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Bone marrow depletion as a coincidental finding to hypothermia in Macaca mulatta
Abstract:
Three of 16 juvenile rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and 1 rhesus of 79 adult rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were found comatose in a state of profound hypothermia after a heating failure occurred in the room in which they were housed. One juvenile monkey died shortly thereafter. The three other monkeys were revived with gradual warming and supportive therapy but later experienced separate acute clinical crises manifesting shock and died at 19, 31, and 51 days after the initial episode. Histopathologic findings of severe bone marrow depletion were observed in each of the three monkeys that died after the initial episode.
Insights
A heating failure caused profound hypothermia in rhesus monkeys. Survivors experienced shock and died later, with bone marrow depletion observed in deceased subjects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Primate Research
- Toxicology
Background:
- Environmental control failures can pose significant risks to captive animal populations.
- Hypothermia can lead to severe physiological distress and long-term health consequences in non-human primates.
- Understanding the impact of acute cold stress is crucial for animal welfare and research integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the clinical and pathological outcomes of non-human primates exposed to acute hypothermia due to an environmental control failure.
- To investigate the long-term effects and potential sequelae of profound hypothermia in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).
- To document histopathological findings associated with hypothermia-induced mortality in these primate species.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of environmental conditions within animal housing facilities.
- Clinical assessment and supportive care for hypothermic non-human primates, including gradual warming and fluid therapy.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of deceased animals to determine the cause of death and identify tissue damage.
Main Results:
- Four non-human primates (3 juvenile rhesus monkeys, 1 adult cynomolgus monkey) experienced profound hypothermia following a heating system failure.
- One juvenile rhesus monkey died immediately post-episode; three survivors experienced delayed clinical crises (shock) and died at 19, 31, and 51 days.
- Histopathology revealed severe bone marrow depletion in all three primates that died after the initial hypothermic event.
Conclusions:
- Acute hypothermia resulting from environmental failures can cause immediate and delayed mortality in non-human primates.
- Severe bone marrow depletion is a significant pathological finding in primates succumbing to hypothermia-related complications.
- This case highlights the critical importance of robust environmental monitoring and backup systems in animal research facilities to prevent such adverse events.