Role of the nonhuman primate for research related to women's health

This overview of the current status of medical problems that affect women is related to current studies on pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions using nonhuman primates to demonstrate the utility of the primate model for the study of disease processes in women. The current medical literature on women's health is compared with the literature on nonhuman primate research. The findings reviewed in the articles of ILAR Journal Volume 45 Issue 2 of 2004 are evaluated in the context of the scope and problems associated with disease entities in women. Nonhuman primate research with known information regarding women's disease is discussed, and the utility of the animal model for the study of human disease is highlighted, based on its significant relevance due to similarities of nonhuman primate and human subjects' physiology, metabolism, and responses to therapeutic interventions. Additional advantages of the animal model include the ability to control the experimental environment and the capacity to perform chronic study procedures. These findings allow us to utilize the nonhuman primate as the most relevant model in the animal world for the study of human disease processes.     

Serendipity and new drugs for infectious disease

Serendipity, in various shades of semantic legitimacy, is abundantly evident in the history of the chemotherapy of infectious disease. We may be on the threshold of a new era of rational drug design, but most medications for infectious diseases have arisen, and continue to arise, from chance observation, clinical experience, and the empirical search for substances active against pathogens. Chance does not produce drugs; but where chance has played a pivotal role in drug discovery, the event may be considered serendipitous to a greater or lesser degree. In a deliberate search for new drugs, it is often difficult to assess the degree to which any resulting discovery is serendipitous, and the usefulness of the term becomes debatable. Many therapeutic advances emerge from research involving animals, and a triggering "happy accident" may reside in the most basic aspects of animal care or in the most arcane knowledge of animals. The examples discussed in this article deal mostly with parasitic disease and the use of animal models in the discovery of antiparasitic agents. In this area, as in others, chance has laid the groundwork for scientific advancement and practical benefit. Although the applicability of the word serendipity to drug discovery may often be uncertain, the role played by chance should be recognized and welcomed.     

Discovery genetics: serendipity in basic research

The role of serendipity in science has no better example than the discovery of spontaneous mutations that leads to new mouse models for research. The approach of finding phenotypes and then carrying out genetic analysis is called forward genetics. Serendipity is a key component of discovering and developing mice with spontaneous mutations into animal models of human disease. In this article, the role of serendipity in discovering and developing mouse models is described within a program at The Jackson Laboratory that capitalizes on serendipitous discoveries in large breeding colonies. Also described is how any scientists working with mice can take advantage of serendipitous discoveries as a research strategy to develop new models. Spontaneous mutations cannot be planned but happen in all research mouse colonies and are discovered as unexpected phenotypes. The alert scientist or technician can rationally exploit such chance observations to create new research opportunities.     

HIV vaccine development in the nonhuman primate model of AIDS

Development of a prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine is a leading priority in biomedical research. Much of this work has been done with the nonhuman primate model of AIDS. In a historical context, vaccine studies, which use this model, are summarized and discussed.     

Neurocognitive effects of estrogens across the adult lifespan in nonhuman primates: State of knowledge and new perspectives

This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and cognition".This review discusses the unique contribution of nonhuman primate research to our understanding of the neurocognitive effects of estrogens throughout the adult lifespan in females. Mounting evidence indicates that estrogens affect many aspects of hippocampal, prefrontal and cholinergic function in the primate brain and the underlying mechanisms are beginning to be elucidated. In addition, estrogens may also influence cognitive function indirectly, via the modulation of other systems that impact cognition. We will focus on the effects of estrogens on sleep and emphasize the need for primate models to better understand these complex interactions. Continued research with nonhuman primates is essential for the development of therapies that are optimal for the maintenance of women's cognitive health throughout the lifespan.     

Nonhuman primate transgenesis: progress and prospects

The nonhuman primate is used extensively in biomedical research owing to its close similarities to human physiology and human disease pathophysiology. Recently, several groups have initiated efforts to genetically manipulate nonhuman primates to address complex questions concerning primate-specific development and physiological adaptation. Primates pose unique challenges to transgenesis and, although this field is still in its infancy, the potential for obtaining new insights into primate physiology and gene function is unprecedented. This review focuses on the methods and potential applications of genetically altered nonhuman primates in biomedical research.     

Celebrating a life by recognizing realities

This special issue on nonhuman primate behavior and welfare, the proceedings of a special Animal Behavior Society session, celebrates the life of Dr. Sylvia Taylor (1963-2005). Sylvia's premature death reminded her friends to recognize the reality that life is short, but one can make the most of it. Many individuals and organizations have also recognized the reality that an educational venture such as this one requires adequate funding and support. Their generosity has made this undertaking a success. The idea behind the session was to recognize the reality that one cannot ensure nonhuman animal welfare without understanding animal behavior, and to explore the ways in which this principle applies to primates. One must also recognize the reality that nonhuman primate welfare depends on understanding the behavior of the human primate as well as the nonhuman primate. Ensuring the welfare of the nonhuman primate sometimes requires educating and motivating the human primate. This special issue will hopefully provide helpful information to increase the reader's knowledge of primate behavior and welfare and to help the reader educate others on these important topics.     

Celebrating a Life by Recognizing Realities

This special issue on nonhuman primate behavior and welfare, the proceedings of a special Animal Behavior Society session, celebrates the life of Dr. Sylvia Taylor (1963-2005). Sylvia's premature death reminded her friends to recognize the reality that life is short, but one can make the most of it. Many individuals and organizations have also recognized the reality that an educational venture such as this one requires adequate funding and support. Their generosity has made this undertaking a success. The idea behind the session was to recognize the reality that one cannot ensure nonhuman animal welfare without understanding animal behavior, and to explore the ways in which this principle applies to primates. One must also recognize the reality that nonhuman primate welfare depends on understanding the behavior of the human primate as well as the nonhuman primate. Ensuring the welfare of the nonhuman primate sometimes requires educating and motivating the human primate. This special issue will hopefully provide helpful information to increase the reader's knowledge of primate behavior and welfare and to help the reader educate others on these important topics.     

