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Mining Candidate Genes for Litter Size Traits in English Springer Spaniel Bitches Based on Whole Genome Resequencing GAO Yilong, HE Xingliang, ZHOU Xiaopeng, LI Dawei, BAO Xijun, LI Laiyou Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (3): 378-387.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.149 Abstract （3416）   HTML （80）    PDF （3368KB）（769）       Knowledge map    Save Objective Candidate genes related to the regulation of litter size traits in English Springer Spaniel breeding bitches are explored, and the genetic mechanism underlying fertility in this breed is investigated, in order to provide reference molecular markers for genomic selection of high fecundity. Methods Whole genome resequencing was performed on English Springer Spaniel breeding bitches that had given birth to at least 3 litters, and the bitches were divided into a high-litter-size group and a low-litter-size group according to the average litter size. Selection signal analysis was used to obtain the intersection of fixation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (Pi) signals as highly selected regions, and candidate genes were screened based on gene annotation and functional enrichment analysis. Results The average litter size in the high-litter-size group (7.41±1.27) was significantly higher than that in the low-litter-size group (3.82±1.20) (P<0.05), and the total number of live offspring in the high-litter-size group (7.06±1.10) was extremely significantly higher than that in the low-litter-size group (3.67±1.11) (P<0.01). A total of 3 155 706 SNPs were detected in the two groups, 63.09% of which were located in intergenic regions, 33.96% in intronic regions, and 0.38％, 0.57％, and 0.09％ in exonic regions, 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), and 5'UTRs, respectively. Among the SNPs in exonic regions, 5 256 were nonsynonymous variants, accounting for 43.55%. A total of 1 752 differential genes were identified after annotation screening. Gene ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG) enrichment analyses identified 13 candidate genes that may affect reproductive performance and litter size traits, including WDR35, SMAD7, RPGR, RERGL, PGRMC2, LOC482182, GIMD1, COX7B2, COX16, BMPR2, BMP6, BICD1, and SLC9C1. Their functions mainly involve reproductive hormone regulation, embryonic development, GTPase activation, and oocyte apoptosis. Conclusion English Springer Spaniel breeding bitches have undergone significant artificial selection for litter size traits. These 13 candidate genes play key roles in oocyte maturation and regulation during early pregnancy, providing a new molecular basis for elucidating the genetic mechanism of canine reproductive traits. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Main Biological Characteristics of Hermetia illucens L. and Its Potential Applications as a Model Organism LIU Song, MO Qianru, WANG Jin, CUI Ying, TIAN Ling Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 803-809.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.141 Abstract （1755）   HTML （23）    PDF （5674KB）（4395）       Knowledge map    Save The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.), a globally distributed resource insect native to the tropical regions of the Americas, has become stably established in several regions of China, such as Guangdong and Hainan Provinces, through both natural dispersal and human-mediated introduction. In recent years, owing to its strong environmental adaptability, high resource conversion efficiency, and prominent value in ecology and biological resources, as well as its remarkable advantages in organic waste conversion and high-value bioproduct development, it has emerged as a research hotspot in the field of biological resources. This paper first outlines the biological characteristics and geographical distribution of Hermetia illucens L., clarifying its research basis and resource potential. Subsequently, its efficient and stable breeding system and rearing substrate optimization techniques are introduced, which provide technical support for standardized breeding and growth performance improvement. Further, this paper systematically reviews the medical and health application potential of bioactive components derived from Hermetia illucens L., with a focus on active substances extracted from its larvae and pupae, such as antimicrobial peptides, functional fatty acids, chitosan, and protein hydrolysates, which exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and good biocompatibility. It comprehensively elaborates on the application research progress on the application of these bioactive components of Hermetia illucens L. in fields such as prevention and treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, cancer chemoprevention, tissue repair, and cosmeceuticals for acne care. Moreover, this paper elucidates the advantages of Hermetia illucens L. as a novel invertebrate laboratory animal model, highlighting its high productivity, controllable growth patterns, and suitability for in-depth individual research. It also explores its unique value in fundamental medical research, such as host-microbe interactions and endogenous virus evolution, providing an interdisciplinary research platform that bridges evolutionary biology, microbial ecology, immunology, and preventive medicine. Finally, the paper analyzes the technical bottlenecks faced in the current research and industrialization process of Hermetia illucens L., and reviews and prospects product development strategies, interdisciplinary integration, and clinical translation directions, aiming to offer a systematic reference for the in-depth development and efficient utilization of this resource. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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An Overview of Strategies for Constructing Animal Models of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes WANG Xiaoming, MENG Chenchen, FAN Lu, LI Yanyang, ZHANG Junping, LÜ Shichao Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 596-610.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.038 Abstract （1416）   HTML （34）    PDF （1042KB）（1324）       Knowledge map    Save This study aims to explore different construction methods for animal models of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and their advantages and disadvantages, to propose optimization strategies for existing problems in current construction methods, and to provide reference for constructing animal models of TCM syndromes that both preserve the essence of TCM syndromes and conform to modern scientific research standards. Using "traditional Chinese medicine", "syndrome", and "animal model" as key words, articles related to animal models of TCM syndromes from CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases are searched and reviewed. Then the theoretical basis, technical characteristics, and existing problems of the main construction methods of current TCM syndrome animal models are systematically sorted out, and corresponding optimization measures are proposed for the existing problems. The construction methods of TCM syndrome animal models include TCM etiology and pathogenesis construction, modern medical etiology and pathology construction, and integration of TCM and Western medicine for diseases and syndromes. The TCM etiology and pathogenesis construction method is guided by a holistic perspective, constructing syndrome models by simulating external factors such as six pathogenic factors and emotional disorders. Although it conforms to TCM theoretical connotation and has simple operation and strong controllability, this method has problems such as low modeling success rate and poor etiology-syndrome fit. The modern medical etiology and pathology construction method is based on microscopic pathological mechanisms, adopting highly controllable technical means such as drug intervention and surgical modeling. Although it has the characteristics of clear objective indicators and excellent reproducibility, this method has defects such as deviation from the essence of TCM "syndrome" and insufficient safety. The integrated TCM-Western medicine disease-syndrome method shows significant complementarity in syndrome essence restoration degree and technical feasibility, achieves systematic integration of TCM basic theories and clinical syndrome differentiation thinking in methodology, and integrates the objective evaluation system of modern medicine, improving the clinical consistency between Western medicine pathological mechanisms and TCM syndrome evolution patterns. However, this method still faces common challenges such as ambiguous syndrome identification standards and distortion of disease progression simulation. The construction of TCM syndrome animal models faces challenges such as poor theoretical adaptability and poor technical standardization, but has irreplaceable value in verifying the efficacy of prescriptions and promoting the internationalization of TCM. In the future, the construction of TCM syndrome animal models should be optimized through measures such as optimizing animal selection, improving the theoretical basis of preparation methods, standardizing the setting of modeling factors, and clarifying the standard for modeling success. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Applications and Advances of Drosophila in Research of Obesity and Its Related Metabolic Diseases CHEN Haotian, LIU Jingnan Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 688-704.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.104 Abstract （1367）   HTML （33）    PDF （7984KB）（3436）       Knowledge map    Save Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease caused by long-term imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, which can significantly increase risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, various cancers, and premature aging. The latest WHO statistics show that global overweight and obesity rates among adults continue to rise, making obesity a public health problem requiring urgent precise prevention and control. This review systematically summarizes the unique value and application advances of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism in obesity and metabolic disease research. Due to its short life cycle, low rearing cost, high homology with human disease-related genes, conserved organ functions, and well-developed genetic tools, Drosophila has emerged as an efficient model organism for analyzing obesity and metabolic disorders. Feeding high-sugar/high-fat diets to Drosophila can stably replicate typical obesity-related phenotypes such as lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, impaired cardiometabolic function, and shortened lifespan, and can be combined with tissue- or cell type–specific genetic manipulations for target discovery and mechanism verification. At the organ level, the fat body functions as a central hub for energy storage, metabolic sensing, and endocrine regulation; oenocytes participate in lipid, sterol, and very-long-chain fatty acid metabolism and starvation response; the midgut integrates signals from nutrients and gut microbiota through regionalized absorption and enteroendocrine functions; the malpighian tubules, besides excretion, also regulate reabsorption and influence body size through energy sensing pathways and glucose transporter membrane localization. Muscles are the primary energy-consuming organs in Drosophila with flight muscles exhibiting the highest energy demand. They primarily utilize trehalose and glucose from the hemolymph for energy supply. Additionally, they can mobilize glycogen and fatty acids to participate in energy metabolism. Additionally, circadian rhythm and feeding time (such as time-restricted feeding) can reshape peripheral clock-metabolism coupling, alleviating diet-induced metabolic disorders. Moreover, they regulate systemic metabolic homeostasis through myogenic factors.In cross-organ endocrine regulatory network, brain insulin-like peptide producing cells secrete insulin-like peptides to lower blood sugar and promote metabolic balance, whereas the corpora cardiaca release adipokinetic hormone to increase blood sugar and stimulate lipolysis. These two endocrine systems functionally antagonize each other, together forming a key metabolic homeostasis regulatory axis in Drosophila. Fat body and intestine regulate insulin-like peptide secretion according to nutritional status by releasing Unpaired 2, Limostatin, and adiponectin-like factors, forming a multi-level "gut-fat body-brain-peripheral organ" feedback loop. In summary, Drosophila, with its highly conserved organ functions and metabolic pathways and its powerful genetic tools, provides an efficient and scalable experimental platform for analyzing obesity etiology, elucidating cross-tissue signaling networks, discovering potential translational targets, and evaluating nutritional/pharmacological intervention strategies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Establishment and Multidimensional Pathological Evaluations of a Cigarette Smoke Exposure-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mouse Model HE Jiaqi, ZHOU Yuanyuan, NIE Yongqiang, WANG Zhaoxia, XU Wangjie Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 11-19.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.076 Abstract （1320）   HTML （41）    PDF （13520KB）（2325）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To establish a reliable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse model based on a self-developed multichannel automatic control system for long-term continuous cigarette smoke exposure in small animals using a novel continuous cigarette smoke exposure method, and to conduct phenotypic evaluation and analysis, thereby providing an animal experimental basis for investigating COPD pathogenesis and prevention strategies. Methods Twenty male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were randomly and equally divided into a control group and a model group. The model group (n=10) underwent 6 h of continuous cigarette smoke exposure daily (6 cigarettes per day for 12 consecutive weeks), while the control group (n=10) received no intervention. Body weight was monitored biweekly. Post-exposure, in vivo micro-CT imaging was performed. After euthanasia, serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified by ELISA. Lung tissues underwent H&E and Masson's trichrome staining to observe changes in lung morphology and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the mean linear intercept (MLI) was calculated, thereby comprehensively evaluating the clinical features of COPD in the mouse model. Results Compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly reduced body weight (P<0.01) from the fourth week. Compared with the control group, IL-6 level in the serum and BALF of the model group increased by 27.2% and 140.0%, respectively (P<0.01). TNF-α level in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the model group increased by 16.7% (P<0.01) and 19.3% (P<0.05), respectively. Histopathological examination revealed alveolar wall thinning, septal rupture, emphysematous bullae formation, reduced alveolar count, bronchial wall thickening with lumen narrowing, and inflammatory cell infiltration. MLI was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Masson's staining confirmed collagen deposition and bronchial remodeling. Micro-CT demonstrated localized high-density shadows exhibiting typical features of chronic bronchitis. Conclusion The self-developed device enables long-term continuous smoke exposure, and the successfully established COPD mouse model exhibits pathological features highly consistent with clinical manifestations, offering an efficient and reliable tool for COPD research. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Guidelines for Selecting Animal Models in Preclinical Research of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (2025 Edition) Expert Committee on Medical Animal Experiments, Chinese Research Hospital Association, Professional Committee on Neural Regeneration and Tissue–Organ Injury Repair, Chinese Research Hospital Association, Section of Engineering Anatomy, Chinese Society for Anatomical Sciences Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 524-541.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.048 Abstract （1284）   HTML （85）    PDF （1174KB）（982）       Knowledge map    Save Intervertebral disc herniation is a highly prevalent orthopedic disorder, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), the key pathological basis, is a complex pathological process characterized by progressive degradation of extracellular matrix, structural failure, and loss of biomechanical function, which not only shows higher prevalence in the population, but is also the primary cause of chronic low back pain and dysfunction worldwide, causing a huge socioeconomic burden. Although constructing IDD animal models is important for exploring the pathological mechanisms and promoting translational research of this disease, the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of IDD have not been fully elucidated. There are significant differences between humans and common laboratory animals in spinal anatomy, biomechanics, and degenerative course, coupled with the diversity and lack of unified standards of existing IDD animal models. This guide systematically reviews IDD animal models of rodents, non-human primates, as well as different species such as rabbits, goats/sheep, pigs, and dogs, focusing on the modeling principles of three main types of models: inducible models (such as annulus fibrosus/nucleus pulposus/endplate injury and mechanical injury) are suitable for simulating acute injury and rapid screening of therapies due to their high controllability and short cycle; spontaneous models can better simulate the age-related natural degeneration process in humans; genetically modified models provide powerful tools for analyzing specific molecular pathways. The guideline deeply analyzes the key technical points, reproducibility, and clinical relevance of these models. It also compares their advantages, limitations, and applicable research scenarios to guide researchers to conduct "scientific question-driven" precise model selection. Meanwhile, to improve the depth and comparability of research results, this guideline proposes a multidimensional endpoint evaluation system for IDD animal model experiments covering imaging, histology, biochemistry/molecular biology, biomechanics, and pain-related behavior, with recommended observation time windows. It also clarifies the "3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement)" ethical principles and animal welfare requirements throughout the experiment. In addition, the guideline outlines future research directions such as integrating single-cell omics, multiscale mechanical analysis, and strengthening pain-related phenotype assessment. This guideline aims to provide researchers with a systematic and standardized methodological framework for the rational selection and application of IDD animal models under specific scientific questions and resource constraints, in order to reduce inter-study heterogeneity, enhance the translation efficiency of preclinical findings, promote high-quality development in the field, and ultimately provide a solid scientific foundation for developing innovative therapies to delay or even reverse IDD. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Advances in Integrative Translational Research on Animal Models of Ischemic Stroke in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine PAN Linqin, DENG Xiangliang, LUO Yunxia Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (3): 344-356.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.107 Abstract （1204）   HTML （93）    PDF （2732KB）（839）       Knowledge map    Save The pathophysiological process of ischemic stroke (IS) is highly complex. Current clinical treatments are limited by a narrow therapeutic time window and are inadequate for improving residual neurological dysfunction. Therefore, animal models have become essential tools for exploring the pathological mechanisms of this disease from both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine perspectives, as well as for evaluating innovative therapeutic strategies. This review systematically outlines existing IS modeling methods and cutting-edge advances. It comparatively integrates the multi-layered pathogeneses in Western medicine, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, blood-brain barrier injury, ferroptosis, and PANoptosis, with the core TCM pathogenesis characterized by disorders of Qi and blood and functional imbalance caused by "wind, fire/heat, phlegm, blood stasis, and deficiency." Furthermore, this paper categorizes and compares the specific modeling techniques, evaluation indicators, and respective advantages and limitations of focal cerebral ischemia models, global cerebral ischemia models, and TCM disease-syndrome combined models, such as the Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Literature review suggests that, by exploring emerging cell death mechanisms like PANoptosis and introducing environmental stress or dietary interventions on the basis of ischemic modeling, specific TCM syndromes associated with IS can be preliminarily screened out and replicated. It provides a feasible approach for objectively elucidating the biological basis of TCM interventions involving multiple targets and pathways. Given that traditional single-disease models fail to fully capture the complexity and individual heterogeneity of the cerebral network microenvironment in clinical patients, future research on IS animal models should focus on the deep integration of TCM and Western medicine in pathogenesis. By leveraging multidisciplinary technologies, such as gene editing, high-resolution in vivo imaging, artificial intelligence-driven multi-omics analysis, and brain organoids, researchers can construct high-biomimetic, multi-dimensional models that closely mirror clinical scenarios, thereby effectively improving the success rate of translating innovative IS therapies from basic research to clinical application. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress on Animal Models of Gastric Ulcer of Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold Type LIU Ziqi, LI Yunying, LI Qin, LI Yuanhan, HE Fangyan, WEN Weibo Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 574-585.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.015 Abstract （1193）   HTML （36）    PDF （919KB）（6559）       Knowledge map    Save Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the common, frequently-occurring and intractable diseases of the digestive system. Spleen-stomach deficiency cold type is the most common and hard-to-cure syndrome pattern of GU, and is both a focus and a challenge in medical research. Therefore, constructing a scientific, reasonable, and clinically practical animal model of GU with spleen-stomach deficiency cold type and formulating objective and effective evaluation criteria are of great significance for in-depth research on the pathogenesis and treatment of GU. In this paper, the methods for constructing GU animal models of spleen-stomach deficiency cold type are comprehensively introduced by systematically reviewing the relevant literature. Firstly, the construction methods of pathological models of GU in Western medicine are introduced, including pyloric ligation method, water immersion-restraint stress method, ethanol-induced method, acetic acid-induced method, etc. This paper expounds the establishment methods for spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome type model in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including diet disorder method, bitter cold diarrhea method, excessive fatigue method, Qi consumption and Qi impairment method, and overeating sour-flavor method. This paper focuses on the construction methods for disease-syndrome combination GU models of spleen-stomach deficiency cold type, including two-factor modeling method and three-factor modeling method. Meanwhile, the evaluation indices of GU animal models of spleen-stomach deficiency cold type were summarized from various aspects, including animal physical signs ( appearance symptoms, animal behavior, and metabolic indices), as well as tissue morphology and molecular biology-related indicators ( gastric function, oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, other cytokines, four coagulation parameters, intestinal flora detection ), for constructing a comprehensive evaluation system. From the perspective of prescription-based verification, this paper further analyzes the drug composition and pharmacological effects to infer the syndrome type of the treated animal model, so as to verify whether the target animal model is successfully constructed. This review aims to provide a valuable reference for establishing a syndrome-specific GU animal model that closely aligns with clinical reality and embodies the principles of Chinese medicine. This will further advance research on TCM-pattern GU syndromes and deepen the exploration of herbal medicine-based treatments for GU, ultimately promoting the clinical integration and advancement of Chinese medicine in GU therapy. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Literature Analysis and Validity Assessment for Animal Models of Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder LIAO Wangyue, LEI Shuang, LI Xuan, GUO Min, ZHOU Ruoran Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 66-80.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.060 Abstract （1192）   HTML （38）    PDF （982KB）（1978）       Knowledge map    Save Attention deficit and hyperactive disorder （ADHD） is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. It seriously impairs academic achievement， social interaction， and vocational development， and increases the risk of accidental injury and substance abuse. In some cases， the symptoms may also exert an indirect disruptive effect on public order. Its aetiology involves interactions among genetic， perinatal environmental， and psychosocial factors that cannot be fully disentangled by single clinical studies. Therefore， a systematic evaluation of existing animal models is essential for revealing pathophysiology and developing novel therapies. Using the keywords "attention deficit and hyperactive disorder"， "models， animal"， "validity"， and their English equivalents， we systematically searched PubMed， Web of Science， CNKI， and Wanfang for publications from 2000 to 2025 （retrieving 328 publications） and added further references by citation tracking. Eighty-six rodent ADHD models that provided detailed construction protocols， behavioural assessments， neurobiological mechanisms， or pharmacological data were included and classified into spontaneous genetic， genetically engineered， and environmentally induced paradigms. Their face， construct， and predictive validity were compared. Among spontaneous genetic models， spontaneously hypertensive rats reproduce hyperactivity， impulsivity， and stimulant responses well， yet hypertension and sex differences limit specificity. Acallosal mouse strains link corpus callosum absence to ADHD-like behaviours， but neurotransmitter studies remain scarce. Genetically engineered rodents—including dopamine transporter， neurokinin-1 receptor and mediator complex subunit 23 knockout or conditional gene knockout lines—precisely dissect dopaminergic， noradrenergic， synaptic， or epigenetic pathways， yet generally lack full phenotypic coverage， social-deficit modelling， and comorbidity representation， and are accompanied by adverse effects such as growth retardation or ocular defects. Environmentally induced models employ lead， polychlorinated biphenyls， alcohol， nicotine exposures， 6-hydroxydopamine lesions， neonatal hypoxia， early social isolation， or maternal stress to recapitulate core symptoms. However， dose-schedule standardisation is lacking. Behavioural reversibility diverges from clinical persistence， and non-specific phenotypes such as anxiety or depression are common. Overall， no single paradigm simultaneously achieves high validity across all three dimensions. Currently， ADHD models have progressed from single-factor simulations to multidimensional evaluation， yet significant gaps remain in genetic-background standardisation， sex differences， cross-species translation， and syndrome-differentiation modelling under traditional Chinese medicine. Future directions should integrate genetic， environmental， and epigenetic interactions， establish life-span validation systems， and incorporate computational neuroscience alongside integrative Chinese-Western strategies to enhance clinical relevance and translational utility， thereby providing robust evidence-based support for mechanistic elucidation， drug screening and precision intervention in ADHD. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Exosomes Treat Ischemic Stroke by Regulation of Ferroptosis Through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway in Mice XU Yingtao, WANG Mengmeng, LIN Ping, CHI Haitao, WANG Yi, BAI Ying Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 20-31.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.034 Abstract （1098）   HTML （43）    PDF （18736KB）（1807）       Knowledge map    Save Objective A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model is established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. The study examines the mechanism by which exosomes (EXO) derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) improve ischemic stroke and regulate neural ferroptosis-related injury. Methods Thirty-two SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 - 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group): sham group (Sham), model group (MCAO), MCAO plus normal saline group (MCAO+NaCl), and MCAO plus exosome group (MCAO+EXO). The mouse MCAO model was established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. Mice in the Sham group underwent exposure of the middle cerebral artery without electrocoagulation. Twenty-four hours before MCAO induction, mice in the MCAO+EXO group received a tail vein injection of 100 μL of exosomes derived from the culture supernatant of hAMSCs at a concentration of 9.5×1011 particles/mL. Mice in the MCAO+NaCl group were injected with an equal volume of normal saline via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after model establishment, neurological deficits were evaluated using the Longa neurological deficit scoring system. Cerebral infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes of neurons in the ischemic brain regions. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were determined using microcolorimetric assays to evaluate differences among groups. The mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the infarct and peri-infarct regions of each group were analyzed by Western blotting. Results Compared with the MCAO group, the Longa neurological deficit score was significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group (P<0.01). Prominent cerebral infarction was observed in the MCAO group, whereas the infarct volume ratio was markedly decreased in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.001). Histopathological analysis revealed that mice in the MCAO group exhibited obvious neuronal damage, including cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, unclear nuclear structure, and disorganized neuronal arrangement, compared with the Sham group. In contrast, neurons in the MCAO+EXO group showed relatively preserved morphology, with intact cellular structures and large, regular nuclei located centrally within the cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that Fe2+ and MDA levels in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were significantly increased in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.001). These levels were significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). In addition, total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were markedly decreased in the MCAO group relative to the Sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, the MCAO+EXO group exhibited significantly increased levels of total GSH and GSH (P<0.001), while no significant change was observed in GSSG levels (P>0.05). Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were significantly downregulated in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.01, P<0.001). In contrast, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were significantly upregulated in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.05). Conclusion In the mouse MCAO model, tail vein injection of exosomes derived from hAMSCs can improve motor function, reduce infarct area, protect neuronal cell morphology, and reduce the degree of nerve injury. Exosomes may exert a protective effect by activating the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and reducing ferroptosis in neuronal cells of MCAO model mice. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Influence of Antigen Type on the Establishment of an Induced Sjögren Syndrome Mouse Model RONG Wenshuang, NIU Yuanfei, LIU Meiting, YANG Mengyuan, CUI Shuang, MA Lina, FU Yao, WANG Lianmei, CAO Junling Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (2): 178-190.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.175 Abstract （1081）   HTML （47）    PDF （93466KB）（729）       Knowledge map    Save Objective This study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sj?gren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. Methods Adult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. Results Female mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Construction of Laboratory Animal Science and Technology Ethics Governance System in China and Its Preliminary Practice in Guangdong Province LI Xiaoqin, YU Wenlan, DUAN Yizhu, LIU Zhonghua, WU Guodong, SHI Wenqi, FU Hongkun Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 127-137.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.072 Abstract （1036）   HTML （27）    PDF （4183KB）（853）       Knowledge map    Save The welfare and ethics of laboratory animals are the ethical principles and behavioral norms that need to be followed in conducting animal-based scientific research, breeding and managing laboratory animals, and supervising and regulating such activities. The level of protection of laboratory animal welfare and ethics is closely related to the development of science and technology, which has become a widely recognized international consensus. At present, Guangdong Province is accelerating the construction of a high-level science and technology innovation province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Science and Technology Innovation Center. Guangdong Province should rely on its advanced governance capacity in the field of laboratory animal science and technology ethics to promote the high-quality development of its laboratory animal science and technology sector. Based on the management laws, regulations, and institutional mechanisms of laboratory animals in China, this paper explores the optimization of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system, which includes the institutional guarantees, responsibility systems, ethical review and supervision mechanisms, and education and outreach. Through methods such as literature research, questionnaire surveys, and interview investigations, an empirical study of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in Guangdong Province has been conducted. Analysis of literature and research results shows that Guangdong Province has basically established a laboratory animal management system, collaboration mechanism, supervision mechanism, and education and training system that meet the current requirements of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in China. However, there are still problems such as an incomplete laboratory animal science and technology ethics supervision mechanism, an underdeveloped operation mechanism of review institutions, insufficient attention paid by laboratory animal units to the ethical review of animal experiments, inconsistent ethical review standards, and a lack of professional ethical education and training for ethics review personnel. Therefore, optimization measures such as improving the laboratory animal science and technology ethics review system, strengthening supervision and inspection, further strengthening the accountability of responsible entities, formulating review norms, and enhancing hierarchical and classified education and training are proposed, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the normalized and long-term governance of laboratory animal science and technology ethics in Guangdong Province. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Advances on Periplaneta americana as an Experimental Animal Model ZHOU Guanyu, ZHU Shiming, LIU Fangfang Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 794-802.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.110 Abstract （1027）   HTML （21）    PDF （986KB）（2396）       Knowledge map    Save The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), as a representative species of Blattodea and one of the most ancient extant insect groups, is gradually developing from a public-health pest into an emerging experimental animal model in developmental biology and regenerative medicine, due to its remarkable environmental adaptability, fecundity, developmental plasticity, and high sensitivity to RNA interference (RNAi). This review aims to systematically integrate the latest research advances in biological characteristics, genomic resources, developmental regulatory mechanisms, and application value of P. americana, to expand its application potential in basic research and translational medicine, elucidating following aspects: (1) Biological traits of P. americana and its standardized laboratory rearing protocols are outlined, laying a foundation for its use as a stable experimental model. (2) Analysis results of high-quality genome sequencing are elaborated, revealing evolutionary characteristics of repeat sequence-driven expansion and association between significant expansion of metabolism and stress response gene families and their strong environmental adaptation. (3) In developmental biology, the review summarizes how dynamic balance between 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) governs molting and metamorphic plasticity, how insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway and target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) pathway integrate nutritional signals to regulate developmental rate, and how JH precisely coordinates efficient reproduction regulatory network through multiple mechanisms. (4) The exceptional limb regeneration capacity of P. americana and synergistic effects of conserved pathways and novel regulatory factors behind it are detailed. (5) Concerning environmental adaptation mechanisms, the significant expansion of detoxification-related gene families and innate immune pathways, and JH-mediated sexually dimorphic stress response characteristics are highlighted. (6) The application value of P. americana in traditional drug development (e.g., Kangfuxin Liquid) and precise allergen diagnostics is discussed, and future research directions are prospected. Although technical challenges such as insufficient genetic manipulation tools exist, through deep integration of multi-omics technologies and development of gene-editing tools, P. americana model is expected to play a more significant role in revealing developmental plasticity, regeneration mechanisms, and new targets for pest control. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Guidelines for Selecting Preclinical Animal Models for Drugs and Stem Cell Therapies for Parkinson Disease (2026 Edition) Committee of Experts on Medical Animal Experiments, Chinese Research Hospital Association , Committee of Regenerative Medicine Branch, Chinese Medicinal Biotech Association , HAN Fabin, CHEN Lin, CHEN Zhiguo, LU Ming, LI Yingjun Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (2): 153-177.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.073 Abstract （1027）   HTML （92）    PDF （3966KB）（2228）       Knowledge map    Save Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people. Its main clinical features include tremor at rest, bradykinesia, limb rigidity, abnormal posture and gait. In addition to motor dysfunction, most PD patients also show non-motor symptoms, including memory impairment, depression, pain, reduced olfaction, and sleep disorders. The etiology of PD has not been fully clarified, and its main pathological feature is the formation of Lewy bodies mainly composed of α-synuclein. Lewy bodies are not only present in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain, but can also spread to brain regions such as the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the locus coeruleus, leading to degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The diagnosis of PD mainly depends on clinical manifestations. Cranial CT and magnetic resonance imaging usually show no obvious abnormalities. Commonly used drugs for PD include levodopa and dopamine receptor agonists, and other therapies include deep brain stimulation and stem cell replacement therapy. Because the core pathological change in PD is the loss of midbrain-specific dopaminergic neurons, transplantation of neural stem cells or dopaminergic progenitor cells from different sources is currently the most promising therapeutic approach for PD. Before clinical application, drugs, novel instruments, and cell transplantation therapies all require preclinical studies using PD animal models to verify their efficacy and safety. Therefore, this guideline is developed under the leadership of the Committee of Experts on Medical Animal Experiments of the Chinese Research Hospital Association, in collaboration with nearly 70 experts from domestic universities, research institutes, and research-oriented hospitals, through four rounds of deliberation and three rounds of opinion solicitation and editorial revision. This guideline first reviews the etiology, clinical manifestations, and molecular mechanisms of PD, and then focuses on the commonly used PD animal models—including drug-induced (mouse, rat, and non-human primate) models and transgenic (mouse and rat) models—covering their modeling methods, mechanisms, evaluation approaches, and application scope, and summarizes the basic principles for preclinical evaluation of drug and stem cell therapies using these models. This guideline aims to provide theoretical and experimental guidance for selecting animal models in the development of new drugs and technologies for PD treatment, and to offer a reference framework for establishing standardized PD models and evaluation systems. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Progress on Animal Models of Perimenopausal Syndrome Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Disease-Syndrome Combination LIU Yang, CHENG Laiyang, GUO Zhongkun Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 586-595.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.023 Abstract （1007）   HTML （28）    PDF （870KB）（4022）       Knowledge map    Save Perimenopausal syndrome (PS) is a series of physiological and psychological symptoms occurring in women around menopause due to decreased or fluctuating estrogen levels, including menstrual disorders, hot flashes with sweating, anxiety and depression, headaches and insomnia, which seriously affect their quality of life. Currently, the main treatment methods for PS are menopausal hormone therapy and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. Among them, menopausal hormone therapy has a rapid onset of effect, but is often restricted by contraindications to hormone therapy and patient acceptance. TCM therapy, through overall regulation and individualized treatment, has unique advantages in improving symptoms such as hot flashes and emotional disorders, and it has high safety, providing an effective alternative for patients who are unwilling or unsuitable to receive menopausal hormone therapy. However, the unclear explanation of the mechanism and weak evidence-based support for TCM treatment of PS and its complications restrict further application in PS. Therefore, construction of a disease-syndrome combined PS animal model that can accurately simulate complex syndrome evolution patterns and systematically analyze multi-target regulatory mechanisms of TCM is particularly important for investigating PS pathogenesis, drug screening and evaluation, and efficacy assessment of TCM compounds, TCM monomers, and acupuncture treatment. This article summarizes and analyzes recent research on TCM disease-syndrome combined PS animal models from three aspects: the etiology, pathogenesis, treatment methods, and effects; the modeling methods and evaluation indicators of PS animal models; and the application of animal models in TCM treatment of PS. It not only provides scientific support for experimental research using PS animal models in future studies, but also helps deepen the understanding of TCM treatment efficacy and action mechanisms for PS. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Advances and Challenges of Gene Drive Technology in Mosquito-Borne Disease Control YUN Jiaqi, MA Qin, WANG Guandong, SUN Peilu, WANG Yiguan, WANG Sibao Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 773-783.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.138 Abstract （988）   HTML （15）    PDF （2182KB）（1148）       Knowledge map    Save Mosquito-borne diseases (such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus disease, and Chikungunya) pose major threats to global public health, while traditional control methods based on chemical pesticides face severe challenges including enhanced drug resistance in vector mosquitoes and environmental pollution. Genetic control strategies have become high-potential alternative solutions for mosquito control due to their species specificity and environmental friendliness. Gene drive technology uses gene editing tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) to enable specific genes to efficiently spread in target mosquito populations through "super-Mendelian inheritance", offering a revolutionary strategy for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. This review systematically summarizes key advances, core challenges, and response strategies of gene drive technology in this field. Research advances: (1) In Anopheles malaria vectors, population suppression drives targeting sex determination genes or female reproductive genes can cause female sterility or skewed sex ratios to achieve population suppression. Population replacement gene drive strategies targeting host genes associated with Plasmodium infection or delivering anti-Plasmodium effector molecules in Anopheles can effectively block pathogen transmission. (2) In Aedes mosquito vectors of arboviruses, targeting female flight-essential genes achieves population suppression, and coupling of antiviral effector systems with drive elements is explored. Optimized split gene drive strategies demonstrate high cutting and recombination efficiency, and models predict safe and controllable spread of disease-resistance traits. (3) In Culex mosquitoes transmitting lymphatic filariasis, homology drive elements are integrated into two genes involved in the eye pigment synthesis pathway, allowing clear visualization of gene drive efficiency through eye color. Core Challenges: technological challenges include low homologous recombination repair efficiency, non-homologous end joining repair causing resistance allele generation, CRISPR/Cas9 off-target effects, and species adaptation differences. Ecological and safety challenges involve gene pool pollution caused by accidental spread of drive elements, potential ecological balance impacts, and long-term irreversible risks. Response strategies and prospects: employing multiplex guide RNA (gRNA) targeting strategies to enhance drive stability and combat potential resistance. Developing reversible designs such as synthetic resistance, reversal drives, and immunizing reversal drives as "genetic brakes". Establishing long-term ecological monitoring systems and mathematical modeling for risk assessment. Exploring "environmentally responsive drives" to enhance controllability. Future research should continuously optimize drive efficiency and specificity, deepen ecological risk evaluation, strengthen international cooperation, and promote ethical consensus and regulatory framework construction, with the aim of making gene drive technology a sustainable prevention and control strategy to address the global health challenge of mosquito-borne diseases under the premise of safety and controllability. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Advances in Construction Methods and Novel Technologies for Animal Models of Pulmonary Hypertension CHEN Ziyi, SUN Hongyan, KANG Pinfang, WU Wenjuan Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 81-93.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.047 Abstract （988）   HTML （31）    PDF （1468KB）（957）       Knowledge map    Save Pulmonary hypertension (PH), marked by sustained elevation of pulmonary artery pressure, imposes a heavy burden on the right ventricle and may culminate in right heart failure. Its pathogenesis is multifaceted, encompassing endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, inflammation, thrombosis, and genetic factors. Animal models serve as core tools for exploring PH mechanisms and therapies, each with unique strengths and limitations. The single-dose monocrotaline (MCT) model is one of the most commonly used experimental animal models of PH and is widely applied in mechanistic studies, drug screening, and efficacy evaluation; it offers simplicity and cost-effectiveness, can induce PH within a short period, yet its pathophysiology differs to some extent from human idiopathic PH. In contrast, the Sugen5416 combined with chronic hypoxia model better mimics PH progression by placing animals under hypoxic conditions to induce pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, but it requires a longer modelling time, and the degree of hypoxia has a substantial impact on experimental outcomes. Beyond these two commonly used modeling approaches, a variety of emerging techniques have been applied in PH research; gene-editing technologies enable precise investigation of specific gene functions in PH. Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cell-based 3D organoid technology allows for individualized modelling while preserving patients' genetic information for precise clinical translation. Each model or technology can simulate different aspects of the pathological processes of human PH, and their findings provide key insights into the nature of the disease and serve as an important platform for the development of novel therapeutic targets. This paper comprehensively describes various animal models and emerging technologies used in PH research, analyzing their characteristics, applications, and limitations, with the aim of providing experimental and technical support for the development of new therapeutic strategies and drugs. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Establishment and Evaluation of an Oxidative Stress Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene LIU Chang, XIANG Xuesong, HE Huihuang, CHEN Xiaoqing, QIU Wenhong Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 46-54.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.044 Abstract （968）   HTML （35）    PDF （36715KB）（1513）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To establish an oxidative stress mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD) by applying 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to the back and post-auricular skin of KM mice, and to evaluate the regulatory role of the RAGE-NLRP3 axis (receptor for advanced glycation end products-NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 axis) in AD-related oxidative stress, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for AD treatment. Methods Twenty SPF-grade female KM mice were randomly divided into a control group (Control group) and an experimental group (DNFB group), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the Control group were treated with an acetone-olive oil vehicle (acetone: olive oil = 3:1) on their back and post-auricular skin. Mice in the DNFB group were treated with 0.5% DNFB (prepared by adding 0.5 g DNFB per 100 mL of acetone-olive oil vehicle) on the same areas, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The severity of skin lesions was scored on days 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 14 of treatment. On day 14, scratching behavior and ear thickness were evaluated. Ear swelling was evaluated on the final day by measuring bilateral ear thickness three times with a vernier caliper; the three measurements were averaged. HE staining was used to observe morphological and structural changes of cells in the back skin tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in skin tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression levels of oxidative stress-related molecules, including NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), caspase-1 (cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease 1), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Results On day 14, the back skin lesion scores of the Control group and DNFB group were (0.20±0.42) and (9.93±1.30) (P<0.000 1), respectively. Scratching behavior scores were (5.00±2.05) and (49.26±8.49) episodes, respectively (P<0.000 1), and ear thicknesses were (213.00±11.87) μm and (765.93±140.47) μm (P<0.000 1), respectively. The DNFB group exhibited marked skin dryness, desquamation, and thickening. HE staining results showed that skin inflammation was obvious in the DNFB group, consistent with the pathological features of AD. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the Control group, the mRNA expression level of RAGE in skin tissues of the DNFB group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression level of RAGE was also significantly increased (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with the Control group, skin tissue sections of the DNFB group exhibited thickened stratum corneum and fibrotic proliferation of fibroblasts in the interstitium under microscopic observation, with a significant increase in RAGE protein expression in the skin tissues (P<0.01). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in skin tissues of the DNFB group were all significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion The AD mouse oxidative stress model has been successfully established by topical DNFB application. RAGE may promote the development of AD by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release, forming an oxidative-inflammatory cascade, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic target for AD. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Application Progress and Classification Analysis of Rat Vascular Remodeling Models GAO Chaoqi, ZHU Zhibo, SUN Xiandong Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 542-550.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.045 Abstract （965）   HTML （31）    PDF （964KB）（2067）       Knowledge map    Save Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates, making them one of the leading causes of human death worldwide. Vascular remodeling refers to changes in the structure and function of blood vessels under pathological or physiological conditions, typically occurring during processes such as tissue damage repair and disease progression. Investigating the mechanisms of vascular remodeling helps in understanding the progression of CVD, thereby developing more effective early diagnosis and treatment plans, and providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of CVD. The modeling methods of vascular remodeling are the foundation for studying vascular remodeling. Significant progress has been made in vascular remodeling models for studying multiple disease mechanisms, and they are particularly important in the fields of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and vascular remodeling. Common animal models for vascular remodeling include rats, mice, pigs, and other species. Research methods cover mechanical injury, drug intervention, genetic modification, and so on. Different types of animal models have their own advantages. For example, mouse and rat models are suitable for gene studies and high-throughput screening, while rabbit and monkey models, due to their closer resemblance to human pathology, are helpful for simulating vascular remodeling under clinical conditions. Among them, rat models are widely used as frontline models in medical research due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of operation. Current vascular remodeling models mainly rely on classical methods (such as carotid artery balloon injury method, ligation method, and arterial clamping) and are combined with emerging dietary methods (such as high-fat diet, high-salt diet) for construction. Different rat modeling methods are selected according to different experimental needs. The combination of these methods can effectively simulate different mechanisms of vascular remodeling and provide reliable animal models for CVD research. In addition, these rat models can reflect vascular responses under different pathological conditions, offering an important experimental basis for drug development and the formulation of disease treatment strategies. Although these rat models provide valuable tools for vascular remodeling research, challenges such as large model variability, poor reproducibility, and differences from clinical manifestations remain. Future research should focus on improving the accuracy and reliability of existing models to develop new animal models. This article uses rats as examples to summarize the current research progress, model types, and applications of vascular remodeling models, particularly their value in CVD and vascular remodeling research, and provides a theoretical reference for future vascular remodeling-related research by reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of different rat vascular remodeling models. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Review of Methods for Establishing and Evaluating Animal Models of Stroke YANG Yunrong, WU Wenyu, TAN Yue, YAN Guofeng, LI Yao, LU Jin Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 94-106.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.037 Abstract （964）   HTML （20）    PDF （983KB）（1237）       Knowledge map    Save Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Research into its mechanisms and the development of therapeutic strategies heavily rely on animal models that accurately replicate the pathological features of human disease. An ideal animal model for stroke should not only reproduce the neurological deficits and pathological changes observed in clinical patients but also demonstrate good reproducibility and translational value. This review focuses on the preparation and evaluation methods of ischemic stroke animal models. Firstly, it elaborates on the selection criteria, advantages, and disadvantages of experimental animals, including rodents (rats, mice) and non-rodents (non-human primates, miniature pigs, rabbits, zebrafish). Secondly, it provides a detailed overview of the modeling principles, key procedures, and application scopes for ischemic stroke models and hemorrhagic stroke models. Furthermore, the review summarizes advances in the applications of emerging technologies,including gene editing [e.g., clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing], multimodal imaging (e.g., two-photon microscopy, photoacoustic imaging), artificial intelligence, optogenetics, 3D bioprinting, organoid models, and multi-omics in model optimization, precise assessment, and mechanistic investigation. Finally, based on a systematic analysis of relevant domestic and international literature from 2019 to 2024, this review discusses model selection strategies based on research objectives, a multidimensional evaluation system encompassing behavioral, imaging, and molecular pathological assessments, and envisions future directions involving technological integration to achieve model precision and individualization. This article aims to provide a comprehensive methodological reference to help researchers select appropriate animal models of stroke according to specific scientific questions. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments on Astragali Radix or Its Ingredients for Acute Pancreatitis CAO Xingxin, LI Aiyi, HOU Jinghan, LI Mingxue, LI Yanyan, JIN Weihua, YANG Fengmei, DUAN Suqin, HE Zhanlong Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 561-573.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.026 Abstract （954）   HTML （27）    PDF （3080KB）（740）       Knowledge map    Save Objective Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to obtain precise and reliable comprehensive effect conclusions by quantitatively combining pharmacodynamic results from animal experiments investigating Astragali Radix (single-entity Astragali Radix preparation) or its ingredients for treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP) in literature reports through meta-analysis. Methods Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBMdisc), PubMed, and Web of Science (WOS) were searched from inception to March 2025 for animal studies related to Astragali Radix (single-entity Astragali Radix preparation) or its ingredients for AP treatment. Risk of bias for included studies was assessed with SYRCLE tool. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated according to Cochrane Handbook using Cochrane's Q test and I2 statistic. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method, and publication bias risk was detected using Egger's test. Results A total of 297 articles were retrieved, and after screening and evaluation, 19 animal studies were finally included for meta-analysis. These 19 publications cover SD rats, as well as three breeds of mice: C57BL/6 mice, BALB/c mice, and Kunming mice. SYRCLE scores ranged from 3 to 4. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that no study significantly affected the heterogeneity index. The results of Egger's test showed a significant publication bias with P<0.05. Cochrane's Q test and I2 statistic indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies. Meta-analysis results of 19 animal studies showed that single-entity Astragali Radix preparation (Astragali Radix injection) could reduce serum amylase (AMY) levels, an AP-specific indicator. The Astragali Radix ingredients could decrease both AMY and lipase (LPS) levels. Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients could reduce serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -6, and IL-1β, while increasing IL-10 levels; could increase serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. High-dose groups of Astragali Radix injection or Astragali Radix ingredients were more effective than low-dose groups in reducing AMY, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels, but dosage effect on MDA levels was not demonstrated. Conclusion Evidence-based analysis of animal experiment results shows that in various animal models including SD rats, C57BL/6 mice, BALB/c mice, and Kunming mice, Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients can effectively reduce expression or secretion levels of AP-specific indicators (AMY and LPS). The mechanisms may be related to some inflammatory mediators, including reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and increasing IL-10 levels; They may also intervene in oxidative/antioxidative equilibrium, such as increasing SOD and GSH-Px levels and reducing MDA levels. Except for MDA, dose–response relationships are shown for reducing AMY, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels with Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients. However, due to high heterogeneity, potential publication bias risk, and species differences between animal models and human diseases in existing studies, further high-quality clinical trials or animal experiments are still needed in the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Aging Inhibits Memory Immune Response of CD8 + T Cells in Lungs of C57BL/6J Mice Against Influenza A (H1N1) Virus WANG Chao, LI Shun, REN Xiaonan, YANG Hua, CHEN Lixiang, XU Chunhua, ZHOU Xiaohui Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 515-523.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.066 Abstract （951）   HTML （136）    PDF （1456KB）（1590）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To compare functional differences of CD8+ T cells in lung tissues between young and aged C57BL/6J mice during the contraction phase and memory immune response phase after infection with influenza A (H1N1) virus. Methods Lung tissues from young (3-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) C57BL/6J female mice without influenza virus infection were collected to prepare single-cell suspensions, which were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin or cluster of differentiation (CD) 3/CD28 antibodies (T-cell antigen receptor/co-stimulatory signals) respectively (non-specific antigens stimulation). Flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) was performed on lung CD8+ T cells to detect their secretion capacity of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Young and aged C57BL/6J mice were infected intranasally with 490 PFU PR8 influenza virus, and reinfected with homologous influenza virus 28 days later. Lung tissues were isolated on day 28 (the contraction phase) and day 32 (the memory immune response phase) after primary infection. Influenza virus-specific MHC-Ⅰ tetramer staining was used to detect the proportion of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in lung tissue CD8+ T cells, and ICS was used to analyze TNF-α, IFN-γ, and granzyme B expression in CD8+CD44high T cell subset. Results After non-specific antigen stimulation, TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion capacity in lung tissue CD8+ T cells of aged group mice was significantly higher than that of young group (P<0.05). After virus-specific antigen stimulation, there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of virus-specific CD8+ T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and granzyme B between the two groups of mice during the contraction phase (P>0.05), while during the memory immune response phase, the proportion of virus-specific CD8+ T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and granzyme B in the aged group mice were significantly lower than those in the young group (P<0.05). Conclusion CD8+ T cells in aged mice maintain normal immune-related factor expression function under non-specific antigen stimulation, but show impaired immune-related factor expression function during antigen-specific memory immune response phase, suggesting that aging leads to defects in the formation or maintenance of CD8+ T cell immune memory. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on Spatiotemporal Gene Expression Profiles and Repair Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Compression and Hemisection Spinal Cord Injury Mouse Models XU Bo, CHEN Tairen, FANG Qian, WU Ji Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 32-45.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.052 Abstract （950）   HTML （39）    PDF （9666KB）（554）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To investigate the gene expression sequence and molecular mechanisms in the local microenvironment during the subacute to chronic phases (1-28 days) in mouse models of spinal cord compression injury and hemisection spinal cord injury, thereby revealing the molecular characteristics of spinal cord repair and providing a theoretical basis for selecting therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury. Methods Thirty-six 8-9-week-old SPF-grade ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 per group): sham-operated control (CTR) group, hemisection spinal cord injury (HSCI) group, and spinal cord compression injury (SCC) group. Mice in the CTR group underwent the same surgical preparation and anesthesia, followed by a dorsal midline incision at the T9-T10 segment. After layer-by-layer dissection and removal of the corresponding lamina, the spinal cord dura mater was fully exposed and kept intact. The cord was exposed to air for 10 minutes (matching the duration of the compression injury group), during which any instrument contact with the cord was avoided. The incision was then irrigated and sutured. The HSCI group underwent a 70% transection of the T9 spinal cord segment using micro-instruments to establish a hemisection spinal cord injury model. The SCC group underwent sustained compression of the T10 spinal cord segment for 10 minutes using a self-made compressor (a 30 g solid small iron bar) to establish a spinal cord compression injury model. Motor function recovery was assessed using the modified Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. On days 7 and 14 post-operation, mice were anesthetized, and the injured spinal cord segments were harvested. The evolution of specific molecular networks in the spinal cord injury mouse models was analyzed via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and enrichment analysis, and the expression of key genes was verified using real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR. Results BBB scores indicated that motor function recovery in the SCC group was significantly better than that in the HSCI group, with BBB scores showing a continuously increasing trend and remaining higher than those in the HSCI group over the 4-week period (P <0.001). Gene ontology （GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment analyses based on RNA-Seq differentially expressed genes revealed that, compared to the CTR group, genes related to the extracellular matrix were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), while genes related to axon guidance were significantly down-regulated (P <0.05) in the SCC group on day 7 post-operation. On day 21, genes involved in immune regulation and the retinol signaling pathway were significantly activated in the SCC group (P<0.05). In contrast, in the HSCI group, genes associated with inflammation and immune response were significantly up-regulated (P<0.001), while genes related to neuronal differentiation and synapse formation were significantly down-regulated (P <0.001) on day 7. On day 21, genes related to cell-matrix junctions and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors were significantly up-regulated (P<0.001) in the HSCI group. Furthermore, compared to the SCC group, the HSCI group exhibited different pathway enrichment characteristics in GO and KEGG analyses on days 7 and 21 post-injury. On day 7, genes involved in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and the complement and coagulation cascades were significantly up-regulated in the HSCI group (P<0.001). On day 21, genes related to the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways were significantly activated (P<0.001). Finally, real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR validation results were highly consistent with the RNA-Seq results, further confirming the differential expression trends of key genes between the SCC and HSCI groups. Conclusion The SCC and HSCI injury models may drive distinct repair pathways: the preservation of some axons in the SCC model predisposes it toward tissue repair, whereas the HSCI model requires the coordination of more complex molecular networks to achieve a new equilibrium. This finding further deepens the understanding of the heterogeneous regulatory mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Approaches and Application Examples for Studying Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in Caenorhabditis elegans SONG Mengjiao, SHEN Yidong Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 726-737.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.119 Abstract （915）   HTML （23）    PDF （4852KB）（2740）       Knowledge map    Save Mitochondria, as the energy metabolism center of cells, have abnormal dynamic morphology and oxidative phosphorylation function, which are directly related to aging and various diseases. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a widely used model animal. This article systematically summarizes the experimental methods for analyzing mitochondrial morphology and function at multiple scales in the laboratory using C. elegans as a model, mainly including: (1) morphological qualitative analysis, which uses a single-blind manual classification method (such as point, rod, and mesh), although it relies on subjective experience, it is easy to operate and suitable for preliminary phenotype screening; (2) morphological quantitative analysis, which relies on the Fiji/ImageJ platform for automated parameter extraction of mitochondria in specific tissues (such as epidermis and body wall muscles), quantifies network connectivity (number of branch points, network length) through skeletonization algorithm, and calculates fragmentation indices (such as area/perimeter ratio, fragment count) with binarization analysis, achieving objective phenotype comparison; (3) high-throughput image processing, which performs batch processing through macro commands, integrates morphological filtering, threshold segmentation, and parameter export workflow, significantly improving research efficiency for large sample sizes; (4) metabolic function monitoring, which uses the Seahorse XF analyzer to measure in vivo respiratory metabolism in C. elegans. By sequential injection of ATP synthase inhibitor N, N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), uncoupling agent carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) and respiratory chain inhibitor sodium azide (NaN3), the basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ATP coupled respiratory efficiency, and maximum respiratory capacity (respiratory potential) are accurately analyzed to reveal energy metabolism patterns. This article integrates a dual dimensional approach of morphology and function, which not only provides empirical techniques for mitochondrial research on C. elegans, but also extends its framework to mammalian cell and organoid models, promoting the basic research and drug development targeting mitochondria. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of Differences in the Intestinal Flora of Rats and Mice after Drinking Chlorinated Water Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing AI Xiufeng, ZHANG Lizong, FANG Mingsun, LÜ Dongying, CHEN Chu, CAI Zhaowei, WANG Dejun Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (3): 437-445.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.135 Abstract （912）   HTML （42）    PDF （17494KB）（376）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To evaluate the effects of drinking chlorinated water on the intestinal flora of rats and mice and to explore differences in the intestinal microecological responses of model animals to chlorine stimulation in chlorinated drinking water systems. Methods Six 8-week-old male SD rats and six 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were acclimated for 5 days. Subsequently, the drinking water for both rats and mice was changed from pure water to water containing free chlorine at a concentration of 25.4–32.4 nmol/L. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, during which all animals were fed the same diet. Fecal samples were collected before the intervention (week 0, as the control group) and on the last day of week 3 and week 8 (as the chlorinated water group), and microbial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, including α diversity (Chao1 and Shannon indices), β diversity [principal component analysis (PCA)], and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis. Results After 3 weeks of intervention, α diversity of the intestinal flora in both rats and mice in the chlorinated water group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). After 8 weeks of intervention, no significant difference in α diversity was observed between rats in the chlorinated water group and those in the control group, whereas α diversity in mice remained significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). β diversity analysis showed significant alterations in microbial structure in the chlorinated water group. LEfSe analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the abundances of Bacteroides and Ruminococcus were significantly reduced in the chlorinated water group, and microbial disturbance was more pronounced in mice [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) > 4.0], with a greater decrease in microbial diversity and a larger number of differentially abundant genera. Conclusion Consumption of chlorinated water can alter the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora in both rats and mice, with mice being more sensitive to this exposure. These findings suggest that the potential effects of chlorine on gut microecology should be considered in drinking water management and model selection for animal experiments. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Monitoring and Analysis of Environmental Microbial Contamination in Laboratory Animal Barrier Facilities WANG Ying, JI Wentao, XU Shaoqiong, CHEN Guoyuan, FENG Jie, WU Baojin Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (2): 222-230.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.087 Abstract （899）   HTML （63）    PDF （943KB）（1006）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To investigate microbial contamination status and distribution characteristics in laboratory animal barrier facilities, so as to provide a scientific basis for environmental quality control in barrier facilities. Methods In accordance with the national standard "Laboratory Animals—Environment and Housing Facilities" and the "Standard Operating Procedures" of the barrier facility, bacterial monitoring was performed on samples of air-settling bacteria, materials, and personnel gloves in the single-corridor barrier facility of the Animal Core Facility, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CEMCS). The monitoring data from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected, organized and statistically analyzed, and partial samples were subjected to species identification using PCR and sequencing methods. Results A total of 7 898 samples were collected from 2020 to 2024, including 3 175 air-settling bacteria samples, 3 353 material samples, and 1 370 glove samples. The overall compliance rate was 95.7% (7 559/7 898), among which the compliance rate of air-settling bacteria was 97.1% (3 084/3 175), that of materials was 93.2% (3 125/3 353), and that of personnel gloves was 98.5% (1 350/1 370). Over the five years, the compliance rates of all three types of monitored samples were above 90%. There were statistically significant differences in the compliance rates of air-settling bacteria and material samples among different quarters (P<0.05). Further investigation was conducted on samples collected from January to March 2024, and 190 bacterial strains were obtained through isolation and culture, including 126 strains from air-settling bacteria, 52 strains from materials, and 12 strains from personnel gloves. The strains were identified by PCR amplification and sequencing, and the 190 bacterial strains belonged to 9 genera and 20 species. