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Rima S, Greilsamer J, Haag M, Cadena-Valencia J, Sansonnens M, Francovich A, Lanz F, Zbinden A, Bergadano A, Schmid MC. A chinrest-based approach to measure eye movements and experimental task engagement in macaques with minimal restraint. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 408:110173. [PMID: 38782125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of Rhesus macaques in vision research is crucial due to their visual system's similarity to humans. While invasive techniques have been the norm, there has been a shift towards non-invasive methods, such as facemasks and head molds, to enhance animal welfare and address ethical concerns. NEW METHOD We present a non-invasive, 3D-printed chinrest with infrared sensors, adapted from canine research, allowing for accurate eye movement measurements and voluntary animal participation in experiments. RESULTS The chinrest method showed a 16% and 28% increase in average trial numbers for Monkey 1 and Monkey 2, respectively, compared to the traditional headpost method. The engagement was high, with monkeys performing over 500 trials per session and initiating a new trial after an average intertrial interval of approximately 1 second. The hit rate improved by about 10% for Monkey 1 in the chinrest condition, and the fixation precision, measured by the standard deviation of gaze positions, was significantly better in the chinrest condition, with Monkey 1 showing a reduction in fixation imprecision from 0.26° to 0.17° in the X-axis. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS The chinrest approach showed significant improvements in trial engagement and reduction in aborted trials due to fixation breaks, indicating less stress and potentially improved data quality compared to previous non-invasive methods. CONCLUSIONS The chinrest method offers a significant advancement in primate cognitive testing by allowing for precise data collection while addressing animal welfare concerns, possibly leading to better scientific outcomes and a paradigm shift in primate research methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Rima
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Jennifer Greilsamer
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Marcus Haag
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Jaime Cadena-Valencia
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Morgan Sansonnens
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea Francovich
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Lanz
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Andrina Zbinden
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Alessandra Bergadano
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Christopher Schmid
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland; Ernst Strungmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society, Deutschordenstrasse 46, Frankfurt 60528, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
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Sabeva N, Castro W, Acosta YF, Ferchmin PA, Eterović VA, Sierra-Mercado D, Rios NP, Rivas-Tumanyan S, Martins AH. Determining the safety of the tobacco cembranoid (1S,2E,4R,6R,7E,11E)-Cembratriene-4,6-diol (4R): A translational study in nonhuman primates. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 482:116772. [PMID: 38036230 PMCID: PMC10872440 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The tobacco cembranoid known as (1S,2E,4R,6R,7E,11E)-2,7,11-cembratriene-4,6-diol (4R) has been shown to offer neuroprotection against conditions such as brain ischemia, systemic inflammation, Parkinson's disease, and organophosphate toxicity in rodents. Previous safety studies conducted on male and female Sprague Dawley rats revealed no significant side effects following a single injection of 4R at varying concentrations (6, 24, or 98 mg/kg of body weight). This study aimed to assess the potential of 4R for clinical trials in neurotherapy in male nonhuman primates. Ten macaques (Macacca mulatta) were randomly separated into two groups of 5 and then intravenously injected with 4R or vehicle for 11 consecutive days at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg. Throughout the study, we monitored brain activity by electroencephalogram, somatosensory evoked potentials, and transcranial motor evoked potentials on days 0, 4, 8, and 12 and found no significant changes. The spontaneous behavior of the primates remained unaffected by the treatment. Minor hematological and blood composition variations were also detected in the experimental animals but lacked clinical significance. In conclusion, our results reinforce the notion that 4R is non-toxic in nonhuman primates under the conditions of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Sabeva
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
| | | | - Yancy Ferrer Acosta
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Guillermo Arbona, Área de Centro Médico Río Piedras, PR 00935, USA.
| | | | | | - Demetrio Sierra-Mercado
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Guillermo Arbona, Área de Centro Médico Río Piedras, PR 00935, USA.
| | - Naydi Pérez Rios
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core, Hispanic Alliance for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Área de Centro Médico Río Piedras, PR 00935, USA.
| | - Sona Rivas-Tumanyan
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core, Hispanic Alliance for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Área de Centro Médico Río Piedras, PR 00935, USA; Office of Assistant Dean for Research and Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, Área de Centro Médico Río Piedras, PR 00935, USA.
| | - Antonio H Martins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Guillermo Arbona, Área de Centro Médico Río Piedras, PR 00935, USA.
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Berger T, Xu T, Opitz A. Systematic cross-species comparison of prefrontal cortex functional networks targeted via Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572653. [PMID: 38187657 PMCID: PMC10769354 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that safely modulates neural activity in vivo. Its precision in targeting specific brain networks makes TMS invaluable in diverse clinical applications. For example, TMS is used to treat depression by targeting prefrontal brain networks and their connection to other brain regions. However, despite its widespread use, the underlying neural mechanisms of TMS are not completely understood. Non-human primates (NHPs) offer an ideal model to study TMS mechanisms through invasive electrophysiological recordings. As such, bridging the gap between NHP experiments and human applications is imperative to ensure translational relevance. Here, we systematically compare the TMS-targeted functional networks in the prefrontal cortex in humans and NHPs. To conduct this comparison, we combine TMS electric field modeling in humans and macaques with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to compare the functional networks targeted via TMS across species. We identified distinct stimulation zones in macaque and human models, each exhibiting variations in the impacted networks (macaque: Frontoparietal Network, Somatomotor Network; human: Frontoparietal Network, Default Network). We identified differences in brain gyrification and functional organization across species as the underlying cause of found network differences. The TMS-network profiles we identified will allow researchers to establish consistency in network activation across species, aiding in the translational efforts to develop improved TMS functional network targeting approaches.
