Use of nonhuman primates in cancer research

A short historical review of the use of primates in cancer research is presented followed by a review of various forms of neoplasma observed in the oldest existing Primate Center. Special attention is paid to baboon lymphomas studied for the past two decades at the U.S.S.R. Primate Center at Sukhumi.     

Biochemical genetics of macaques. I. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase polymorphisms in Macaca mulatta and Macaca speciosa

Starch gel electrophoresis of erythrocytes from 1812 Macaca mulatta has unequivocally demonstrated that the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) isozymes are controlled by two autosomal codominant alleles. Limited data on erythrocytes from 89 Macaca speciosa were also consistent with autosomal codominance.This work was supported in part by NIH Grants HD 07835 (WHS) and RR-00167 (Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center) and by the Research Committee of the UW Graduate School (Project No. 170207).Paper No. 2146 of the Laboratory of Genetics, and Publication No. 16-045 of The Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center.     

Resource brief: The National Non-Human Primate DNA Bank

A National Non-Human Primate (NHP) DNA bank has been established by the National Primate Research Centers and the National Center for Research Resources, NIH, providing a new resource for comparative genomic studies. The collection includes genomic DNA samples from macaques, chimpanzees, baboons, vervets, marmosets, sooty mangabeys and titi monkeys. The repository includes DNAs from 697 unrelated animals, suitable for comparing allele representation within and between species. Another 474 DNAs are derived from family-trios (dam, sire, off spring), and are useful for verifying the segregation of genetic variants. The National NHP DNA Bank includes specified holdings within each of the eight National Primate Research Centers, though detailed information on the entire collection is available through a common website.     

Origins of simian immunodeficiency virus infection in macaques at The New England Regional Primate Research Center

Abstract: A cohort of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), obtained from the California Regional Primate Research Center (CRPRC) and necropsied in 1970–72 with lesions suggestive of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, was identified at the New England Regional Primate Research Center (NERPRC). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequence analysis, and in situ hybridization were used to confirm the presence of SIV nucleic acids. This represents the earliest case of SIV infection at the NERPRC and suggests a common source for present day SIV isolates.     

Isolation of a new serotype of simian acquired immune deficiency syndrome type D retrovirus from Celebes black macaques (Macaca nigra) with immune deficiency and retroperitoneal fibromatosis.

A new serotype of simian acquired immune deficiency syndrome (SAIDS) retrovirus (type 2) belonging to the D genus of retroviruses is associated with a SAIDS occurring spontaneously in a colony of Celebes macaques (Macaca nigra) and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center. This syndrome resembles SAIDS in M. mulatta at the California Primate Research Center, which is associated with a similar type D retrovirus (type 1). However, at the Oregon Center, SAIDS is distinguished by the occurrence of retroperitoneal fibromatosis in some of the affected monkeys. Type 2 virus was isolated from seven of seven macaques with SAIDS, retroperitoneal fibromatosis, or both and from one of six healthy macaques. The new strain is closely related to SAIDS retrovirus type 1 and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus but can be distinguished by competitive radioimmunoassay for minor core (p10) antigen and by genomic restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns. Neutralization tests indicate that type 1 and type 2 SAIDS retroviruses are distinct serotypes. Therefore, separate vaccines may be necessary to control these infections in colonies of captive macaques.     

Brief report: Outbreak of severe aggression in captive Macaca mulatta

An outbreak of severe aggression occurred among females in a rhesus macaque breeding group at the California Primate Research Center four years after the group was established. During the breeding season in which this occurred, the incidence of injured females in other breeding groups at the Primate Center was significantly higher than in the previous year. This breeding season was the first in which a large number of females reached sexual maturity. The group in which the most severe aggression occurred contained the largest number and proportion of maturing females. Evidence suggests that the simultaneous maturation of a large cohort of adolescent females may be associated with increased levels of aggression, and that this aggression may be intensified by certain aspects of captivity.     

Sleeping behavior and associations in a group of captive chimpanzees.

The present study investigated the sleeping behavior and preferences of a group of six adolescent chimpanzees at the Delta Regional Primate Research Center in Louisiana, USA. The study sought to relate sleeping partner preferences to other aspects of social relationships. Comparative observations between those chimpanzee behaviors seen in the wild and in this group are noted.     

