Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells on Laboratory Mice Routine Handling Process and their Effect on the Other Immunological Parameters

Abstract

Introduction: Lab mice typically belong to the Mus musculus species. They are the prevailing choice for mammalian research and are utilized for studies in genetics, physiology, psychology, medicine, and various scientific fields.

Aim of the study: The current research aimed to examine how frequently handling laboratory mice impacts their innate immune response through innate lymphoid cells, mucus secretion, as well as various physiological and biochemical blood parameters, and its potential implications on research outcomes.

 Study design: Sixty female mice were used in this study all animals were hosted under the same condition and treated with the same rotational animal handling process in different periods including animal control oral gavage and intraperitoneal, sub courteous, and intramuscular injection. Blood samples were gathered at four different time points to analyze various hematological and biochemical parameters, including (RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, ALT, AST enzymes, and urea levels, etc.) while colon tissue were collected and the immunohistochemistry and PAS staining were preformed to evaluate the innate lymphoid cells and mucin secretion at three level through the experimental period.

The results: Based on the findings, there were no notable variations in the levels of Hb and RBC. However, there was a noticeable increase in the WBC count for all animals after 4 minutes of handling, and the levels began to normalize after 10 and 30 minutes. As for the blood's biochemical parameters, including ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea, no details were provided. The results showed that there were no noteworthy alterations in these parameters throughout the entire experimental period.

Conclusion: The handling of the animals is one of the most important factors that can influence the experimental results in lab mice. The WBCs and samples should be collected at least 30 minutes after the handling procedure.