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Implementation of Humane Endpoints in a Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis Study in Rats
Mónica Oliveira1, Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves2, Jessica Silva2
1School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|November 6, 2017
Summary
Monitoring hematuria in rats is a valuable, non-invasive method to predict tumor development and assess animal welfare during urinary bladder cancer studies. This biomarker can serve as an early humane endpoint.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Urinary bladder cancer research requires reliable methods to predict tumor development.
- Assessing animal welfare is crucial in preclinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate biological parameters for predicting tumor development in a rat model.
- Determine the utility of these parameters for assessing animal welfare.
Main Methods:
- Rats were divided into control and N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) exposed groups.
- Biological variables including body weight, consumption, temperature, blood, and urine were monitored.
- Animal welfare was assessed using a dedicated score sheet.
Main Results:
- BBN-exposed rats showed increased final urine volume and macroscopic hematuria.
- Some BBN-exposed rats developed anemia.
- Control rats had slightly higher body weight and weight gain.
Conclusions:
- Hematuria is a useful non-invasive biomarker for monitoring urinary bladder cancer progression in rats.
- Hematuria can potentially serve as an early humane endpoint.
- Animals did not exhibit signs of suffering necessitating premature sacrifice.