Survival and reproduction in the first two years following a large-scale primate colony move and social reorganization

(Macaca nemestrina) and baboon (Papio cynocephalus, Papio anubis, and hybrids) breeding colonies from the Primate Field Station (PFS) (Medical Lake, WA) to the Tulane Regional Primate Research Center (Covington, LA). Colony records on all 598 pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) and 157 baboons (P. c. anubis) shipped to the Tulane Primate Center from the PFS breeding colony were used for analysis of species, sex, age, origin, current status, and the number of animals born at Tulane and their status. To provide comparative statistics, colony records on all 1,002 macaques and 258 baboons alive on 1 January 1991 at the Field Station were retrieved in the same manner as the Tulane data. Overall survival rates of macaques in the months following the move (71.7%) were similar to those associated with the Arashiyama West colony move from Japan to Texas. In our colony, significantly lower survival following the move was seen only in older (10 years+) macaques, while survival in other age groups was slightly lower than in the comparison year of 1991 at the Primate Field Station. Captive-bred macaques exhibited higher survival than wild-caught animals. Infant survival at Tulane was not significantly different than in pre-move years. Baboons fared well in the move, with no significant differences in mortality or reproduction when compared with the 1991 Medical Lake baboon colony.     

Hand preference in the Sifaka (propithecus verreauxi coquereli) during feeding in captivity

The Coquerel's sifakas were chosen for this study on hand preference because little is known about handedness in Indriidae. Fifteen Coquerel's sifakas were observed at the Duke University Primate Center as they fed on chopped fruit, vegetables, and primate chow. Analysis of age, sex, and hand preference indicated that the adult males both individually and as a group tended toward left-handedness. Adult females as a group did not show a trend in the direction of handedness. However, individual adult females showed consistent right- or left-hand preference. Younger sifakas tended toward ambipreference, suggesting that lateralization of hand preference is gradual, becoming more stable in adulthood. These findings suggest that sex and age may be strong indicators for lateralization of hand preference in Coquerel's sifakas. Duke University Primate Research Center Publication 292     

Macaca radiata: Intragroup relations and reproductive status of females

A 21-day study of captive bonnet macaques at the California Primate Research Center during the 1973 birth season showed that females with new infants are spaced significantly closer to a central adult male than are pregnant females. This research was supported by Grant #RR00169 from the National Institutes of Health.     

Reproductive, gestational, and newborn physiology of the chimpanzee.

The Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center has successfully bred chimpanzees since 1930. Breeding statistics for the last 6 yr and problems of fetal waste and infant mortality are presented here. Experience with a potential advantages of semi-free-ranging breeding systems are presented. This 6-yr study period also produced considerable information on gestational and newborn physiology.     

Duke University Primate Center

The Duke University Primate Center houses the world's largest collection of prosimian primates. The Center is a research resource for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty from Duke University and other U.S. and international universities. Researchers have access to the animals for noninvasive studies, to a large collection of preserved tissues and cadavers, and to an extensive collection of Eocene and Oligocene fossils. The Center is also involved in conservation programs in Madagascar which provide opportunities for field research in primatology and conservation.     

Characterization of inheritance patterns of blood pressure in Macaca fascicularis

A breeding colony of Macaca fascicularis was established at the New England Regional Primate Center in 1977 and continued through 1984. Characterization of the offspring of this colony at 18 and 30 months of age suggested that higher blood pressure levels are hereditary in M. fascicularis, but evidence to date cannot determine if this condition is harmful to the animals.     

Specific antigen and organelle expression of a long-term rhesus endothelial cell line

Summary A long-term culture of a spontaneously transformed endothelial cell line derived from the choroid-retina of a rhesus macaque fetus is reported. It has been carried in vitro by serial propagation more than 548 passages in 17 yr. Cells were identified as being of endothelial origin by cellular morphology, growth pattern, ultrastructure, immunocytochemistry (immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase), and immunodiffusion. The transformants are characterized by (a) an infinite life span, (b) a changed expression of Factor VIII-related antigen, and (c) chromosomal aberrations. Throughout long-term serial passages and after repeated freeze-storage, thawing, and reculture the cells retain the specific organelles, Weibel-Palade bodies, and most of the other characteristic morphologic features. For this long-term cultured endothelial cell line, Weibel-Palade bodies seem to be a more reliable marker than Factor VIII-related antigen. This is publication No. 1475 of the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center. Research was supported by grant RR-00163 from Animal Resources Branch, Division of Research Resources, National Institutes of Health; by NIH grant EY02086, basic research support grant from the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, and the Collins Medical Trust.     

Canine teeth and rank in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata)

Canine teeth were extracted from seven adult male Japanese monkeys. Observations over the next four years led to the conclusion that canines are not essential for either the attainment or maintenance of high rank, but that they may play an important part in the self-defense of low-ranking males.Publication No.501 of the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center supported by NIH Grant RR 00163.     