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for the majority, with Staphylococcus as the dominant genus, accounting for 77.9% (148/190). Conclusion Microorganisms carried by air, materials, and personnel gloves in barrier facilities are mainly Gram-positive bacteria. Regular monitoring of air-settling bacteria, materials, and personnel gloves in barrier facilities enables timely detection and control of potential risks during husbandry management and facility operation, which is of great significance for maintaining the sound operation of the barrier facility system and ensuring the quality of animal experiments. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Regulation of Rat Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang via miR-17-5P/MDM2/p53 Pathway JIANG Haitao, YUAN Hantao, HUANG Wenting, YANG Rongrong, CHEN Xiaochun, YU Baoqing, LI Sibo Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 55-65.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.043 Abstract （880）   HTML （31）    PDF （9170KB）（1400）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To investigate the effect of Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang on the regulation of the microRNA-17-5P (miR-17-5P)/murine double minute 2 (MDM2)/p53 axis in the proliferation and apoptosis of rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells, and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods Intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus tissues were obtained from 8-week-old SPF-grade male SD rats, and annulus fibrosus cells were isolated and obtained by enzyme digestion and mechanical dispersion. Annulus fibrosus cells were divided into 6 groups: Group C was the blank control group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were not treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) but were cultured in RPMI 1640 complete medium. Group β was the degeneration model group constructed by treating annulus fibrosus cells with 10 ng/mL IL-1β for 24 h. Group β+B was the IL-1β + blank serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% blank serum for 24 h. Group β+W was the IL-1β + Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum for 24 h. Group β+I was the IL-1β + miR-17-5P inhibitor group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then transfected with miR-17-5P inhibitor. Group β+I+W was the IL-1β + miR-17-5P inhibitor + Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then transfected with miR-17-5P inhibitor, and finally treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum for 24 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell survival rate. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-17-5P, MDM2 mRNA, and p53 mRNA in cells. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of MDM2 and p53 in cells. Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-17-5P and MDM2. Results Compared with Group C, Group β showed a significant decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.001), a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate (P<0.001), significantly increased expression of miR-17-5P, p53 mRNA, and p53 protein (P<0.001), and significantly decreased expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). Compared with Group β, Group β+W, Group β+I, and Group β+I+W showed significantly increased cell survival rate, significantly decreased apoptosis rate, significantly decreased expression of miR-17-5P, p53 mRNA, and p53 protein, and significantly increased expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). Moreover, changes in the above indicators were greater in Group β+I+W (P<0.001). Circular RNA Interactome predicted that miR-17-5P had specific binding sites with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of MDM2. Transfection of miR-17-5P mimic significantly reduced the luciferase expression level of co-transfected luciferase reporter plasmid containing wild-type MDM2 3'UTR (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on luciferase expression in cells co-transfected with luciferase reporter plasmid containing mutant MDM2 3'UTR (P>0.05). Conclusion Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang down-regulates the expression of miR-17-5P, promotes the synthesis of MDM2 protein, thereby down-regulates p53, promotes proliferation, and inhibits the apoptosis of rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Comparison and Behavioral Observation of Two Female Mice Models of Ulcerative Colitis WANG Juan, XU Jiahui, TIAN Yunyuan, ZHANG Mengmeng, LI Min, WANG Siwang, LI Yao Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (3): 332-343.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.105 Abstract （871）   HTML （219）    PDF （141019KB）（942）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To compare female C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice models of ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS), providing a reference for selecting female animal models in studies of innovative drugs for UC treatment. Methods A total of 48 female mice aged 6–8 weeks, including 24 C57BL/6J and 24 BALB/c mice, were divided into four groups: control group, UC-3d group (2.5% DSS drinking for 3 days), UC-7d group (2.5% DSS drinking for 7 days), and UC-withdrawal group (2.5% DSS drinking for 7 days followed by 3 days of pure water replacement), with 6 mice in each group. Body weight, fecal occult blood, and stool characteristics were recorded daily, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were calculated. At the end of DSS induction, mice were gavaged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran solution before tissue collection. Four hours later, under deep anesthesia induced by inhalation of 4% isoflurane, blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital venous plexus, and euthanasia was performed by cervical dislocation. The colon was then separated immediately, and its length from the anus to the ileocecal junction was measured. Colon tissues were fixed, embedded, and sectioned, and they were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining to comprehensively assess the degree of colonic inflammation. The spleen was also collected and weighed, and the spleen coefficient was calculated. Serum FITC fluorescence intensity and D-lactic acid concentration were measured to evaluate intestinal permeability and barrier injury. The grooming duration, the number of buried marbles, the time spent in the center of the open field, and the total distance traveled were measured to evaluate anxiety/depression-like behaviors in mice. Results Fecal occult blood appeared in both C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice after 3 days of ad libitum access to DSS. Compared with the control group, there was no significant change in the weight loss rate of female BALB/c mice in the UC-7d and UC-withdrawal groups (P > 0.05), but the DAI score increased (P < 0.01). Conversely, both the weight loss rate and DAI score increased for female C57BL/6J mice in the UC-7d and UC-withdrawal groups (P < 0.01). In female C57BL/6J mice, both the UC-7d and UC-withdrawal groups had higher spleen coefficients than the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, in these groups, colon length was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), FITC fluorescence intensity in serum was markedly increased (P < 0.01), obvious inflammatory reaction areas appeared in the colon, and the goblet cells and acidic mucus layer were damaged. In contrast, in female BALB/c mice, no significant differences were observed in colon length, serum FITC fluorescence intensity, or D-lactic acid concentration between the UC-7d and UC-withdrawal groups compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Only a few inflammatory cells and damaged goblet cells were observed in the colonic mucosal layer, and no other obvious pathological changes were detected. In addition, female C57BL/6J mice in the UC-7d group showed a significantly reduced total distance in the open field and fewer buried marbles (P < 0.05), indicating depression-like behavior, as well as prolonged grooming duration (P < 0.05), indicating anxiety-like behavior. Conclusion Female BALB/c mice are not sensitive to 2.5% DSS and do not show typical colonic pathological changes of UC. In contrast, ad libitum access to 2.5% DSS for 7 days successfully induces typical UC pathological symptoms and colonic pathological changes in female C57BL/6J mice. These changes persist for 3 days after DSS withdrawal, and the mice also exhibit symptoms of anxiety/depression. The results suggest that this model can be used for research on the pathogenesis and therapeutic drugs of UC. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of an AG6 Mouse Encephalopathy Model Induced by Vaccinia Virus Tiantan Strain Infection YANG Lin, JIN Meng, WU Hanqing, LI Shun, ZHOU Xiaohui Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 3-10.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.070 Abstract （849）   HTML （51）    PDF （20414KB）（1196）       Knowledge map    Save Objective A mouse model of vaccinia virus Tiantan strain (VTT)-induced encephalopathy was developed using AG6 mice. Methods VTT was amplified by infecting Vero cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01, followed by concentration and titration. After 72 h of incubation, virus-containing cells were collected and subjected to concentration. The concentrated viral suspension was serially diluted (10-fold dilutions) and added to 6-well plates containing confluent Vero cell monolayers for plaque assay. The number of plaques formed in each well was counted, and the virus titer was calculated based on the dilution factor. Fourteen 5-6-week-old AG6 mice (half male and half female, housed separately by sex) were randomly divided into a control group (n=3, PBS), a low-dose group (n=6, 1×10? PFU), and a high-dose group (n=5, 5×10? PFU). The mice were anesthetized by isoflurane inhalation and then infected via intranasal instillation. The mental state of the mice in each group was observed daily, and the body weight and mortality were recorded. On day 13 post-infection, 2% Evans Blue (4 mL/kg body weight) was administered via tail vein injection to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Subsequently, brain tissue samples were collected for immunofluorescence analysis to evaluate the activation of astrocytes and microglia. Results The titer of purified VTT was 1×10? PFU/mL. Compared with the control group, mice in the low-dose group showed no significant change in body weight, and no lethality was observed. In contrast, mice in the high-dose group exhibited significant weight loss starting on day 5 post-infection (P<0.05), accompanied by lethality. On day 13 post-infection, no Evans Blue extravasation was detected in the brain tissues of the low-dose group, while the olfactory bulb region of the high-dose group displayed distinct blue staining, indicating disruption of the BBB. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed no significant proliferation of astrocytes and microglia in the olfactory bulb region of the low-dose group on day 13 post-infection. In contrast, marked activation of glial cells was observable in the high-dose group. Conclusion An animal model of VTT-induced encephalopathy in AG6 mice is successfully established, characterized by BBB disruption and reactive gliosis specifically localized to the olfactory bulb region, manifested as astrocytic and microglial proliferation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Drosophila melanogaster Transposons: Characterization, Regulation, and Their Role in Genome Evolution WANG Ye, WANG Lu Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 676-687.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.112 Abstract （844）   HTML （81）    PDF （1107KB）（1920）       Knowledge map    Save Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences in genomes that play key roles in species evolution, genome stability, and gene regulation. Drosophila melanogaster, as a classic model animal with TEs accounting for approximately 20% of its genome, is an ideal model for studying biological characteristics, host defense mechanisms, and functional evolution of TEs, and also provides an important paradigm for understanding mechanisms of TE-related diseases in higher organisms and even humans. This review systematically elucidates the classification and distribution characteristics of TEs in D. melanogaster and their dynamic interactions with host genome, focusing on the host defense system centered on PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. Then, the biological characteristics of key TE families (such as Gypsy, Copia, P-element, and I-element) in D. melanogaster and their dual roles in genomic evolution are analyzed in detail. On the one hand, TE insertions can cause genomic instability, heterozygous sterility, and aging phenotypes, providing a model basis for studying related human diseases (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, genomic instability syndromes, etc.). On the other hand, their sequences can be co-opted by the host to create novel regulatory elements or functional genes, thereby driving adaptive innovation. Finally, the future research directions of TEs are proposed, including regulation of TE activity by environmental stress, interaction between piRNA pathways and other small RNA systems, as well as regulatory effects of TEs in the occurrence and development of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The research on TEs in D. melanogaster not only deepens understanding of TE biology, but also provides a key theoretical basis and important inspiration for studying human diseases using experimental animal models, as well as for developing gene therapy and gene editing technologies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress on Drosophila Electron Microscopy Connectome Database and Functional Analysis of Related Neural Circuits DENG Xianming, WANG Fei Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 663-675.