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Information Resources on Amphibians, Fish & Reptiles Used in Biomedical Research


August 2001

Updates: Information Resources for Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, & Cephalopods Used in Biomedical Research, 1995

AWIC Resource Series No. 10

Compiled by:
Richard L. Crawford
D'Anna Jensen
Tim Allen

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
Animal Welfare Information Center
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705

Contact us: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/contact.php
Web site: http://awic.nal.usda.gov

Published in cooperation with the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.



Table of Contents

 

 

 



Introduction

 

Rodents, non-human primates, dogs, cats, and farm animals have long been the preferred animal models in biomedical research. their behavioral repertoire and physiological responses to stimuli are more similar to human systems than are lower organisms. However, as amphibians, fish and reptiles become better understood in the field and laboratory, their advantages as alternative animal models are being revealed.

While there are about 4,000 known species of mammals, there are over 4,000 species of amphibian, 6,000 species of reptiles, and more than 20,000 species of fish. Such diversity allows for a wide range of research on specific organs, tissues, and systems that are similar in function, but often less complex than in mammals. Due to differential rates of ova maturation and numbers of gametes produced, elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, rays) are used to study fetal nutrition and toxicology as well as gametogenesis. The monkfish is an important insulin resource for researchers since it contains 20 to 40 times more insulin-producing tissue than the laboratory rat.

Reptiles and amphibians contribute to studies in genetics, embryology, developmental biology, ethology, endocrinology, and immunology. Salamanders and newts are models for limb regeneration. Fetal heart cells of the axolotl (Mexican salamander) will divide and beat in vitro. Frogs have played a major role in the development of communication theory. The common anole lizard is used in behavioral studies and can be induced to produce the symptoms of Parkinson=s disease. Typical reptile and amphibian studies include aggression, stress physiology, reproductive cycles and dysfunction, and the effects of neurotoxins.

In contrast to mammals and birds which are endothermic (their body temperature is regulated and maintained internally), reptiles, amphibians, and fish are ectothermic with body temperature primarily regulated by ambient temperatures. Since metabolism is driven by body temperature, the rate of normal body functions in these species may be artificially increased or decreased. Thus endocrine, immunological, inflammation, cell physiology, and many other pathways can be easily manipulated.

A major concern to those who might use these species is the necessity of providing a suitable laboratory environment. Unlike mammals and birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish require very specific micro environments. For reptiles and amphibians, basking sites, water source and water temperature, relative humidity, photo period and type of lighting, ambient temperature, group density, cover, method of food preparation and presentation are all factors that influence whether or not the animals will function normally in the laboratory. Fish live in a totally aqueous environment. Type of water (fresh, salt, brackish), pH, salinity, school density, cover, dissolved oxygen, lighting, and filtration are necessary considerations that require monitoring. The animal=s needs are often species-specific and failure to meet them results in stress-induced diseases, low growth rate, poor feed efficiency, cannibalism, and failure to reproduce.

Information Resources on Amphibians, Fish & Reptiles Used in Biomedical Research is an attempt to collect in a single volume much of the current information regarding the care and use of these alternative animal models. It is intended only as an introduction to these species as comprehensive coverage would fill several volumes. The authors have selected sample articles that typify recent research. Each animal group has a section of articles and books pertaining to its use in biomedical research followed by a section on its care and use. The latter section highlights not only husbandry and maintenance of particular species, but also regulations, guidelines, and veterinary aspects such as appropriate anesthesia or euthanasia. Because several citations cross phyla, general sections are provided. A final section provides information resources with names and addresses of organizations and their publications that can provide further information. If the citation can be found at the National Agricultural Library (NAL), its call number is given. Information on how to request materials that are included in the collection of the National Agricultural Library (NAL) may be found on the Collection Services website at http://www.nal.usda.gov/services/request.shtml. Please read carefully as there are certain restrictions on media and document types.





GENERAL

 

 

Gene transfer technology in aquaculture. Levy, J.A.; Marins, L.F.; Sanchez, A., Hydrobiologia 2000, v. 420 (1), p. 91-94. ISSN: 0018-8158.

