Get to Know Your Local Laboratories: The Bradberry Lab

Images: Monkeys in Drug research studies

The research of Charles W. Bradberry has involved heinous cruelty to animals for decades. His lab is one of the most shocking and cruel in the city. Bradberry's research focuses on addicting animals (mainly monkeys) to cocaine over a period of multiple years, doing studies with water deprivation for days or weeks, cutting open their skulls and implanting devices in their brains, and forcing them to do tasks- often while withdrawing from the drugs they became addicted to. This research is particularly sickening as there is no shortage of human drug addicts willing to participate in this kind of research (whether to do the drugs or to participate in research that could help them kick their habits).

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Bradberry is funded by at least two government grants: One from the NIAA which is good until August of 2010 and another from the NIDA good until June of 2014. These grants are made up of tax payer dollars and go towards cruel, unneccessary, and misleading research on other animals. Here is where your money has been going recently:

RECENT PUBLISHED RESEARCH

In one study [1], Bradberry and colleagues confined rhesus monkeys to primate restraint chairs and implanted catheters into their backs that would administer cocaine to them. They used these monkeys in this way, allowing them to self-administer IV cocaine in multiple studies for two years. Basically, these moneys were shooting up cocaine for years under the "care" of these researchers, developing addictions to the drug. There is mention that these same animals were being used in other drug studies for up to 4.5 years or more. The monkeys in this study were also deprived of water on many occasions- only being allowed water at their own want during the weekends (only until midday Sunday). This method is used to force monkeys to do tasks on a touch screen because when you are deprived of water for long enough, you will do anything for a drink. The researchers called this a "reward".

These intelligent, sentient animals (often compared to 3-5 year old human children) have spent their lives confined to small cages, addicted to drugs, and/or deprived of water for years upon years, with money granted to these researchers by the state.

In another study [2], female monkeys were used with similar histories of years of cocaine addiction and abuse. These monkeys were restrained to chairs with catheters for cocaine and cocaethylene administration implanted in their backs. These animals' heads were cut open and devices were implanted in their brains to record from their brain cells.

Neither of these articles say what happened to these animals when these studies were finished. They were either killed or still remain behind the walls of Biomedical Science Tower 3, addicted to drugs and alone in cages, waiting for the next abuse to be inflicted upon them.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Charles Bradberry's Work address and contact information:

Office: Biomedical Science Tower 3, Room 4066
3501 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Telephone:412-383-6200
Fax:412-383-6799
E-mail: bradberrycw@upmc.edu

Charles Bradberry's Home address and contact information (where he resides with fellow vivisector, Bita Bradberry, who also makes a living on the suffering of animals):

102 Millstone Ln
Pittsburgh, PA 15238-1624
(412) 406-7034

Have information on an animal laboratory that you would like to share? Email us about it. We will protect your privacy.

References
[1] Liu, Heitz, and Bradberry. (2009). A touch screen based Stop Signal Response Task in rhesus monkeys for studying impulsivity associated with chronic cocaine self-administration. Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 177, 67–72.
[2] Baeg, Jedema, & Bradberry. (2009). Orbitofrontal and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Neurons Selectively Process Cocaine-Associated Environmental Cues in the Rhesus Monkey. The Journal of Neuroscience. 29(37), 11619 –11627.

Primate Liberation Week Main Action, 10/24/2009

On Saturday, 10/24/2009, we protested animal testing facilities throughout Oakland including Mellon Institute (on 5th and Bellefield) and Biomedical Science Tower 3 (on 5th and Darragh St). We began our protest as a white bloc in front of Mellon institute, chanting and holding signs and banners. We later took to the streets and marched down 5th avenue towards Biomedical Science Tower 3 until we were forced to the sidewalk by police forces. We then finished our march to 5th and Darragh and made our voices heard in front of Biomedical Science Tower 3, running into the streets between lights with signs and banners.

Images of some stages of the protest are below. Note: The first three photos are courtesy of an excellent Pitt News photographer- Deseree Kuzel. The others are from a protester. Thank you to everyone who came out and we hope to see you next time!

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Animal Testing: Local Exploitation - Global Ruin

This information was composed by Pittsburgh Association for the Abolition of Vivisection (PAAV) in September of 2009 in response to the G20 summits as a workshop to educate people about the vast effects of animal research. Due to confiscations of tents at the Climate Camp and various other rights abuses by the state, the workshop did not occur. The following is what would have been presented.

