Outbred rats are laboratory animals widely used in preclinical research and investigation of clinical pathology parameters is an important part of the preclinical evaluation of drug safety. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of strain and age on selected hematological and biochemical analytes in Sprague Dawley (Crl: CD[SD]) and Wistar (Crl: WI[Han]) rats. Selected analytes were studied in 390 rats per strain with an equal representation of both sexes at 6-8 weeks, 10-14 weeks, and 6-10 months of age. The data were statistically compared to assess the changes with age and strain. The distribution of results by strain showed that SD rats of both sexes had significantly higher values of MCHC, PLT, WBC, LYMPH, and AST, ALT concentration. In comparison, male Wistar rats had significantly higher values of RBC, E% and female Wistar rats had N% and UREA concentration. The distribution of the results according to age showed that the increase in the age of the rats significantly reduced the MCV, MCH, PLT, L%, and the concentration of AST, and ALP. The concentration of GLU, TP, CREA, and percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils significantly increased with the increasing age of rats. In conclusion, this research demonstrated that age and strain significantly influence most outbred rats’ hematological and biochemical parameters.

The diverse bioactive properties of Tragia involucrate are highlighted by numerous studies that reveal its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and potential anti-diabetic effects. Leaves of T. involucrata were gathered, extracted with various solvents, and analyzed for phytochemical components through biochemical methods and high-performance thinlayer chromatography (HP-TLC). The extracts underwent evaluation for cytotoxicity, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. An acute oral toxicity assessment was conducted to determine in vivo toxicity in rats, while carrageenan-induced paw edema was utilized to assess in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The phytochemical constituents include tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Notably, the aqueous extract exhibited significant membrane-stabilizing effects on human red blood cell membranes and demonstrated potent activity against stable free radicals. Results from acute toxicity studies and paw edema tests indicated that the extract was well tolerated at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight and effectively reduced edema. Additionally, the aqueous extract produced analgesic effects at an oral dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight. These results imply that AETI possesses promising analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that T. involucrata may be a therapeutic option for managing pain and inflammation

Laboratory animals are the most widely established species in numerous fields for studying and developing new drug molecules and toxicity testing. A disproportionate number of animals are euthanized in the drug development and research field for societal benefit. In order to reduce the number of laboratory animals, a precise in vivo assessment system is essential to obtain statistically significant data. The project was initiated to evaluate vital organ function by utilizing nuclear medicine imaging techniques and radiopharmaceuticals. In this study, six mature rabbits (8-9 months old) of both sexes were systematically evaluated for vital organs like the brain, thyroid gland, salivary gland, heart, lung, liver, kidney function, skeletal system, and lymphatic system using organ-specific radiopharmaceuticals with scintigraphy and PET-CT imaging techniques. A detailed assessment of the function of each organ in rabbits was undertaken. No abnormalities were observed in the study animals under investigation. The uptake and clearance pattern of radiopharmaceuticals determined the normal organ function of rabbits and was found to be comparable with humans. In vivo, analysis with data generation was conceivable without sacrificing animals. Henceforth, by applying the 3Rs principle, the reduction and refine procedure is accomplished with a significant amount of critical data generated against each time point. Therefore, applying imaging techniques with the “3RS” principle proves to be an efficient method for rational use of laboratory animals during the investigation.

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (MOL) have been a staple food source in India for centuries. Recent reports have highlighted their potential as immunomodulators, hepato-protectants, and more. To verify these claims and provide a robust solution for protein-energy malnutrition, we conducted a study to shed light on the nutritional benefits of MOL consumption. This six-week study employed an isocaloric and isonitrogenous feeding trial, using a pelleted diet with 20% protein, supplemented with either 2% or 4% MOL. Healthy adult male rats were subjected to a unique forced exercise regimen. We analyzed the biochemical parameters of 30 rats distributed across five groups. It showed that the test groups had significantly lower serum urea and liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, and ALP) than the control group. Total protein levels increased significantly (14-19%) in all test groups, with no significant difference in creatinine levels. This analysis concludes that administering MOL powder orally at 2% and 4% is biochemically safe and exhibits liver-protective and nephroprotective properties. Our study suggests that MOL powder can be safely incorporated into both human and animal diets in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the synergistic effect of exercise enhances these benefits. The study provides long-term results without altering animal behavior, making MOL a promising option for combating protein-energy and malnutrition in India.

This study investigated the quality of treated reverse osmosis drinking water in a specific pathogen free rodent facility. The water bottles placed in the animal rooms were evaluated on days 10, 14, and 21 for room-level assessment. For cage-level assessment, the water was stored for 14 days inside the room and then evaluated on days 2 and 5 (group A – 5 mice) and days 2, 5, 7, 9, and 14 (group B – 2 mice) after provision to the mice in individually ventilated cages. At the room level, a significant decrease in free chlorine was observed from days 10 to 21 (p<0.0001). The concentrations of heterotrophic bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were consistently low (<1 CFU/mL and <1 CFU/100 mL, respectively). Cagelevel assessment revealed a significant decrease in free chlorine at days 7 (p = 0.0291) and 14 (p = 0.0231) for Group B. Adenosine triphosphate was detected on days 2 and 5 (Group A) and days 5, 7, 9, and 14 (Group B). Heterotrophic bacteria were found in Group A, day 5 (460 CFU/mL), and Group B, days 9 (2 CFU/mL) and 14 (2000 CFU/mL). The level of Pseudomonas aeruginosa remained low in both groups. There was no significant change in the pH at the room or cage level. The findings suggest that water bottles filled with treated reverse osmosis water can be stored unused in rooms for 14 days before being distributed to cages with at most two animals for 7 days. For higher stocking densities, it is recommended to change water bottles every two days.