NAL call no: 410 H992           

Descriptors: Biotechnology, fish culture, transgenic fish, gene transfer.

 

Reptiles & amphibians of Australia. 6th ed. Cogger, Harold G., Chatswwod. N.S.W.: Reed, 2000, 808 p., ill. Ref.  ISBN: 1876334339.

NAL call no: QL663.A1C63 2000

Descriptors: Reptiles, Amphibians, Australia.

 

Energetics of free-ranging mammals, reptiles and birds. Nagy, K.A; Girard, I.A,; Brown, T.A., Annual Review of Nutrition, 1999, v. 19 p. 247-277. Annual Reviews Inc., Palo Alto, CA. ISSN: 0199-9885.

NAL call no: QP141.A1A63

Descriptors: energy expenditure, species differences, energy requirements.

 

Comparison of four monoclonal antibodies reacting with gastric gland mucous cell-derived mucins of rat and frogs. Kurihara, M.; Ishihara, K.; Ota, H.; Katsuyama, T.; Nakano, T.; Naito, T.; Hotta, K., 1998, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology-B. v. 121B, (3), p. 315-321. ISSN: 0305-0491.

NAL call no: QP501.C6

Descriptors: antibodies, Rana, immunoprecipitation, biochemical composition.

 

Encyclopedia of reptiles and amphibians. 2nd ed., Cogger, Harols G.; Zweifel, Richard George; Kirshner, David. McMahons Point, N.S.W.: Weldon Owen, 1998, 240 p., ill., maps. ISBN: 0121785602.

NAL call no: QL641.E63 1998

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibians, encyclopedia.

 

A key to amphibians and reptiles of the continental United States and Canada. Powell, Robert; Collins, Joseph T.; Hooper, Errol D. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, c1998, 131 p., ill., map. ISBN: 0700609296.

NAL call no: QL652.P69 1998

Descriptors: reptiles, identification, United States, Canada.

 

Lymphocyte development in fish and amphibians. Hansen, J.D.; Zapata, A.G. Immunological Reviews, 1998, v. 166, p. 199-220, 1998. ISSN: 0105-2896.

NAL call no: QP89.T7

Descriptors: lymphocytes, lymphopoiesis, transcription factors, blood cells.

 

Use of explant cultures of peripheral nerves of adult vertebrates to study axonal regeneration in vitro. Progress in Neurobiology. 1998, v. 54 (4), p. 459-480. ISSN: 0301-0082.

NAL call no: QP361.P7

Descriptors: vertebrates, peripheral nerves, explant cultures, regeneration.

 

Advances in herpetoculture. Special publication of the International Herpetological Symposium, Inc.: no.1 [s.1.]: c1996, xiii, 167 p., ill.

NAL call no: SF515.A38 1996

Descriptors: amphibian, reptile, culture.

 

Fish and amphibian models used in laboratory research. Kane. A.S.; Gonzales, J.F.; Reimschuessel, R., Lab Animal, 1996, v. 25 (6), p. 33-38. Nature Publishing Co., N.Y., N.Y. ISSN: 0093-7355.

NAL call no: QL55.A1L33

Descriptors: fishes, amphibia, animal models, laboratory animals.

 

Setting guidelines for the care of reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Pough, F.H., Scientist Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW), Spring 1996, v. 18 (1), p. 3-8. ISSN: 1052-7559.

NAL call no: QL55.N48

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibia, fishes, guidelines, animal care, husbandry.

 

Veterinary nutritional management of amphibians and reptiles. Donoghue, S. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, June 1, 1996, v. 208 (11), p. 1816-1820. ISSN: 0003-1488.

NAL call no: 41.8 Am3

Descriptors: amphibia, reptiles, nutrition, husbandry, metabolism, disorders.

 

Evaluation of hypothermia for anesthesia in reptiles and amphibians. Martin, B.J., Washington, DC: Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Council, v. 37 (4), p. 186-190. 1995. ISSN: 1084-2020.

NAL call no: QL55.A1I43

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibia, anesthesia, hypothermia, safety, animal welfare.

 

Self assessment color review of reptiles and amphibians. Frye, Frederick L.; Williams, David L., Iowa State University Press, 1995, 192 p. col. Ill. ISBN: 0813829909.