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.147 Abstract （824）   HTML （17）    PDF （1171KB）（1404）       Knowledge map    Save In recent years, research on the electron microscopy connectome of Drosophila melanogaster has achieved major breakthroughs, providing neural circuit maps with synaptic resolution across the whole brain. This review outlines the development history of Drosophila electron microscopy connectome databases from local brain region reconstruction to comprehensive whole-brain mapping, and highlights their role in addressing three core problems in neural circuit research field: in terms of sensory information encoding, the visual system is used as an example to reveal mechanisms of motion detection and color processing; in terms of behavioral decision-making, the circuit basis underlying female mating and egg-laying choices is elucidated; and in terms of motor control, the neural mechanisms underlying courtship song pattern generation in males are analyzed. These advances reveal the relationship between structural connectivity and functional specialization, as well as mechanisms of hierarchical integration and parallel-hierarchical control of information, greatly deepening our understanding of the "structure-function" relationship in neural circuits. At the end of this article, the potential applications of electron microscope connectomes in areas such as cross-species comparison, whole-brain dynamic network modeling, and computation-experiment integration are discussed. These explorations help promote a paradigm revolution in neuroscience from local speculation to precise whole-brain analysis, provide technical templates and theoretical anchor points for connectome research in complex organisms, build a research bridge between basic neural circuits and human neurological diseases, offer biological prototypes for brain-inspired intelligent computing, and provide important insights for exploring the evolutionary laws and working mechanisms of the nervous system. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Experience Discussion on Feeding, Breeding and Genetic Management of Common Marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) LI Li, LI Xuebo, FAN Yongheng, HE Donghua, LI Jianhong, CHANG Liangtang Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (1): 107-118.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.049 Abstract （823）   HTML （29）    PDF （10398KB）（2135）       Knowledge map    Save The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a species of the genus Callithrix in the primate family Callitrichidae. Common marmosets are an important scientific research resource for the study of neuroscience, medicine, and pharmacy. The feeding and breeding of common marmosets provide important support for scientific research. At present, common marmoset resources in China are at a critical stage of development. This paper takes the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereafter referred to as CEBSIT) as an example to discuss the experience of common marmoset feeding, breeding and genetic management. In terms of breeding environment and facilities, on the basis of the national standard, more stringent environmental parameter standards are implemented for environmental temperature, relative humidity, the number of air exchanges, and the average concentration of sedimentation bacteria. Two kinds of cages for common marmoset breeding and experimentation are designed. According to the differences in facility conditions and staffing, a cleaning and maintenance method combining "dry rearing" and "wet rearing" is introduced. In terms of feeding management, in order to meet the high nutritional needs of common marmosets, CEBSIT prepares special formulated diets, and introduces the transition method of common marmosets from diets mixed with formulated rations and pellets to exclusive commercial diets, and strictly regulates the operation procedures of formulated diets for common marmosets, and has accumulated a series of methods for preventing nutritional and metabolic diseases in common marmosets. In terms of animal health management, the health of common marmosets is ensured through measures such as regular quarantine, isolation and treatment, and epidemic prevention, and the health inspection process of common marmosets is described in detail, and hierarchical and classified management is carried out according to the physical condition of common marmosets. This paper also briefly describes the treatment of diarrhea and pneumonia that are common in common marmosets. In terms of breeding management, it covers the selection of breeding common marmosets, combining pairs of common marmosets into the same cage for breeding, group splitting and hand-rearing of infant common marmosets, and introduces the method of reintroducing hand-reared infant common marmosets to parental care from the perspective of animal welfare. In terms of genetic management, the common marmoset population in CEBSIT is maintained as a closed colony and follows a non-inbreeding method. CEBSIT has developed an inbreeding screening system to check pedigree information before pairing to avoid inbreeding. Under conditions without introducing new individuals from outside, CEBSIT has continuously bred the colony for 5 generations while maintaining genetic heterozygosity. This paper only discusses the feeding, breeding and genetic management of the common marmoset and aims to provide a useful reference for other institutions engaged in common marmoset breeding. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Evolutionary Conservation of Organ Development between Drosophila and Mammals GAO Yinghao, WU Wei Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 719-725.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.126 Abstract （814）   HTML （19）    PDF （2630KB）（809）       Knowledge map    Save Drosophila， as a classic model organism， exhibits high evolutionary conservation with mammals in molecular regulatory networks， signal pathway transduction， and cell fate determination mechanisms involved in its organ development. Focusing on major organs of Drosophila including dorsal vessel （homologous to the mammalian heart）， fat body and oenocytes （liver）， Malpighian tubules and nephrocytes （kidney）， and tracheal system （lung）， this study deeply analyzes conservative characteristics in core regulatory pathways， key gene functions， and cellular behavioral patterns during organogenesis between Drosophila and mammals through multi-dimensional comparative analysis， clarifying the homologous basis of their developmental mechanisms. Integrating specific research examples， it further elaborates the application value of Drosophila in constructing models for human cardiovascular diseases， metabolic disorders， kidney diseases， and respiratory diseases， as well as its unique role in high-throughput screening of drug targets， analysis of disease pathogenic mechanisms， and improvement of the theoretical system of evolutionary developmental biology. The evolutionary conservation of core developmental regulatory mechanisms between Drosophila and mammals has built a key bridge from basic developmental research to human disease translation， providing important theoretical support and a technical platform for in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms of complex human diseases and development of novel therapeutic strategies， and holding great significance for promoting interdisciplinary integration of developmental biology and translational medicine. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Review and Evaluation of Integrated Disease and Syndrome Animal Models for Hemorrhoids in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine BU Yu, HOU Jinting, LI Yuanyuan, SHA Jingtao, XIE Chenlu, WANG Wengang, SUN Xingwei Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (3): 357-366.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.122 Abstract （810）   HTML （78）    PDF （884KB）（737）       Knowledge map    Save Hemorrhoids are common anorectal diseases with complex pathogenesis, and there is still a lack of ideal experimental animal models for research on their prevention and treatment. In this paper, Chinese and English databases are searched with the keywords "hemorrhoids" and "animal model", and 36 relevant studies are finally included. The shortcomings of existing hemorrhoid animal models in integrating the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine are systematically analyzed, and the consistency of various models with clinical practice is evaluated. The studies are divided into four categories according to modeling methods: chemical modeling, physical modeling, biological modeling, and combined modeling. The clinical consistency of modeling is evaluated in combination with the diagnostic points of hemorrhoids in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The results show that there are significant differences in the reproduction of clinical indicators by different modeling methods. According to clinical consistency, the models can be divided into three grades: high-consistency models are mainly based on combined modeling methods (such as induction by carrageenan combined with norepinephrine hydrochloride), which can more comprehensively simulate core pathological changes such as venous congestion and local inflammation; moderate-consistency models adopt single chemical or physical intervention (such as local inflammation induced by croton oil or vein ligation), which can only reproduce part of the pathological process; low-consistency models mostly adopt direct stimulation, with limited research value for pathological characteristics. Existing animal models have obvious advantages in replicating Western medical structural lesions of hemorrhoids, but they still have obvious defects in simulating the chronic disease course and stably reproducing the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes, and a unified standard has not yet been formed for the traditional Chinese medicine evaluation system of models. In conclusion, it is still necessary to further explore the construction of high-quality integrated disease and syndrome animal models for hemorrhoids in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Future research should integrate the theories of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, adopt multi-factor chronic modeling strategies, and establish a standardized comprehensive evaluation system covering macroscopic signs and microscopic indicators. This paper provides a reference for constructing standardized integrated disease and syndrome animal models of hemorrhoids that conform to the pathological changes of Western medicine and take into account the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes, with the aim of providing more effective experimental tools for research on the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids and their integrated prevention and treatment with traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Harpegnathos saltator : A Model Insect for Decoding Plasticity of Social Behavior and Aging SHENG Lihong Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (6): 762-772.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.111 Abstract （796）   HTML （11）    PDF （5540KB）（2666）       Knowledge map    Save Harpegnathos saltator (H. saltator) is a eusocial insect with highly plastic social behaviors, exhibiting a unique phenotype of caste reversibility. Unlike traditional social ants, when workers of H. saltator lose queen suppression, they can transform into gamergates through a series of behavioral, neural, and physiological reprogramming, and this transition is reversible. Therefore, H. saltator has become an important model for studying caste establishment and maintenance, behavioral regulation, and lifespan plasticity. Benefiting from innovations in omics and imaging technologies, research on H. saltator has achieved groundbreaking progress in recent years. During social caste transition, individuals exhibit highly dynamic and plastic changes in behavioral performance, neural activity, endocrine status, and gene expression levels, revealing how environmental signals are integrated into stable phenotypic reprogramming. In terms of lifespan regulation, H. saltator shows a phenomenon contradicting the "reproduction-lifespan trade-off" hypothesis: reproductive individuals have significantly extended lifespans. Related studies reveal multiple molecular mechanisms including telomere maintenance, epigenetic remodeling, proteostasis regulation, and insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway bifurcation, providing new perspectives for aging and longevity research. At the level of social chemical communication and neural perception, the olfactory system of H. saltator shows remarkable evolution, particularly the expansion of the odorant receptors (OR) gene family, which provides a molecular basis for group interaction and caste maintenance. Studies on neuropeptides and hormone regulatory pathways also reveal close links between caste and behavioral states. With the introduction of various cutting-edge tools such as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9), genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging based on green fluorescent protein (GFP), calmodulin, and M13 peptide (GCaMP imaging), and assay for transposase accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), researchers can conduct more precise analyses of neural activity, gene regulation, and chromatin accessibility. Application of these tools not only promotes in-depth research on social behaviors and neural mechanisms of H. saltator, but also provides novel approaches for cross-species comparison. Overall, the research framework of H. saltator covers social behavior, caste regulation, lifespan extension mechanisms, as well as gene expression and epigenetic reprogramming. By integrating multi-omics and functional experiments, researchers are progressively constructing a systematic map of social plasticity and longevity mechanisms of this species. These findings not only deepen our understanding of behavioral and lifespan regulation in social insects but also provide potential targets and a theoretical basis for human anti-aging research. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Telocytes-Mediated Effects and Mechanisms of Anointing and Massage Therapy Using Oligopeptide-Herbal Medicine Composite Against Obesity in Rats LUO Yifan, ZHANG Zhenwei, MEI Lu, SHI Yeping, XING Yitong, ZHANG Zeqi, LI Chuxin, HAN Chunxia, YANG Pingshun, CHEN Qiusheng Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2025, 45 (5): 551-560.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.058 Abstract （793）   HTML （112）    PDF （2318KB）（2245）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To investigate the weight loss efficacy and mechanisms of oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite, and to provide new approaches for obesity treatment. Methods Twenty-three SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n=3) and modeling group (n=20). The control group was fed an ordinary diet for 6 consecutive weeks, and the modeling group was fed a high-fat diet for 6 consecutive weeks to establish a simple obesity rat model. After successful modeling, the modeling group was randomly divided into model group (n=10) and treatment group (n=10). The treatment group started anoint-and-massage therapy with oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite (3 g per rat per time,once a day, 20 min each time), which was recorded as day 1. The control group and model group were not treated with oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite but received the same massage, and continued to be fed ordinary feed and high-fat feed respectively. Ten rats in the model group and ten in the treatment group were each divided into 3 groups, with 3, 3, and 4 rats in each group. On days 3, 6, and 9 after treatment, the rats in the three groups were weighed and cardiac blood collection was performed after isoflurane respiratory anesthesia. After euthanasia by cardiac bloodletting, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT) and perirenal white adipose tissue (pWAT) samples were collected and weighed. Serum triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Image J software was used to measure aSAT thickness and the diameter and area of perirenal white adipocytes and abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes. Immunofluorescence technique was used to observe the number of telocytes (TCs), cell junctions and exosomes per unit area of aSAT. Transmission electron microscopy was used to measure the length of telopodes (Tps) of dermal and subcutaneous TCs in abdominal skin, and to observe the distribution of exosome vesicles, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and cell junctions. Results Compared with the control group, the body weight of rats in the modeling group increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, rats in the model group showed a significant increase in serum TG level, a significant decrease in HDL-C level, and a significant increase in pWAT mass (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the treatment group showed a significantly increased rate of body weight reduction, significantly decreased pWAT mass, significantly decreased serum TG level, and significantly increased HDL-C level (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the treatment group showed significant reductions in aSAT thickness, as well as cell diameter and area in both aSAT and pWAT (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the treatment group showed significantly increased number of TCs per unit area of aSAT, number of exosomes from TCs in aSAT, and Tps length (all P<0.05). The treatment group showed an increasing trend in the numbers of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and cell junctions in TCs. Conclusion Oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite applied via anoint-and-massage therapy effectively improves obesity-related symptoms such as dyslipidemia and fat accumulation in obese rats by regulating TCs and their intercellular communication. