic techniques for detection of antibody to Mycoplasma pulmonis.

A comparison of three micro-assay detection systems for naturally occurring and experimentally induced rat antibody to Mycoplasma pulmonis was performed. The micro-enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay was found superior to counter immunoelectrophoresis or complement fixation techniques when comparing sensitivity, duration of antibody response, or technical requirements. The primary immune response was routinely detected at 3 weeks after antigen exposure when using the enzyme linked or complement fixation assays.

Animals↗

A modified barrier system for maintenance of Pasteurella-free rabbits.

A modified barrier system for maintaining Pasteurella multocida-free rabbits in an animal facility also housing Pasteurella multocida-infected rabbits was implemented. All research and laboratory animal technical personnel performed their duties involving non-infected rabbits prior to working with infected rabbits housed in separate rooms of the facility. Bacterial culture data involving mature rabbits indicated a 17% infection rate when Pasteurella-free rabbits were housed in a conventional manner for 3-6 months prior to institution of the modified barrier. No transmission of Pasteurella multocida from infected to non-infected rabbits housed in separate rooms was observed during 6 months of maintenance after initiation of the modified barrier system.

Animals↗

Efficacy of propoxur insecticide strip use in a laboratory animal facility.

A non-fumigant, controlled-release, impregnated strip (insecticide strip) was evaluated for effectiveness against cockroaches (Blatella germanica) in a conventional animal facility. A substantial initial roach mortality was observed in treated rooms. Continued use of the insecticide strip assisted in the control of the cockroach population and did not affect plasma cholinesterase levels of exposed laboratory animals.

Animals↗