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Effects of Extended-Release Buprenorphine on Mouse Models of Influenza
Marie E Brake1, Brynnan P Russ2, Shane Gansebom3
1Comparative Medicine Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract:
Mice are widely used as small animal models for influenza infection and immunization studies because of their susceptibility to many strains of influenza, obvious clinical signs of infection, and ease of handling. Analgesia is rarely used in such studies even if nonstudy effects such as fight wounds, tail injuries, or severe dermatitis would otherwise justify it because of concerns that treatment might have confounding effects on primary study parameters such as the course of infection and/or the serological response to infection. However, analgesia for study-related or -unrelated effects may be desirable for animal welfare purposes. Opioids, such as extended-release buprenorphine, are well-characterized analgesics in mice and may have fewer immune-modulatory effects than other drug classes. In this study, BALB/c and DBA/2 mice were inoculated with influenza virus, and treatment groups received either no analgesics or 2 doses of extended-release buprenorphine 72 h apart. Clinical signs, mortality, and influenza-specific antibody responses were comparable in mice that did or did not receive buprenorphine. We therefore conclude that extended-release buprenorphine can be used to alleviate incidental pain during studies of influenza infection without altering the course of infection or the immune response.
Insights
Extended-release buprenorphine can safely manage pain in mice during influenza studies. This analgesic did not affect infection course or immune responses, supporting its use for improved animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mice are essential models for influenza research due to susceptibility and observable symptoms.
- Analgesia is often withheld in mouse influenza studies due to concerns about confounding results.
- Animal welfare necessitates pain management for incidental injuries during research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of extended-release buprenorphine on influenza infection and immune response in mice.
- To determine if analgesia can be safely administered without compromising study integrity.
- To assess the utility of buprenorphine for managing incidental pain in influenza mouse models.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c and DBA/2 mice were infected with influenza virus.
- Treatment groups received extended-release buprenorphine (two doses, 72 hours apart) or no analgesia.
- Clinical signs, mortality, and influenza-specific antibody levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in clinical signs or mortality between analgesic and non-analgesic groups.
- Influenza-specific antibody responses remained comparable in mice treated with buprenorphine versus controls.
- Extended-release buprenorphine did not appear to alter the course of influenza infection or the adaptive immune response.
Conclusions:
- Extended-release buprenorphine can be administered to mice during influenza infection studies.
- This analgesic effectively alleviates incidental pain without negatively impacting infection dynamics or serological outcomes.
- Buprenorphine is a viable option for enhancing animal welfare in influenza research models.