NAL call no: SF997.5.R4F797 1995

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibians, diseases, miscellaneous, pictorial works.

 

Vitellogenin induction by xenobiotic estrogens in the red-eared turtle and African clawed frog. Palmer, B.D.; Palmer, S.K., Wildlife Development, 1995, v. 103 (4),  Supp. P. 19-25. Environment and Health Perspectives, NIH 95-218, v. 103 (4) Supp.

Descriptors: xenobiotics, estrogens, vitellogenin, pollution detection.

 

Anesthesia of reptiles and amphibians. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, FL: Eastern States Veterinary Association, 1994, p. 863.

NAL call no: SF605.N672

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibia, anesthesia.

 

Captive management and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Murphy, James B.; Adler, Kraig; Collins, Joseph T. Contributions to Herpetology, v. 11: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, 1994, 408 p., ill. ISBN: 0916984338.

NAL call no: SF515.C47 1994

Descriptors: captive, amphibians, reptiles, culture.


The diagnosis and treatment of commonly observed ophthalmic conditions in fishes and frogs. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference. Gainesville, FL: Eastern States Veterinary Association, 1994, p. 782-783.

NAL call no: SF605.N672

Descriptors: fishes, frogs, diagnosis.

 

Medical herpetology. Grenard, Steve. Pottsville, PA: Reptile & Amphibian Magazine, 1994, xiii, 139 p. ISBN: 0964103206.

NAL call no: RA1242.S53G74 1994

Descriptors: reptiles, health aspects, amphibians, poisonous snakes.

 

Reptiles and amphibians in captivity: Breeding, longevity and inventory. Current Jan.1, 1994. Slavens, Frank L.; Slavens, Kate, Seattle, WA: Slaveware, c1994. 532 p. ill.

NAL call no: SF515.S53 1994

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibians, captivity, breeding collections.

 

Herpetology: An introductory biology of amphibians and reptiles.  Zug, George R., San Diego: Academic Press, c1993. xv, 527 p. ill., maps. ISBN: 0127826203.

NAL call no: QL641.Z84  1993

Descriptors: Herpetology.

 

The reptile and amphibian keeper=s dictionary: An A to Z of herpetology.  Wareham, David C. London: Blandford, 1993, 248 p., ill. ISBN: 0713723181.

NAL call no: SF515.W37 1993

Descriptors: reptile, amphibian, dictionary.

 

Alternatives to the use of mammals for pain research. Stevens, C.W. Life Science, v. 50 (13) p.901-912 (1992).

NAL call no: 442.8 L62

Descriptors: pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, ethics, lower vertebrates.

 

The care of reptiles and amphibians in captivity. Rev. 3rd ed. Mattison, Christopher. Distributed in the U.S. by Sterling Pub. Co., 1992, 317 p. 16 p. of plates; ill. ISBN: 0713723386.

NAL call no: SF459.A45M37 1992

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibians, captive.

 

The Care and Use of Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish in Research. Schaeffer, D.O.; Kleinow, K.M. and Krulisch, L. (eds.), Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, Bethesda, MD; 1992, 204 pp.

NAL call no: SF406.C35 1992 

Descriptors: anesthesia, euthanasia, husbandry, nutrition, behavior, disease, medicine.

 

Environmental Physiology of the Amphibia.  Feder, M.E. and Burggren, W.A. (eds.), University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL; 1992.

NAL call no: QL669.2.E58 1992

Descriptors: anatomy, endocrinology, neurology, immunology.

 

Live Animal Regulations.  International Air Transport Association, Montreal-Geneva, 19th edition; 1992, 240 pp.

NAL call no: HE9788.4.A55I57          

Descriptors: fish, reptiles, amphibians, container requirements, feeding requirements, and documents.

 

Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals. Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Academy Press, Washington, DC; 1992, 137 pp.

NAL call no: SF996.5.R43

Descriptors: euthanasia, anesthesia, recommendations, animal welfare, hypothermia.

 

Activity-dependent plasticity in the visual systems of frogs and fish. Cline, H.T. Trends in Neurosciences, v..14 (3), p.104-111 (1991).

