Essential 10

9. Experimental procedures Where (including detail of any acclimatisation periods). explanation

For each experimental group, including controls, describe the procedures in enough detail to allow others to replicate them, including:

9a What was done, how it was done, and what was used.
9b When and how often.
9c Where (including detail of any acclimatisation periods).
9d Why (provide rationale for procedures).
Explanation
Examples

Physiological acclimatisation after a stressful event, such as transport (e.g. between supplier, animal facility, operating theatre and laboratory), but before the experiment begins allows stabilisation of physiological responses of the animal [1,2]. Protocols vary depending on species, strain, and outcome; for example physiological acclimatisation following transportation of different animals can take anywhere from 24 hours to more than one week [3]. Procedural acclimatisation, immediately before a procedure, allows stabilisation of the animals’ responses after unaccustomed handling, novel environments, and previous procedures, which otherwise can induce behavioural and physiological changes [4,5]. Standard acclimatisation periods may vary between research labs and this information cannot be inferred by readers.

Indicate where studies were performed (e.g. dedicated laboratory space or animal facility, home cage, open field arena, water maze) and whether periods of physiological or procedural acclimatisation were included in the study protocol, including type and duration. If the study involved multiple sites, explicitly state where each experiment and sample analysis was performed. Include any accreditation of laboratories if appropriate (e.g. if samples were sent to a commercial laboratory for analysis).

 

References

  1. Holmes AM, Emmans CJ, Coleman R, Smith TE and Hosie CA (2018). Effects of transportation, transport medium and re-housing on Xenopus laevis (Daudin). Gen Comp Endocrinol. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.03.015
  2. Conour LA, Murray KA and Brown MJ (2006). Preparation of animals for research--issues to consider for rodents and rabbits. ILAR J. doi: 10.1093/ilar.47.4.283
  3. Obernier JA and Baldwin RL (2006). Establishing an appropriate period of acclimatization following transportation of laboratory animals. ILAR Journal. doi: 10.1093/ilar.47.4.364
  4. Krahn DD, Gosnell BA and Majchrzak MJ (1990). The anorectic effects of CRH and restraint stress decrease with repeated exposures. Biological psychiatry. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(90)90046-5
  5. Pitman DL, Ottenweller JE and Natelson BH (1988). Plasma corticosterone levels during repeated presentation of two intensities of restraint stress: chronic stress and habituation. Physiology & behavior. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(88)90097-2