Animal Care Services

For investigators requiring studies at different stages of this model, the following are guidelines to establish minimum requirements for these animals in order that they may receive appropriate care to minimize pain or discomfort.
EAE (experimental allergic encephalomyelitis) is an animal model for Central Nervous System (CNS) autoimmune disease.  It is widely used as a human Multiple Sclerosis (MS) model.  Although clinical signs vary according to species and strain, they include visual, sensory and motor deficits.  This generally manifests as an ascending paralysis graded on a five-point scale from loss of tail tone (1) to moribund (5).  The course may vary from one or more episodes with short periods of remission of clinical signs to a progressive chronic state.

CARE

1.  Every animal to be injected with any substance to elicit EAE will be identified with a cage card with the letters “EAE.”

2.  At the time of inoculation, a baseline weight of each animal will be obtained and recorded in a clinical chart.  A cage card (or sticker) specifying “EAE mice” and date of inoculation will be placed in every applicable cage.

3.  Animals will be monitored at least daily, including weekends and holidays, and categorized as follows:

Category	Description
A	Flaccid tail, ability to move on all four legs, although they might be weak and shaky.
B	Ability to drag self, may be able to use one limb to shove self around or unable to use either hindleg, but animal strong and active despite paralysis.
C	Complete paralysis of hindquarters.  Animal very weak and moves only a short distance before obvious exhaustion sets in, still alert and responsive. Able to eat if food is offered.
D	Animal unable to move around (other than possibly in a circle). Animal is very weak, unresponsive, rapid breathing, cold to touch.

4.  Food will be put in the bottom of the cage and a water bottle with a long sipper tube will be used.  An alternative source of water will be provided (i.e., Napa nectar, small pieces of apple).  If apples are used, they will be replenished daily.

5.  Every mouse that reaches Category B will be caged separately from normal and Category A animals.  These mice will also be monitored twice per day to check the following:

Problem	Diagnosis/Treatment
Dehydration	Lightly pinch the skin over the neck to determine skin turgor.  If skin remains in “tented” position, administer 1 ml Normal Saline or Lactated Ringer’s solution subcutaneously twice per day.
Urination	At least 2-3 times per day (morning and afternoon) and additionally as needed, roll the mouse on its back and lightly palpate the abdomen to assist with voiding.
Weight	Record daily once animals reach Category B.

6.  All paralyzed mice will be monitored for skin irritation associated with urine scald and, if male, observed for penile irritation secondary to flaccid paralysis.

7.  As soon as an animal recovers from paralysis, it will be removed from the cage.  No animals in Category B through Category C will be maintained in the same cage with normal animals because the following problems may occur:  1) Normal animals may walk on paralyzed animals causing discomfort or even injuries, and 2) Normal animals may eat the apples or Napa nectar intended for paralyzed animals.

ENDPOINT

Category D will be considered an endpoint with immediate euthanasia.