When some people think of the opposition to animal testing, they think of a very specific issue with a very narrow focus. However, the animal research industry affects not only other animals, but also humans and the planet. The negative consequences of state- funded nonhuman animal research reach far and wide from the local to the global. Following are just a few examples of these connections.

ANIMAL TESTING LOCALLY

Animal Abuse. The amount of animal suffering within local labs is immeasurable. In buildings throughout Pittsburgh [1], animals are imprisoned inside to fulfill research interests, fill corporate and researcher pockets, and put out publications to promote an idea of prowess for the facilities and their researchers. Animals’ heads are cut open and implants are placed in their brains, monkeys and rats are addicted to drugs, rats and mice are placed on hot plates or in electric shock chambers to study pain, cats are given spinal cord injuries, and dogs are cut open. The procedures done on these animals are approved by the very people who exploit them for this cruel research [6]. There is no escape for these beings that spend their miserable lives suffering for science.

Worker abuse. It is not only the animals who suffer. The lower level workers who care for the animals are also exploited. Workers in facilities in Pittsburgh are often treated as commodities just like the other animals are. Their safety, interests, and well being come second to the research industry. Take for instance a woman bitten and injured badly by an imprisoned monkey at Pitt [2]. She explained, "I was thrown in there and not taught anything…” Other sources have said that when the incident happened, the woman had trouble getting an ambulance or getting to an emergency room. There was danger from the diseases she could have been exposed to, but the heads of these facilities wanted to cover for themselves. This is the story of one of many workers who is exploited alongside other animals in these labs. As you can guess, the public was never told what happened to the monkey in the incident.

ANIMAL TESTING GLOBALLY

Bad science. We all suffer worldwide due to the misguided claims of animal researchers. Did you ever notice that we hear about a new breakthrough every day in animal science and then hear nothing more? This is because nonhuman animal research does not predict human response [3]. Most things that are safe in other animals are not safe for humans (i.e, thalidomide, trovan, etc) and many things that are tossed out because they do not work in other animals can work in humans (i.e. penicillin, aspirin, etc). The dilemma of nonhuman animal research is that it hurts humans more than it helps due to the great differences between species at the cellular level.


International “Aid”. Due in part to the misleading and dangerous results of nonhuman animal research, pharmaceutical and chemical companies test their products on impoverished areas of the world or in poorer communities to better hide any negative results. This year, Pfizer agreed to pay out $75 million to Nigeria [4] due to a drug they tested there in 1996 which killed children in the country. This drug, Trovan, proved “safe and effective” in nonhuman animals. Unfortunately, these misleading results serve as a safety net for these companies rather than evidence against them. A company can always find at least one species of animal on which tests show their product to be safe. On top of this, global structures like the IMF, World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), that promote free- trade policies, privatization of health care, and pharmaceutical patent protections, allow various abuses like this to occur worldwide in “underdeveloped” nations.

Costly “treatments” rather than simple prevention. Many animal researchers study manipulations and treatments for diseases in nonhuman animals while very little money is put into actual research with humans. Preventative measures and decent health care can create massive positive changes regarding problems of disease and ill health.

Money makers make the laws. If an “average Joe/Jane” was found severing the spinal cords of cats and letting them live that way in their basement before killing them [5,6] or if they injected wild monkeys with AIDS and malaria and let them suffer to death[7], people would call him/her cruel and sadistic and the they would likely go to jail in most areas of the world. However, for animal researchers, these laws and ethics do not apply. Big money making structures like the vivisection industry are able to surpass ethics and laws that would apply to every day citizens as long as they do so behind closed doors, with tax payer money.

Rising Costs despite the odds. Because the animal testing industry is so successful at misinformation, animal testing is actually growing in many areas of the world, despite many developments of viable alternatives that are more accurate in predicting human response. For instance, in the UK, recent animal testing numbers rose 14% last year despite promises to reduce the use of nonhuman animals in research [8].

Protecting Industry. Animal research often serves as a way to make money from diseases. For instance, recent bird flu and swine flu strains arose from farming conditions of animal agriculture. The solution to these problems is to eliminate (or at least reduce) the consumption and farming of other animals. However, rather than suggest such a thing, pharmaceutical companies jump on the chance to create a new vaccine. During the recent swine flu scares, many pharmaceutical companies were given immunity from any repercussions of faulty vaccine making [9].

Animal studies often seek to keep in place the very things that destroy us and our planet- dangerous chemicals, cruelty, exploitation, genetic modification, pollutants, and so on.

Sources: [1] http://pittaav.blogspot.com/2009/01/campaign.html, [2] David Templeton, “Monkey bites Pitt lab technician: Victim questions safety measures, says career's in doubt“, [3] Niall Shanks, Ray Greek, Jean Greek, “Are Animal Models Predictive for Humans?” [4] “Pfizer to pay out $75 million over 1996 drug trial deaths”, [5] Get to know your local laboratories: The Yates Lab http://pittaav.com, [6] What’s new in the Yates Laboratory? http://pittaav.com, [7] Get to know your local laboratories: Murphey-Corb and the Primate Research Center for Infectious Disease http://pittaav.com, [8] Gabriel Huntley “Record Rise in Animal Experiments”, [9] “Legal Immunity set for Swine Flu Vaccine Makers” at foodconsumer.org

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What's New at the Yates Laboratory?

Since our last article about the lab of Bill J. Yates was posted in February of this year, plenty of suffering has been taking place. As a reminder, the Yates lab spends their time vivisecting cats, rats, ferrets, and other animals by implanting apparatuses in their brains and/or giving them brain lesions. The Yates lab is still at it, putting out several publications since that time. Yates also is funded by multiple government grants and has served as the chair of the animal care and use committee for the university, causing many more ethical issues with his research.

RECENT RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Keep in mind that a small amount of what researchers do actually makes it to publication. We can only imagine what else happens that does not make it into published articles. Here are some of the most recent publications from the Yates Lab (excluding those already discussed in the first entry on Yates.)

In one article [1], Yates and colleagues used 17 very young, female cats (6-12 months of age) and injected the rabies virus into their diaphragms. After survival times ranging from 61.5 to 144 hours following injections of the virus, the animals were killed and had their brains and spinal cords removed. According to the article, only 11 cats gave usable data on the cells they were looking at while the rabies migrated to the brains of the other 6. As is common knowledge, rabies is a very horrible disease.

In another article [2], Yates and colleagues used 17 cats. They gave them brain and skull surgeries to implant neural recording apparatuses in their heads. These extended into their brains. They then stopped the anesthesia but continued the procedures up to one hour before the rest of the experiment. They injected the animals with a chemical that paralyzed them and then recorded from their brain cells. After this, the animals were killed. The amount of fear and distress these animals went through as a result of these procedures is unimaginable.

Another study [3] by the Yates lab, similar to the first we mentioned, used 20 rats. They injected the rats with a cocktail of chemicals and viruses including cholera toxin (which is responsible for the deadly and harmful effects of the disease cholera). The animals were left like this for 7 days before being killed and dissected. In another similar study, the researchers did similar procedures, only on top of the cholera toxin injection, they also used rabies injections. Furthermore, they gave brain lesions (surgically severing connections in the brain) to a portion of the rats [4].

These are just a few examples of the kind of research that the Yates lab is currently doing to feed their research interests.

GOVERNMENT FUNDED GRANTS

Yates is currently funded by at least two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants (composed of tax dollars) including one lasting until 2012 and another expiring in November of this year (2009). The latter sum was granted by the government-run NIH despite the detailing of procedures that will undoubtedly cause discomfort and suffering to animals including but not limited to invasive surgeries, manipulations of respiratory functioning, removal of parts of the inner ear, and studies of vomiting and motion sickness.

QUESTIONABLE AFFILIATIONS

Another important thing to note about Bill Yates is that he served as chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) since July 1 of 2004. As chair of the IACUC, it is Yates who makes the call on what kinds of procedures are permissible to do on animals in laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh. This means, he makes the call on the ethics of his own research. Since some animals like rats are not given even the minimal protections offered by the Animal Welfare Act, the University IACUC is responsible for creating those restrictions. It is convenient for researchers using these animals to have another person who profits from their exploitation as the head of the IACUC.

CRUEL COLLEAGUES

Lastly, Yates' colleagues have also made appearances in entries on our site for their cruel and questionable animal research practices. Some of these researchers include Carey Balaban, who does research on nonhuman primates, mice, rats, and chinchillas , and Neeraj Gandhi, who does nonhuman primate research. Animals are exploited and suffer every day in each one of these labs.

We will be taking further action against Yates and his mistreatment of animals and will be keeping a close eye on the Yates lab. We will keep you updated with further information that we receive.

