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Body Temperature Drop as a Humane Endpoint in Snake Venom-Lethality Neutralization Tests
Rosa De Jesus1, Adam E Tratner2,3, Alanna Madrid1
1Bioterio, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), City of Knowledge, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama.
Toxins
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Snake venom antivenom testing causes animal suffering. Measuring body temperature in mice can predict survival, potentially reducing animal distress and improving test accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Snake venom neutralization potency tests are crucial for antivenom quality control.
- Current methods using mice cause significant animal pain and distress.
- Clinical sign observation for predicting animal death is subjective and can impact results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate body temperature measurement as an objective parameter for predicting animal survival in snake venom assays.
- To explore the potential for establishing a humane endpoint in antivenom potency testing.
- To reduce animal suffering during snake venom neutralization potency assessments.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were inoculated with mixtures of *Bothrops asper* or *Lachesis stenophrys* venom and polyvalent antivenom.
- Infrared thermometry was used to measure changes in mouse body temperature.
- Temperature drops from baseline were analyzed to predict animal survival.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between temperature drop and animal survival within the first 3 hours post-inoculation.
- Body temperature changes provide an objective measure to predict the outcome of venom exposure.
- This method offers a potential alternative to subjective clinical sign assessment.
Conclusions:
- Body temperature measurement can serve as an objective indicator for predicting survival in snake venom potency tests.
- Implementing temperature monitoring may lead to more accurate and humane endpoints, reducing animal suffering.
- This approach aligns with the ethical trend of minimizing animal use and distress in biological quality control.
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