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Xiebai San on the Morphological Structures of Lung and Intestinal Tissues and Expression Levels of PI3K and Akt in Rats with Allergic Asthma SONG Jing, YANG Zongtong, LI Xiaojing, LI Zifa, SU Fengyun, XU Dongchuan, SUI Zaiyun Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (2): 191-204.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.084 Abstract （786）   HTML （73）    PDF （15981KB）（1401）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Xiebai San regulates respiratory tract and intestinal mucosal immunity in rats with allergic asthma. Methods Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups based on body weight: control group, model group, positive control group, and Xiebai San group. The model group, positive control group, and Xiebai San group were sensitized with ovalbumin to establish a rat model of allergic asthma. From day 21 (the aerosol challenge phase), each group received daily gavage interventions simultaneously: the positive control group was administered dexamethasone (0.068 mg/kg), the Xiebai San group received Xiebai San solution (2 g/mL, 11.3 mL/kg), while the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, once daily for 14 consecutive days. After euthanasia, lung and intestinal tissues were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe histopathological changes. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine tissue ultrastructure. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the positive reaction areas of phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) proteins. Total protein and total RNA were extracted from lung and intestinal tissues, then the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt genes were detected by Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results Histopathological results showed alveolar emphysema accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration, and intestinal mucosal injury with inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group as compared with the control group; the cellular structure of lung tissues was disrupted in the model group, with reduced organelles, while the ultrastructural lesions in the intestine were relatively mild. Compared with the model group, Xiebai San group exhibited milder pathological changes in lung tissues, with occasional alveolar wall damage and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration; the intestinal mucosal structure was improved, glands were arranged regularly, and pathological changes such as tissue loosening and inflammatory infiltration were alleviated; the cellular structure of lung tissues was relatively intact with reduced severity of lesions, and no ultrastructural pathological changes were observed in intestinal tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the specific positive reaction areas of PI3K and Akt in lung and intestinal tissues were significantly increased in the model group (all P<0.001); meanwhile, the protein expression levels of PI3K and Akt were significantly upregulated (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the positive area of Akt protein in lung tissue was significantly reduced in the Xiebai San group (P<0.001), and the positive area of PI3K in intestinal tissue was also significantly decreased (P<0.000 1). Additionally, the protein expression levels of PI3K and Akt in lung and intestinal tissues were significantly downregulated (all P<0.01). Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt genes in lung and intestinal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt genes in lung and intestinal tissues were significantly reduced in the Xiebai San group (all P<0.05). Conclusion Xiebai San exerts protective effects on rats with allergic asthma by inhibiting the expression of key nucleic acids and proteins in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in lung and intestinal tissues, improving the morphological structure of lung tissue, and maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity, and regulating intestinal mucosal immune function. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on the Current Situation and Countermeasures for Training and Education of Laboratory Animal Practitioners in Sichuan Province CHEN Bing, XIE Xiaojie, TAO Tifu, WANG Jingdong, ZOU Yixing Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (3): 456-463.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.154 Abstract （782）   HTML （83）    PDF （1006KB）（631）       Knowledge map    Save Laboratory animal practitioners refer to various personnel engaged in work related to laboratory animals or animal experiments. Their development not only affects the occupational health and safety of practitioners but also directly impacts the development level of laboratory animal science and the accuracy of animal experiment results. This article reviews the training requirements for laboratory animal practitioners stipulated by national standards, regulations, normative documents, and management policies in Sichuan Province. It analyzes the scale and training status of laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province, compiles statistics on the changes in the scale of laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2024, and examines the number of practitioners in four categories (scientific researchers, management personnel, animal keepers, and other personnel) and three different educational levels (postgraduate degree, bachelor's degree, and below bachelor's degree). It summarizes the possible reasons for the changes in personnel structure from 2015 to 2024, namely the continuous refinement of the division of labor in laboratory animal-related work and the continuous development of disciplines such as life sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. The article analyzes the current training status of laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province from three aspects, including training organizations, the training system, and training methods for laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province. It provides a detailed analysis of the series of training sessions on laboratory animal-related topics organized by the Office of the Laboratory Animal Management Committee of Sichuan Province and the Sichuan Laboratory Animal Society since 2019. It concludes that there are advantages such as an increasing proportion of highly educated personnel and a relatively well-established training system, and discusses issues such as inadequate top-level design and insufficient attention from some units. Finally, it proposes corresponding countermeasures and suggestions, including strengthening the assessment of practitioner training, formulating training plans for laboratory animal practitioners, and compiling specialized training materials. This article can provide a reference for the development and training of laboratory animal practitioners. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Evaluation of the Histological Staining Performance of Rat Eyeball Sections Prepared Using a Self-Developed Fixative TANG Xiaohang, GU Yingmin, LÜ Yangyang, HUANG Mingshu, TIAN Xuesong Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (2): 261-270.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.083 Abstract （776）   HTML （51）    PDF （12900KB）（632）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To compare the histological staining performance of four various tissue fixatives, including a self-developed fixative, for preparing paraffin sections of rat eyeball tissue. Methods Twenty 5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=5 per group). After anesthesia by intraperitoneal injection of Zoletil? 50 at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight, the rats were euthanized by exsanguination via the abdominal aorta. Bilateral eyeballs were carefully extracted intact and fixed for 72 h in 10% formaldehyde fixative, glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde mixed fixative, Davidson's fixative, and self-developed fixative, respectively. After fixation, the eyeballs were longitudinally sectioned along the optic nerve, with the portions containing the optic nerve preserved. The tissues were then dehydrated, embedded, and sectioned. Following hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, histological staining quality was compared among ocular structures including the cornea, lens, and retina. Results The overall appearance of rat eyeballs showed marked shrinkage in the 10% formaldehyde group and the glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde group, whereas the eye morphology remained round and intact in the modified Davidson's fixative group and self-developed fixative group. The corneal stroma exhibited obvious rupture, and the cells were arranged in folded arrangement in the modified Davidson's fixative group, 10% formaldehyde group, and self-developed fixative group. In contrast, the corneal cells in the glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde group were neatly arranged, showing no rupture or folding, and exhibited clear staining, indicating the highest quality of corneal sectioning among all groups. In the 10% formaldehyde group, cracks were observed in the equatorial and cortical regions of the lens, but the lens fiber structure remained intact. The lenses in the modified Davidson's fixative group showed extensive rupture and detachment. The glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde group displayed only slight cracks at the equator. In the self-developed fixative group, mild red folding was limited to the peripheral lens region, with the remaining structures intact and unbroken. These findings indicated that the glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde and self-developed fixative groups achieved the best lens sectioning quality. The retina was severely detached from the choroid/sclera layer, with extensive rupture of each cellular layer in the 10% formaldehyde fixative group. In the glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde group, partial detachment between the retina and choroid/sclera was observed. The outer plexiform layer and nerve fiber layer showed separation with edema, while the cells in all layers were neatly arranged. In both the Davidson's fixative and the self-developed fixative groups, the retina remained intact without rupture, and no structural separation was observed in any layer. Both demonstrated advantages in preserving the integrity and orderly arrangement of all retinal layers; however, the self-developed fixative group exhibited greater contrast. Conclusion The choice of fixative significantly affects the morphological preservation of various structures in the rat eye. The self-developed fixative demonstrates the best overall performance in maintaining overall eye morphology, the structural integrity of the lens, and retinal adhesion. For studies focusing solely on the corneal structure, the glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde mixed fixative is recommended. The 10% formaldehyde fixative exhibits unsatisfactory fixation effects for all the aforementioned ocular structures and is not recommended for detailed morphological studies of eyeball tissues. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Optimization of Cage-Changing Intervals and Wood Shavings Usage for Mice During the Growth Phase in Breeding Systems WU Xianwen, LIU Lili, CHEN Ye, XU Guoheng Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine    2026, 46 (2): 251-260.   DOI: 10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2025.095 Abstract （769）   HTML （52）    PDF （8401KB）（584）       Knowledge map    Save Objective To determine the optimal bedding depth of wood shavings and cage-changing interval for post-weaning (21-day-old) SPF C57BL/6J mice housed in open cages within a barrier environment. Methods Three bedding groups with average depths of 3 cm, 4 cm, and 5 cm were established, forming six experimental groups (three groups each for female and male mice, with 60 mice per group and 20 mice per cage, totaling 18 cages). The mice were housed in accordance with the maximum housing density requirements specified in GB 14925—2023 Laboratory Animal—Environment and Housing Facilities. Indicators, including body weight, food intake, waste load, and bedding cleanliness, were continuously monitored in mice aged 21-54 days. Results At the age of 21-54 days, the body weight of male mice in the 4 cm bedding group at 42 days was significantly higher than that in the 3 cm and 5 cm groups (P<0.01); at the age of 45-54 days, the waste load of male mice in the 4 cm group was significantly higher than that in the 3 cm group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in body weight, feed intake and waste load of female mice among each bedding height group (P>0.05). Gender comparison showed that the body weight, feed intake and waste load of male mice were significantly higher than those of female mice at multiple age groups (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in cleanliness scores between female and male mice (P>0.05). The scores of mice in the 3 cm and 4 cm groups were close to 3 points from day 6 to day 12, and the scores of mice in the 5 cm group were close to 3 points on day 12. After 42 days of age, the cleanliness scores of each group increased rapidly, and the cage change cycle needed to be shortened to 4 days. Comprehensive recommendation: the cage change cycle for 3 cm and 4 cm bedding heights is 6 days, and it can be extended to 12 days at a height of 5 cm bedding, and shortened to 4 days after 42 days of age. Conclusion Under the open-cage housing mode, a bedding depth of 4 cm combined with a 6-day cage-changing interval during the growth phase can maintain cage cleanliness through bedding adsorption while optimizing the use of bedding resources. This protocol successfully balances animal welfare assurance with facility operational efficiency and is suitable for the large-scale management of C57BL/6J mice and inbred strains with similar genetic backgrounds. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics