Animal Care and Use Committee

Policy # 9
Approved January 2001
Amended July 2006, October 2007

 

Monoclonal Antibody Production

References

Jackson, LR and JG Fox, 1995. Institutional Policies and Guidelines on Adjuvants and Antibody Production. ILAR Journal 37(3):141-152.
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC, 1996
            http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/labrats/
Animal Welfare Regulations (9 CFR, chapter I, subchapter A, Parts 1-4)
            http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm

All-campus Animal Care and Use Committee policy 1999-011, General Guidelines for Antibody Production in Mammals

Policy

Production of monoclonal antibodies in mice should be performed only if few mice (generally 3 to 5 per clone) are required.  If large amounts of antibody are needed, in vitro methods for production should be employed.  The following specific practices must be employed to ensure the most humane use of the mice:

1. Prior to starting antibody production the research animal veterinary staff must be informed and cages must be clearly marked.
2. If Pristane or similar agent is used as a priming agent, the dose should be limited to 0.2 ml.
3. Mice must be observed daily including weekends and holidays.
4. Mice must be weighed at the time of hybridoma cell injection, and then daily beginning when abdominal distention is evident.
5. Removal of ascites fluid by paracentesis must occur when the mouse has gained 20% of its original body weight or earlier if it exhibits a markedly distended abdomen.  Anesthesia is not required if the technician is experienced and skilled, otherwise brief inhalant anesthesia is recommended.
6. Subcutaneous administration of 2 to 3 ml sterile physiologic fluids is recommended after each paracentesis to prevent shock.
7. Paracentesis may be performed 2 to 3 times prior to euthanasia.  The mouse should be euthanized prior to the final paracentesis.
8. The mouse should be euthanized immediately if the fluid removed is bloody or contains particulate matter, or if the animal exhibits inactivity, hunched posture, roughened haircoat, anorexia, dehydration, difficulty in ambulation, or rapid or labored respiration.

Role of the Investigator

The investigator must assure that all guidelines above are followed by all of their personnel and that written records of procedures and observations are kept as per ACUC policy #4.  They must provide a detailed description of the procedures and monitoring in the written protocol they submit to the ACUC.

Role of the Veterinary Staff and Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR)

The veterinary staff may monitor mice that develop ascites.  In addition, the veterinary staff has authority to enforce compliance with this policy.  Mice that show signs of extreme distress may be euthanized immediately.

Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) Oversight

The ACUC shall periodically review records and procedures for compliance to this policy.

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09-Monoclonal.pdf

List of ACUC Policies