Bill Yates can be contacted at byates@pitt.edu.

Work:

Dr. Bill Yates
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Otolaryngology
Eye and Ear Institute, Rm 519, 203 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

PH: 412-647-9614
FX: 412-647-0108

Home (This address was listed in the white pages):

5619 Kentucky Ave, Apt 204

Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2623

(412) 661-4418

Have information on an animal laboratory that you would like to share? Email us about it. We will protect your privacy.

References
[1] James H. Lois, Cory D. Rice and Bill J. Yates. (2009). Neural circuits controlling diaphragm function in the cat revealed by transneuronal tracing. J Appl Physiol 106:138-152.
[2] D. M. Miller, et al. (2009).Responses of thoracic spinal interneurons to vestibular stimulation. Exp Brain Res. 195:89–100.
[3] B. Cuccurazzu, F. Deriu, E. Tolu, B. J. Yates, and I. Billig. (2007).A Monosynaptic Pathway Links the Vestibular Nuclei and Masseter Muscle Motoneurons in Rats. Exp Brain Res. 176(4): 665–671.
[4] Lane, et al. (2008). Cervical Prephrenic Interneurons in the Normal and Lesioned Spinal Cord of the Adult Rat. THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY 511:692–709.

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Get to Know Your Local Laboratories: The Lee Lab

Photo: Macaque in a neural recording experiment (Courtesy of Spiegel.de)

The laboratory of Tai Sing Lee imprisons and subjects macaques to the abuses of testing using invasive, surgically implanted brain cell recording devices among other things. Sing's computer science background allows him to also work on the engineering and studying of devices in order to find more ways to use these things on the animals trapped behind the walls of Mellon Institute and animals caged in other laboratories. The animals in studies at the Lee lab are forced to undergo invasive procedures to implant brain cell recording devices in their brains and skulls. These procedures occur on top of the suffering of living their lives alone in laboratory cages. While the brain does not feel pain from the surgeries, the skull and head most definitely do, making these procedures very stressful and painful for the animals.

In one study, the Lee lab gave macaque monkeys surgeries to implant brain cell recording devices in their brains and skulls [1]. They recorded their neural activity while they watched random dots on a screen. This article did not say how long the animals were given to recover, how long they were trained if at all, how they were restrained, or what happened to them after the experiment was finished.

In another study, Lee and colleagues compared two invasive procedures for recording from the brains of both paralyzed macaques and paralyzed cats [2]. Some of the animals had single-unit (which record from one brain cell at a time) devices surgically implanted in their skulls and brains while others had multi-unit devices implanted in their skulls and brains. In this particular study, Sing and colleagues analyzed these cells with the ultimate goal of studying invasive ways to use nonhuman animals in research, rather than to seek alternatives to this research. This publication did not say what happened to the animals when the experiment was finished.

In another experiment, the Lee lab surgically implanted neural recording devices in the skulls and brains of macaque monkeys as well as implanted coils in their eyes. They then had the animals perform various computer tasks which required them to act while their brain activity was being recorded within their heads. This article also did not say how long the animals were given to recover, how long they were trained if at all, how they were restrained, or what happened to them after the experiment was finished.

Tai-Sing Lee can be contacted in the following ways:

Office: Mellon Institute Rm 115, 4400 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-268-1060
Email: tai@cnbc.cmu.edu

Have information on an animal laboratory that you would like to share? Email us about it. We will protect your privacy.

References
[1] JM Samonds, BR Potetz, & TS Lee. (2006). Neurophysiological Evidence of Cooperative Mechanisms for Stereo Computation.
[2] Ryan C. Kelly, Matthew A. Smith, Jason M. Samonds, Adam Kohn, A. B. Bonds, J. Anthony Movshon, & Tai Sing Lee. (2007). Comparison of Recordings from Microelectrode Arrays and Single Electrodes in the Visual Cortex. The Journal of Neuroscience, 27(2). 261–264.
[3] Matthew A. Smith, Ryan C. Kelly, and Tai Sing Lee. (2007). Dynamics of Response to Perceptual Pop-Out Stimuli in Macaque V1. J Neurophysiol. 98. 3436–3449.

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Protest of Animal Suffering at Mellon Institiute

On Saturday, August 16th, we went to Mellon Institute to protest the 13 animal testing facilities that exist inside. Before our arrival, someone notified the University that we would be there, leading the administration to send out a letter telling everyone in the building not to come to work that day. As a result, simply having a presence at this facility may have led to an entire day without procedures and other tortures being performed on the animals imprisoned inside.