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Lohss M, Ho J, Naylor N, Cashman S, Fu R, Tonya Stefko S, Byrne LC. Adaptable three-pin skull clamp for large animal research. HARDWAREX 2023; 15:e00472. [PMID: 37680492 PMCID: PMC10480779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, surgical head immobilization for neurobiological research with large animals is achieved using stereotaxic frames. Despite their widespread use, these frames are bulky, expensive, and inflexible, ultimately limiting surgical access and preventing research groups from practicing surgical approaches used to treat humans. Here, we designed a mobile, low-cost, three-pin skull clamp for performing a variety of neurosurgical procedures on non-human primates. Modeled after skull clamps used to operate on humans, our system was designed with added adjustability to secure heads with small or irregular geometries for innovative surgical approaches. The system has six degrees of freedom with skull pins attached to setscrews for independent, fine-tuned depth adjustment. Unlike other conventional skull clamps which require additional mounting fixtures, our system has an integrated tray with mounting bracket for easy use on most operating room tables. Our system has successfully secured primate heads in the supine and lateral position, allowing surgeons to match surgical approaches currently practiced when operating on humans. The system also expands the opportunity for researchers to utilize imaged-guided robotic surgery techniques. Overall, we hope that our system can serve as an adaptable, affordable, and robust surgery platform for any laboratory performing neurobiological research with large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Lohss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jonathan Ho
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
- Rehab and Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Nathan Naylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Stacy Cashman
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Roxana Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - S. Tonya Stefko
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Leah C. Byrne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
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Kaufmann A. Introducing individual sentience profiles in nonhuman primate neuroscience research. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100104. [PMID: 37576492 PMCID: PMC10415712 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Animal Research Declaration is committed to establishing cohesive and rigorous ethical standards to safeguard the welfare of nonhuman primates (NHPs) engaged in neuroscience research (Petkov et al., 2022 this issue). As part of this mission, there is an expanding dialogue amongst neuroscientists, philosophers, and policymakers, that is centred on diverse aspects of animal welfare and scientific practice. This paper emphasises the necessity of integrating the assessment of animal sentience into the declaration. Animal sentience, in this context, refers to the recognized capacity that animals have for various kinds of subjective experience, with an associated positive or negative valence (Browning and Birch, 2022). Accordingly, NHP neuroscience researchers should work toward instituting a standardised approach for evaluating what can be termed "individual sentience profiles," representing the unique manner in which an individual NHP experiences specific events or environments. The adoption of this novel parameter would serve a triad of indispensable purposes: enhancing NHP welfare throughout research involvement, elevating the quality of life for NHPs in captivity, and refining the calibre of research outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Kaufmann
- Cognition in Action Unit, University of Milan, Italy
- Center for Mind & Cognition, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
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Padmanabhan P, Götz J. Clinical relevance of animal models in aging-related dementia research. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:481-493. [PMID: 37202516 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00402-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other, less prevalent dementias are complex age-related disorders that exhibit multiple etiologies. Over the past decades, animal models have provided pathomechanistic insight and evaluated countless therapeutics; however, their value is increasingly being questioned due to the long history of drug failures. In this Perspective, we dispute this criticism. First, the utility of the models is limited by their design, as neither the etiology of AD nor whether interventions should occur at a cellular or network level is fully understood. Second, we highlight unmet challenges shared between animals and humans, including impeded drug transport across the blood-brain barrier, limiting effective treatment development. Third, alternative human-derived models also suffer from the limitations mentioned above and can only act as complementary resources. Finally, age being the strongest AD risk factor should be better incorporated into the experimental design, with computational modeling expected to enhance the value of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranesh Padmanabhan
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Blackmore DG, Razansky D, Götz J. Ultrasound as a versatile tool for short- and long-term improvement and monitoring of brain function. Neuron 2023; 111:1174-1190. [PMID: 36917978 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Treating the brain with focused ultrasound (FUS) at low intensities elicits diverse responses in neurons, astroglia, and the extracellular matrix. In combination with intravenously injected microbubbles, FUS also opens the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and facilitates focal drug delivery. However, an incompletely understood cellular specificity and a wide parameter space currently limit the optimal application of FUS in preclinical and human studies. In this perspective, we discuss how different FUS modalities can be utilized to achieve short- and long-term improvements, thereby potentially treating brain disorders. We review the ongoing efforts to determine which parameters induce neuronal inhibition versus activation and how mechanoreceptors and signaling cascades are activated to induce long-term changes, including memory improvements. We suggest that optimal FUS treatments may require different FUS modalities and devices, depending on the targeted brain area or local pathology, and will be greatly enhanced by new techniques for monitoring FUS efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Blackmore
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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A framework and resource for global collaboration in non-human primate neuroscience. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
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