NAL call no: RC321.T74

Descriptors: model, selective synapse, neurophysiology.

 

Atlas of Abnormalities. A Guide for Performance of Fetax.  Bantle, J.A.; Dumont, J.N.; Finch, R.A. and Linder, G.  American Society for Testing and Materials, 1991.

NAL call no: RA1224.45 A85 1991

Descriptors: Developmental toxicology, animal models, atlases, teratogenicity testing.

 

Atlas of diagnostic radiology of exotic pets: Small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. International edition. Philadelphia, PA. W.B. Saunders, c1991, 224 p. ill. ISBN: 0721634931.

NAL call no: SF757.8 A84 Ov

Descriptors: veterinary radiology atlases, diseases, diagnosis.

 

The care and use of amphibians, reptiles and fish in research. (Special conference report, part 1) Guttman, H.N. SCAW Newsletter, v.  13 (2), p.5-7 (1991).

NAL call no: QL55.N48

Descriptors: IACUC, husbandry, guidelines.

 

The care and use of amphibians, reptiles and fish in research. (Special conference report, part 2) Guttman, H.N. SCAW Newsletter. v. 13 (3), p.10-11 (1991).

NAL call no: QL55.N48

Descriptors: handling, nutrition, health.

 

Energy requirements for maintenance and growth of wild mammals, birds and reptiles in captivity. Kirkwood, J.K. Journal of Nutrition, v.121 (11), p.S29-S34 (1991).

NAL call no: 389.8 J82

Descriptors: nutrition, diet, metabolism, development.

 

4th International Colloquium on pathology and medicine of Reptiles and Amphibians. Gabrisch, K.; Schildger, Bernd; Zwart, P.; German Veterinary Association. Giessen: Deutsche Veterinarmedizinische Gesellschaft, 1991, 330 p. ill. ISBN: 3924851638.

Language: German, English.

NAL call no: SF997.5.R4I57 1991

Descriptors: reptiles, amphibians, diseases, congresses, veterinary pathology.

 

Learning and Memory: A Biological View.  Martinez, J.L. and Kesner, R.P. (eds.), Academic Press, San Diego, CA; 1991, 563 pp.

NAL call no: QP406.L43 1991

Descriptors: brain-behavior relations, anatomy, pharmacology, lesions, electrophysiology, invertebrates, vertebrates.

 

National Institute on Aging, NIH, workshop on alternative animal models for research on aging. Anonymous. Experimental Gerontology, v. 26 (5), p. 411-439 (1991).

NAL call no: QP86.E85

Descriptors: human aging, birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, invertebrates, cost analysis.

 

Nutrition of aquaculture species. Lovell, R.T., 1991. Journal of Animal Science, v. 69 (10), p. 4193-4200, Oct. 1991. American Society of Animal Science, Champaign, IL. ISSN: 0021-8812.

NAL call no: 49 J82

Descriptors: aquaculture, nutrient requirements, fishes, energy requirements, food intake.

 

Ontogeny of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology in lower vertebrates. Burggren, W.W.; Pinder, A.W., Annual Review of Physiology, 1991, v. 53, p. 107-135. ISSN: 0066-4278.

NAL call no: 444.8 AN7

Descriptors: lower vertebrates, cardiovascular, respiratory, physiology, ontogeny.

 

An overview of animal cancer registries in the United States and suggestions for improved applications. Monsein, D.L.  Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian  Princeton Jct., NJ; v.13 (7), p.1139-1146 (1991).

NAL call no: SF601.C66

Descriptors: fish, amphibians, reptiles, collection, storage, interpretation of data, data collecting, computerization.

 

Production of aquatic animals: Crustaceans, molluscs, amphibians, and reptiles. World animal science. C. Production system approach. Amsterdam; New York: Elsevier Science, 1991, xii, 244 p., ill. ISBN: 0444883126.

NAL call no: SH370.P76 1990

Descriptors: culture, shell fish, amphibian, reptile, aquaculture.

 

Recommendations for the care of amphibians and reptiles in academic institutions. ILAR News. Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Council, Fall 1991, v. 33 (4), p. S1-S22. ISSN: 0018-9960.