There was high traffic as well, leading to many people being exposed to the truths of what goes on within Mellon Institute through viewing our signs and reading out leaflets. We will undoubtedly hold future actions at this facility. Pictures of the protest can be seen below:

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Alternatives to Animal Tested Treatments: Depression

One way to boycott the animal testing industry is to boycott, when possible, medications and treatments that are tested on animals. While for some, this is not an option, we would like to offer alternatives to animal tested treatments when they are possible.

Depression

Depression is an increasingly common condition affecting over 18 million Americans. Although there are many different causes and types of depression, common symptoms include chronic sadness, decreased interest or apathy, weight changes, problems falling asleep or oversleeping, agitation and restlessness, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.

Standard antidepressant pharmaceutical SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft may have serious risks and have been linked to suicide, violence, psychosis, abnormal bleeding and brain tumors. Unlike these drugs that simply mask the symptoms, natural therapies work to treat both the root cause as well as the effects of depression.

Herbal treatments and lifestyle modification can significantly improve cases of depression without the risk. Exercise, particularly aerobic, releases endorphins and decreases stress hormones. Sunlight aids in the production of serotonin. Diets low in sugar, caffeine, and alcohol have all been shown to alleviate depression.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, massage therapy, meditation, guided imagery, and yoga have proven effective for many. Try any combination of these treatments in addition to some of the following supplements. In case of suicidal thoughts and other more serious symptoms it is important to contact a professional immediately.

St. John’s Wort: As the most widely recognized antidepressant herb, St. John’s Wort has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Numerous studies have shown it to be more powerful than pharmaceuticals with far fewer and less serious side effects. One active compound, hypericin, works to improve anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness. Another compound known as amentoflavone acts on the central nervous system in a way similar to Benzodiazepine drugs, which are commonly used for anxiety and sleeplessness.

Make a tea made by steeping one to two teaspoons of dried herb for ten minutes or take as directed in supplement form. Full effects may take up to four to six weeks. Prolonged use causes sensitivity to sunlight. Do not take if pregnant or on SSRI drugs.

Ginkgo Biloba: This ancient herb is the oldest living tree species and has been used throughout history to treat a wide array of ailments. Although Ginkgo Biloba is not a powerful antidepressant when used alone, is helpful in conjunction with other supplements such as St. John’s Wort. It improves cerebral circulation, memory, and mood which are especially helpful for the elderly who often suffer reduced blood flow. Take 80-120 mg two times daily.

Purslane: Purslane is rich in potassium and magnesium- two minerals that have been shown to have strong antidepressant qualities. Purslane contains up to 16 percent antidepressant compounds on a dry weight basis and is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which assist with brain function and help ward of depression. What’s even better is that you can find it almost anywhere included the cracks in your sidewalk. Use in cooking or make a purslane salad.

Siberian Ginseng: Generally speaking, species of ginseng are known as adaptogens, which are substances that assist the body in adapting to external physical stresses. For a depressed person ginseng works to balance the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It also acts as an MOA inhibitor. Take 400mg three times daily.

Licorice: Eight different compounds in licorice are MAO Inhibitors, which have shown to have powerful antidepressant affects. Drink up to (but not exceeding) three cups of licorice tea daily. In some cases long term use could cause headache, lethargy, water retention, loss of potassium, and high blood pressure.
Rosemary: This herb is useful as a spice in cooking and also in aromatherapy in a sleep pillow or herbal baths. Rosemary stimulates positive energy and has an uplifting effect. Brew a tea with some valerian before sleep and keep some dried rosemary nearby.

Ginger: Ginger has a reliable reputation as an effective treatment for both anxiety and depression. Use it in cooking or drink a ginger tea daily. It has also been shown to prevent many types of cancer and help with inflammation and sinuses.
B Vitamins: A deficiency in B vitamins can lead to depression caused by low neurotransmitter levels. The top B vitamin food sources are sunflower seeds, black beans, watercress and soybeans. Good sources of folate include pinto beans, navy beans, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, okra and Brussels sprouts. High levels of B6 occur in cauliflower, watercress, spinach, bananas, okra, onions, broccoli, squash, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, peas and radishes. Supplementation with Spirulina and blue green algae is recommended for an increase in dietary B12.

