[Objectives]
Research of the Department of Laboratory Animal Science aims to contribute to the knowledge of the genetic background of strain 'specific aspects of (patho)physiological characteristics and strain' specific abilities to cope with environmental conditions (nutrition, housing, experimental procedures).
Genetic characterisation of inbred strains provides insight into strain-specific characteristics. It contributes to the choice of the most suitable animal model in biomedical research. Information on the chromosomal localisation of DNA markers (Type I markers) and genes is important because this contributes to the insight into homology between animal species and their phylogenic relationships. This is not only essential for evaluating the validity of the animal as a model in biomedical research, but also for the characterisation of animal populations and for genetic monitoring of inbred strains. Emphasis is on the localisation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, behaviour and the differences in susceptibility for anaesthetics and analgesics. Inbred, recombinant inbred and congenic strains are being used for the detection of QTLs and candidate genes. (This subprogramme is part of the GSAH core programme A, Animal Genetics).
Research on the adjustment of the environment to the animal`s needs and on the genetic background of the ability of the animal to adapt to the environment focusses on strain specific differences of the intermediary metabolism and on differences of the impact of housing conditions on the well-being of the animals. The effect of conditioning / rewarding of animals on their stress response following routine experimental procedures is studied, and different injection techniques are compared as to the degree of discomfort provoked by each of the techniques. This research is performed in collaboration with the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm. At Karolinska Institute the research is focussed on the impact of environmental factors on postoperative recovery in laboratory rodents. |
