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Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract: implications for toxicology studies
1Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Abstract:
The consequences of adventitious infectious agents upon the interpretation of toxicology studies performed in rats and mice are incompletely understood. Several prevalent murine pathogens cause alterations of the respiratory system that can confuse the assessment of chemically induced airway injury. In some instances the pathogenesis of infection with these agents has been relatively well studied in the lower respiratory tract. However, there are few well-controlled studies that have examined the upper respiratory region, which result in interpretive problems for toxicologic pathologists. The conduct and interpretation of both short-term and chronic rodent bioassays can be compromised by both the clinical and subclinical manifestations of infectious diseases. This paper reviews several important infectious diseases of the upper airway of rats and mice and discusses the potential influence of these conditions on the results of toxicology studies.
Insights
Infectious agents in rodents can impact toxicology studies by altering the respiratory system. This review examines upper airway infections in rats and mice and their effects on study interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Rodent Models
Background:
- Adventitious infectious agents in rodent models can complicate toxicology study interpretations.
- Murine pathogens affecting the respiratory system can mimic or mask chemically induced airway injury.
- Limited research exists on upper respiratory tract infections in rodents, posing challenges for toxicologic pathologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract in rats and mice.
- To discuss the potential impact of these infections on toxicology study outcomes.
- To highlight the importance of considering infectious agents in the interpretation of rodent bioassays.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious diseases affecting rodent upper airways.
- Analysis of published data on the pathogenesis of relevant murine pathogens.
- Discussion of case studies and interpretive challenges in toxicology.
Main Results:
- Several common rodent pathogens affect the upper respiratory tract, leading to pathological changes.
- These infections can cause clinical and subclinical signs that interfere with the assessment of chemical toxicity.
- Well-controlled studies on upper airway infections are scarce, contributing to interpretive difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Infectious diseases in rodents, particularly upper airway infections, significantly influence the accuracy of toxicology studies.
- Toxicologic pathologists must consider the potential role of infectious agents when evaluating rodent bioassays.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the effects of rodent infections on toxicological assessments.