Project description:von Frey (vF) monofilaments are used to quantify mechanical hypersensitivity and nociception in rodents; however, this method of testing has been criticized due to inconsistencies in testing methods, filament properties, and nonlinearity. This study compared withdrawal thresholds measured by using vF monofilaments with those of a novel mechanical threshold testing device currently in development (RatMet) in a carrageenan inflammatory model in 9- to 11-wk-old male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to assessment of mechanical hypersensitivity after intraplantar carrageenan injection by using either vF monofilaments (n = 10) or the RatMet device equipped with 3 sizes of probe tips (0.9 mm [RM0.9], n = 15; 0.5mm [RM0.5], n = 11; and 0.09 mm [RM0.09], n = 11). All RatMet probe sizes and vF monofilaments identified a reduction in withdrawal threshold after treatment. Systematic differences in threshold were identified between vF and both RM0.9 and RM0.5 groups; RM0.09 did not differ from vF. Withdrawal thresholds showed linear relationships with probe diameter, square root of probe diameter, and area of the RatMet probes. In contrast, exponential relationships were observed with the vF monofilaments. Furthermore, none of the RatMet probe results differed in accuracy when comparing a single test with the averages of 3 or 5 tests per time point. Overall, the RatMet device measurements have construct validity even when the number of testing replicates is low. These data indicate that the RatMet device produces data comparable with those from vF monofilaments, with the potential for a shortened testing period without a decrease in accuracy.
Project description:In order to establish a rat embryonic stem cell transcriptome, mRNA from rESC cell line DAc8, the first male germline competent rat ESC line to be described and the first to be used to generate a knockout rat model was characterized using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis.
Project description:This study aims at elucidating how Coxsackie B virus infection perturbs the host's miRNA regulatory pathways that may lead to different pathological events using the miRNA microarray approach. The rat pancreatic cell line -RIN-5F, was infected with various preparations of Coxsackie B4 viruses was analysed for miRNA expression profiles subsequently. The miRNA expression profiles were measured at 48, and 72 hours post infection, respectively.
Project description:This study aims at elucidating how Coxsackie B virus infection perturbs the host's miRNA regulatory pathways that may lead to different pathological events using the miRNA microarray approach. The rat pancreatic cell line - INS-1E, was infected with various preparations of Coxsackie B4 viruses was analysed for miRNA expression profiles subsequently. The miRNA expression profiles were measured at 48, and 72 hours post infection, respectively.
Project description:Analysis of LBNF1 rat testes from controls, containing both somatic and all germ cell types and from irradiated rats in which all cells germ cells except type A spermatgogonia are eliminated. Results provide insight into distinguishing germ and somatic cell genes and identification of somatic cell genes that are upregulated after irradiation.
Project description:This study aims at elucidating how Coxsackie B virus infection perturbs the host's miRNA regulatory pathways that may lead to different pathological events using the miRNA microarray approach.
