Effects of relocation on immunological and physiological measures in female squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis)

Abstract

In the present study, we have quantified the effects of transport, relocation and acclimate/adapt to their new surroundings on female squirrel monkey. These responses are measured in blood samples obtained from squirrel monkeys, at different time points relative to their relocation from their old home to their new home. A group of squirrel monkeys we transported, by truck, for approximately 10 hours. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assayed in order to evaluate the phenotype of lymphocyte subsets by flow, mitogen-specific immune responses of PBMCs in vitro, and levels of cytokines at various time points including immediately before transport, immediately upon arrival, and after approximately 150 days of acclimation. We observed significant changes in T cells and subsets, NK and B cells (CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD16+, and CD20+). Mitogen specific (e.g. PHA, PWM and LPS) proliferation responses, IFN-γ by ELISPOT assay, and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and VEGF) significant changes were observed. Changes seen in the serum chemistry measurements mostly complement those seen in the hematology data. The specific goal was to empirically assess the effects of relocation stress in squirrel monkeys in terms of changes in the numbers and functions of various leukocyte subsets in the blood and the amount of time required for acclimating to their new environment. Such data will help to determine when newly arrived animals become available for use in research studies.

Short-Term Relocation Stress-Induced Hematological and Immunological Changes in Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis

“…At each time point, blood (3 mL) samples were collected in EDTA anticoagulant (1.5 mL) tubes and coagulation (1.5 mL) CBC tubes, from the femoral vein. All blood sample collections occurred in the morning (8-10 AM) before the animals were fed, by utilizing manual restraints, with no sedatives as described previously [ 4 , 32 ].…”

“…Whole blood samples collected in EDTA tubes (BD Vacutainer) were used to measure hematology parameters using ADVIA 120 Hematology Analyzer (Siemens). Serum was separated from blood collected in tubes with no coagulant (BD Vacutainer) and used for serum chemistry on a Beckman Coulter AU680® Chemistry Analyzer as described in Nehete et al [ 4 ].…”

“…Freshly isolated PBMCs as described above were stimulated with the mitogens PHA, Con A, LPS, and PWM (each at 1 μ g/mL final concentration) to determine the numbers of IFN γ -producing cells by the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay using the methodology reported previously [ 4 , 30 , 32 ].…”

“…Cytokines/chemokines were measured in plasma from EDTA-preserved whole blood using Luminex technology, NHP Multiplex Magnetic Bead Panel (Millipore-Sigma; Burlington, MA), to measure IFN γ , IL1RA, IL1 β , IL6, IL12 (P40), IL4, TNF α , and VEGF levels as described previously and according to the manufacturer's protocols [ 4 , 30 , 32 ]. The final levels are expressed as pg/mL, following correction for dilution factor.…”

“…Previously, we have shown immunological and hematological changes due to long distance relocation of colonies of chimpanzees [ 1 ], cynomolgus macaques [ 2 ], rhesus macaques [ 3 ], and squirrel monkeys [ 4 ]. Stress in adult NHPs can be caused by psychosocial events in which animals are subjected to disruptive interactions within their established social circuits.…”