Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is a form of occupational allergic disease. The development of laboratory animal allergy is due to the presence of IgE antibodies directed against animal proteins. The process of sensitization (development of IgE antibodies) is a complex process which involves interaction of antigen presenting cells and lymphocytes of the Th-2 cell type. These cells generate a ho...

The duties of humans toward non-human animals and their rights in society have been debated for a long time. However, a discussion on the terminology used for the identification of laboratory animals is usually not considered, although the employment of inadequate terminology may generate disastrous consequences for the animals before, during, and after the experiment. This study intends to def...

The use of wet showers when entering an animal facility, especially barrier units, has been common practice for many years. The shower reinforces required changes of attire and removes skin microorganisms and allergens, thereby preventing infections inside the animal facility and the spread of allergens outside. Laboratory animal allergy is indeed one of the most common occupational health haza...

This study examined data from three cross sectional surveys of 296 laboratory workers exposed to small mammals. Four indices of laboratory animal allergy were studied: symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma, symptoms suggestive of any occupational allergy, skin weals to animal urine extracts, and serum binding in radioallergosorbent tests with urine extracts. Pooled data from the three surv...

In the midst of research focusing on the neurodevelopmental effects of mercury vapor in rats, we detected significant levels of mercury (30-60 ng/g) in the blood of nonexposed control subjects. We determined that the dominant form of the mercury was organic and that the standard laboratory chow we used in our vivarium was the source of the contamination. The dietary levels were deemed of potent...

The incidence of esophageal cancer is rapidly increasing especially in developing countries. The major risk factors include unhealthy lifestyle practices such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and chewing tobacco to name a few. Diagnosis at an advanced stage and poor prognosis make esophageal cancer one of the most lethal diseases. These factors have urged further research in understanding the p...

This study examined data from three cross sectional surveys of 296 laboratory workers exposed to small mammals. Four indices of laboratory animal allergy were studied: symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma, symptoms suggestive of any occupational allergy, skin weals to animal urine extracts, and serum binding in radioallergosorbent tests with urine extracts. Pooled data from the three surv...

A 5-year-old male cross-bred guard dog with signs of anorexia, vomiting and jaundice was referred to Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. Initial diagnostic laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, haemoconcentration, azotaemia, high liver enzyme activities, proteinuria and bilirubinuria. Aggressive therapeutic procedures failed to improv...