An apparatus and procedure for studying the choice component of foraging in a captive group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

An apparatus is described which was used to investigate the choice component of foraging in a captive group of chimpanzees maintained in a large, outdoor compound at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center Field Station. The utilization of more than one apparatus would allow the investigation of other ecological and psychological concepts in nonhuman primates housed under semi-natural conditions.     

Ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in the median eminence of the guinea pig

Summary LH-RH was localized at the ultrastructural level in axons and nerve terminals of the median eminence of the male guinea pig. LH-RH positive neuronal profiles were most concentrated in the medial-dorsal aspect of the infundibular stalk and in the post-infundibular median eminence at the level immediately following separation of the stalk from the base of the brain. LH-RH containing axon profiles were most abundant in the palisade zone; nerve terminals in contact with the hypophysial portal vasculature were relatively rare. The hormone was present within granules that measured 900–1,200 Å in axons of the palisade zone and 400–800 Å in nerve terminals abutting on the portal plexus. The differently sized granules represent heterogeneous populations.Supported in part by U.S. Public Health Service grant HD-09636 from the National Institutes of Health and RR-00167 to the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center from the National Institutes of Health. Primate Center Publication No. 15-031The authors wish to thank Dr. Sandy Sorrentino, Jr. for the gift of antiserum to LH-RH and Dr. Ludwig Sternberger for the peroxidase.antiperoxidase complex     

Histopathological characterization of nephritides in the brown capuchin monkey, Cebus apella (Primates: Cebidae)

The renal lesions are of special importance in the captive primates. The most commonly pathologies are: pyelonephritis, nephrocalcinosis, glomerulonephritis, congenital malformations, hydronephrosis and functional diseases. We report the histopathological study of renal lesions of five cases of deaths in Cebus apella (Primates) of the Argentinean Primate Center. The ages of the monkeys were from 4 months to 15 years old. Microscopically, we have observed principally acute diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis, hilar mesangio proliferative glomerulonephritis, extracapilar glomerulonephritis with crescents, chronic interstitial nephritis and chronic pyelophritis.     

Meat eating and predation in captive-born semi-free-ranging Lemur fulvus and caged Lemur macaco

A group of brown lemurs, Lemur fulvus, and a group of black lemurs, Lemur macaco, at the Duke University Center for the Study of Primate Biology and History have been observed to capture and eat birds and lizards. Although vertebrate prey are not unusual for many carnivorous prosimians, folivorous prosimians never have been observed to take vertebrates in the wild and rarely even insects.     

基于高通量测序技术测定普通棉耳狨猴粪便微生物多样性

目的应用高通量测序技术分析普通棉耳狨猴粪便菌群的结构与组成,为进一步开发利用新型实验动物奠定基础。方法采集4只成年雄性普通棉耳狨猴粪便,用细菌16SrRNA通用引物扩增V3~V4区,采用IlluminaMiSeq测序平台对普通棉耳狨猴粪便微生物进行研究。结果共测序获得315511条有效序列与596个OTU。普通棉耳狨猴粪便中的细菌共鉴定出9个门、14个纲、26个目、50个科、82个属和64个种和226个OTU。其中,1)优势门是拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)和厚壁菌门(Firmicutes),平均含量分别为54.52%和25.39%2)丰度最高的纲为拟杆菌纲(Bacteroidia)和厌氧菌纲(Negativicutes),平均含量为54.5%和17%。3)乳杆菌目(Lactobacillales)和拟杆菌目(Bacteroidales)的丰度最高,为50.01%和20.52%。4)普雷沃菌科(Prevotellaceae)和双歧杆菌科(Bifidobacteriaceae)所占丰度最高,平均含量分别为43.14%和11.33%。5)双歧杆菌属(Bifidobacterium)和拟杆菌属(Bacteroides)的丰度较高,平均含量分别为11.33%11.12%。6)有益菌群双歧杆菌属丰度较高,但在所检测样本中都含有。7)丰度最高的前10个种,归类为7个科、5个纲。这10个种占到33.16%,其他53种总和仅占到0.74%,其他未鉴定出菌种,且相对丰度还较高,需要进一步研究。8)PICRUSt功能预测分析:氨基酸转运等代谢功能和蛋白质翻译、折叠遗传信息处理功能丰度较高。结论应用高通量测序技术,较全面的检测了普通棉耳狨猴粪便菌群,普通棉耳狨猴粪便细菌组成具有丰富的多样性,其中还有许多未被分类鉴定且相对丰度较高的细菌,需要进一步研究。