Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee, Yale University

Yale University
Institutional Animal Care
& Use Committee
New Haven CT
USA 06510

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Guidelines for Standardized Care for Experimental Allergic (Autoimmune) Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Rodents

Introduction:

Experimental allergic (autoimmune) encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of the human inflammatory, demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. EAE is induced by immunization with central nervous system antigens or adoptive transfer of activated T cells and/or antibodies, or may occur spontaneously in genetically altered animals. While there is considerable strain-to-strain variability in EAE susceptibility in mice and other species, the development of a paralytic disease in the EAE model is generally anticipated. The following guidelines for the specialized care of EAE animals are established to ensure their uniform humane care and treatment.

A. Staging

The scoring system outlined below is in common use at Yale; if you use a different scoring system, please use the description, not the number, to evaluate at what stage the animals require a variation of standardized care.

1 = Tail limpness/loss of tone

2 = Mild paraparesis / impaired righting reflex / wobbly gait

3 = Hind limb paralysis

4 = Hind and forelimb paralysis

5 = Death

B. Record keeping

The development of a paralytic disease in the EAE animal model is anticipated and often cannot be treated medically. However, anyone entering the room should be able to recognize that this condition is experimentally induced and verify that paralyzed rodents are receiving daily nutritional and nursing support, as outlined below:

Label the cages containing rodents that will develop EAE with "EAE" using a "Special Instructions&quto; cage card (supplied by YARC)

Complete the "Special Instructions Form&quto; located in the animal room log book. This form should list:

1)	The different clinical stages that may present and indicate what special care will be provided for each stage.
2)	Endpoint (highest stage before euthanasia) of the experiment.
3)	Contact information, including nights and weekends.

For animals requiring special care (see "C" below) complete the "Variation of Standardized Care Log Sheet" located in the animal room log sheet after providing special care to the affected rodents. The log sheet must be filled out daily, including weekends and holidays.

1)	Date, and time rodents were inspected.
2)	Person providing care.

When animals reach stage 3, description of subsequent daily care must be maintained in the animal room either on the cage card or on a separate data sheet.

If you wish to provide additional information or create your own log sheets please make a note in the "Special Instructions Form" located in the animal room log book and keep the customized forms/information in a separate sanitizable log book located in the animal room.

C. Special Care

Special care is required for rodents at Stage 3 (hind limb paralysis) and above. Minimally, special care includes:

Water and nutritional support accessible to the paralyzed rodents: Wet rodent chow, dough diet® or dry rodent chow on the cage floor with long sipper tube water bottles or Napa-Nectar® as water supplement, are acceptable. If used, wet rodent chow (not Napa or dough) must be replaced daily to prevent spoilage. Contact Gail Cameron (gail.cameron @yale.edu or 5-5156) for assistance in obtaining Dough diet® and Napa Nectar®

Rodents with evidence of stage 3 or 4 disease should not be housed in the same cage with stages 1-2. This will prevent mutilation and trampling of the paralyzed rodentss, and consumption of the more palatable food by their unparalyzed cage mates.

Other suggestions for care: You may consider keeping the rodents in a dry clean cage provided with nestlet material to prevent pressure sores and infection resulting from prolonged periods of time spent in the same posture.

D. PI Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the investigator to provide this special care to his/her EAE rodent colony, seven days a week. If he/she would like YARC to provide these special services, contact Gail Cameron (gail.cameron @yale.edu or 5-5156) to arrange for special care on a fee-for-service basis.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE IACUC: 02/28/01