In this issue | Lab Animal

NONCOMPLIANCE COMES IN THREES Despite clear-cut animal care and use protocols and detailed standard operating procedures, investigator noncompliance with institutional policies continues to

be a problem at many animal research facilities. Jefcoat explores the practical, personal and interpersonal factors that that can lead to noncompliance. These factors generally fall into one

of the following three main categories: Lack of Information, Desperation and Disregard. The author proposes specific strategies that veterinary staff and ACUC members can use to address

each part of this 'Triad of Noncompliance'. SEE PAGE 459 MAKING SENSE OF SENTIENCE When planning a research activity that might cause animals pain or distress, regulations and

common sense direct investigators to use the least sentient species that can fulfill the aims of the experiment. The definition of sentience, however, remains highly controversial. Silverman

discusses possible interpretations of the concept in relation to vertebrate phylogeny. The author emphasizes the importance of alleviating pain in all sentient species. SEE PAGE 465

ANESTHESIA AND THE HEART Martín Barrasa and colleagues compared the effects of two protocols of combined general anesthesia by analyzing electrocardiographic changes in rats. Rats were

anesthetized with ketamine combined with either medetomidine or diazepam before undergoing thoracic surgery. Investigators obtained an ECG from each rat before and after surgery. Both

anesthetic combinations had some effects on the parameters measured but were generally appropriate for the procedure. The medetomidine-ketamine combination seemed to be safer than

diazepam-ketamine and yielded a shorter recovery time, as the effects of medetomidine could be reversed with an injection of atipamezole. SEE PAGE 469 RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and

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