Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors:
Professor Sarah Wolfensohn
Dr Penny Hawkins
Dr Elliot Lilley
Professor Daniel Anthony
Charles Chambers
Sarah Lane
Dr Martin Lawton
Dr Hanna-Marja Voipio
Dr Gavin Woodhall
Publication:
Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods, 67, 169-176
Publish Date:
18 January 2013
Background
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model in which inflammation is induced in the central nervous system by generating immune activity targeted at myelin. It is used as an animal model of multiple sclerosis and other diseases that involve demyelination, such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. EAE is recognised to have the potential to cause severe suffering in animals and is therefore a priority area for implementing all of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
Summary
This report aims to facilitate the implementation of the 3Rs in the use of animal models or procedures involving experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis research. The report emphasises refinement as the most immediately applicable approach, including housing and care, severity scoring and humane endpoints. It identifies and discusses specific welfare concerns and proposes practical measures to minimise animal use and suffering.
Key Actions
- Carefully consider the use of alternatives to living animals.
- Determine which is the most suitable adjuvant, taking into consideration both the animal welfare and the desired immune response.
- Enforce high housing and care standards that effectively meet the needs of debilitated animals.
- Develop detailed clinical sign scoring systems.
- Implement effective welfare assessment and monitoring of animals.
- Define early humane endpoints.
- Communicate and disseminate good practice.
Further questions
Authors
Professor Sarah Wolfensohn - University of Surrey
Dr Penny Hawkins - RSPCA Animals in Science Department
Dr Elliot Lilley - RSPCA Animals in Science Department
Professor Daniel Anthony - University of Oxford
Charles Chambers - University of Bristol
Sarah Lane - Novartis
Dr Martin Lawton - Lawton and Stoakes Veterinary Surgeons
Dr Hanna-Marja Voipio - University of Oulu
Dr Gavin Woodhall - Aston University