Marmoset models commonly used in biomedical research

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small, nonendangered New World primate that is native to Brazil and has been used extensively in biomedical research. Historically the common marmoset has been used in neuroscience, reproductive biology, infectious disease, and behavioral research. Recently, the species has been used increasingly in drug development and safety assessment. Advantages relate to size, cost, husbandry, and biosafety issues as well as unique physiologic differences that may be used in model development. Availability and ease of breeding in captivity suggest that they may represent an alternative species to more traditional nonhuman primates. The marmoset models commonly used in biomedical research are presented, with emphasis on those that may provide an alternative to traditional nonhuman primate species.     

Progress and challenges in therapies for AIDS in nonhuman primate models

Efforts to develop animal models for human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) vaccine testing have focused on lentivirus infection of nonhuman primates. A long-term goal of this primate research is to utilize the models to understand the mechanisms of pathogenesis leading to AIDS. Because the time to disease is compressed relative to HIV infection in humans, therapeutic strategies and compounds can be tested in nonhuman primate models in a shorter time frame and under more controlled conditions than are possible in many clinical studies. Recent interventive studies in primates using antiviral drugs or passive immune globulin (IgG) have demonstrated that multiple log reductions in plasma virus can be achieved and sustained, with accompanying health benefits. Information gained about timing and dosage may be of utility in designing clinical studies. The development of reliable and predictable animal models for effective therapies and vaccines against AIDS remains a critical priority for primate research.     

Implantation of cranial base metallic markers in nonhuman primates.

Cranial base metallic markers are useful in growth and developmental research on the nonhuman primate model. Metallic implants aid in superimposing serial cephalometric roentgenograms in the study of craniofacial changes. They also enable measurement of linear and angular changes in the cranial base. The design of a special implant gun is described in detail. A suggested technique for placement of tantalum markers in the cranial base of nonhuman primates is discussed.     

非人灵长类的亲缘选择

亲缘选择是动物进化的重要研究领域之一,非人灵长类因具有丰富的社会网络,是亲缘选择研究领域的重要类群。动物进行亲缘选择的前提是亲缘识别,并常通过社会行为的亲缘偏向表现。因此,本文从非人灵长类的亲缘识别机制和亲缘关系对其社会行为的影响两方面进行了综述:熟悉性和表现型匹配是目前普遍认同的非人灵长类亲缘识别机制,同时这两种机制并不相互排斥,它们可能共同在灵长类的亲缘识别中起作用;在非人灵长类中,亲缘关系是影响社会行为模式的主导因子,它影响着多种灵长类个体的友好行为、攻击行为和性行为的选择,同时亲缘偏向行为在不同物种中表现不尽相同,说明亲缘选择理论可以部分解释灵长类的行为,但存在一定的局限性。本文分析了两种亲缘识别机制的异同以及在实际研究中利用亲缘选择理论解释非人灵长
类社会行为的局限及可能原因。目前,对非人灵长类社会中的亲缘选择研究正逐步深入,其中分子遗传学技术的应用是重要的推动力量。同时,依然存在诸如汉密尔顿规则参数估计和新大陆猴的亲缘选择研究案例的难点,有待研究者进一步探究。     

非人灵长类糖尿病动物模型研究进展

糖尿病是继心血管疾病和肿瘤之后的另一种严重危害人类健康的重要慢性疾病,据世界卫生组织(WHO)报道,2009年全世界约有2.2亿糖尿病患者。对糖尿病发病机理的研究、预防和诊断、治疗药物的筛选和评价都需要合适的动物模型。在已报道的糖尿病动物模型中,非人灵长类动物糖尿病病程、病症与人类的糖尿病最为相似。该文从糖尿病动物模型的来源归纳了目前报道的主要的非人灵长类糖尿病模型,重点介绍了猕猴、食蟹猴和树鼩糖尿病模型及其特征,并对该领域的发展提出了一些思考。     

Clinical care and diseases of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small New World primate that is native to eastern Brazil and has been used in biomedical research since the early 1960s. Use of this species for research purposes continues to grow at a rapid pace as they are a viable alternative to other nonhuman primate species. We discuss clinical care, such as preventative medicine, anesthesia, and routine clinical procedures. Important viral, bacterial, parasitic, and gastrointestinal tract diseases are discussed, with relevant details on cause, transmission, pathologic changes, diagnosis, and treatment. Current problems affecting marmoset health and research in the modern vivarium are emphasized.     

Genetic management of nonhuman primates

Genetic management is widely recognized as a critical component of the overall management of captive nonhuman primate colonies which produce animals for biomedical research. In this paper, we review the roles of conservation-oriented genetic management, research-oriented genetic management, genetic management at the level of taxomomic class, genetic management at the level of the population, and quantitative genetic analysis in comprehensive genetic management programs for nonhuman primate colonies. We conclude that genetic management is crucial for maintaining nonhuman primate populations suitable for genetic research on normal and disease-related phenotypes. In addition, for research programs that do not have specific genetic objectives, genetic management is essential to facilitate the selection of samples of well-matched unrelated animals for experimental purposes.     

Technique for primate heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation

Heterotopic cardiac transplantation in the primate is a valuable method for the evaluation of immuno-suppressive regimens. This report describes our technique for heterotopic transplantation of cardiac grafts into the neck of baboons. Preliminary experience with cross-genus cardiac transplantation in the nonhuman primate is discussed.