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Get to Know your Local Laboratories: The Sommer Lab

Photo: Monkey in a primate restraint chair. Courtesy of Dean Conger: Corbis.

Marc A. Sommer's laboratory resides behind the virtually windowless walls of Mellon Institute in Oakland and focuses on studying vision in monkeys using very invasive methods. Sommer does this research with funding from at least three NIH grants composed of tax dollars [1]. Conveniently, Sommer is also a staff member at NIH. Mellon Institute has multiple researchers doing this same research on imprisoned animals, including the Olson lab and the Colby lab. Similar to these researchers who have already made appearances on the PAAV lab list, the Sommer lab forces monkeys to undergo intensive surgeries to implant machinery in their brains, skulls, and eyes in order to monitor them, but Sommer's research often takes the invasiveness a step further.

In one study, Sommer and colleagues forced rhesus monkeys to undergo intensive surgeries to implant recording devices in their skulls and brains. They then activated and deactivated brain cells using even more invasive methods. They would physically stimulate the neurons inside the brain to carry signals in opposite directions from what is natural and then would deactivate them by physically injecting them with muscimol, a mushroom extract known to have multiple effects on the brain. They concluded that their research opened the door for more research like this on imprisoned animals using other brain cells. [2]

In another study, Sommer's lab gave monkeys surgeries to implant screws in their skulls to be attached to a head restraint chair, neural recording devices in their brains, and coils in their eyes. They then taught the monkeys an eye movement task and restrained them to chairs by their heads to measure their brain cell activity and eye movements during these tasks. [3]

In another study, the Sommer lab again gave monkeys intensive surgeries to implant neural recording devices in their brains and coils in their eyes. The monkeys were then fixed to primate restraint chairs so that their eye movements could be monitored during tasks. [4]

None of these articles mention what happened to the monkeys when the experiments were finished.

These are only a few of Sommer's recently published studies. Animals who think and feel with the intelligence of human children are currently imprisoned in his laboratory to suffer and be caused pain for the interest of the researchers.


Marc A Sommer can be contacted in the following ways:

Office: 115 Mellon Institute, 4400 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213 Telephone:412-268-4486
Fax:412-268-5060
E-mail: masommer@pitt.edu

Have information on an animal laboratory that you would like to share? Email us about it. We will protect your privacy.

References
[1] NIH Grants: 1R01EY017592-01, 5R01EY017592-03, 5R01EY017592-02
[2] Sommer & Wurtz. (2006). Influence of the thalamus on spatial visual processing
in frontal cortex. Nature, 444.
[3] Mayo & Sommer. (2008). Neuronal Adaptation Caused by Sequential Visual Stimulation in the Frontal Eye Field. J Neurophysiol, 100.
[4] Crapse & Sommer. (2009). Frontal Eye Field Neurons with Spatial Representations
Predicted by Their Subcortical Input. The Journal of Neuroscience, 29(16). 5308 –5318.

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Get to Know Your Local Laboratories: The de Groat Lab

The laboratory run by William C. de Groat focuses on creating injuries and pain in cats, rats, and rabbits. These procedures include, but are not limited to, spinal cord injuries and using technologies to induce bladder pain in the animals. The lab is also funded by at least two separate grants from the National Institutes of Health which uses tax dollars to fund research [1,2]. This means that public tax dollars that could be being used to study human diseases are being used to study injuries and diseases inflicted upon cats and other animals.

In several studies, de Groat and colleagues severed the spinal cords of cats [3,4]. One study involved cutting the cats' spinal cords between the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae located in the middle of their backs. Severing this part of the spinal cord would case severe deficits, but the de Groat lab waited 6-12 months after the injuries were given to the animals before moving on with their experiment [3]. They then gave the cats surgery to implant catheters and electrical stimulation devices in their bladders and connecting nerves. They then electrically stimulated the cat's bladder to measure contractions and other procedures were done to measure bladder capacity. Keep in mind that cats- who are obligate carnivores- differ greatly in this system from humans who are primate omnivores, yet the researchers involved are claiming that this suffering is being inflicted upon cats to help humans.

In another feline spinal cord injury study, the thoracic spine was severed in the same place, but the experiment began 3-11 months after the injury [4]. The cats were again given surgery to insert catheters and electrodes into the bladder and corresponding nerves. Again, they stimulated the bladder to measure contractions and capacity. Neither of these studies mention how the animals met their ends after all of the mutilations they suffered.

Other studies involve harvesting animals for parts. In one of these, "mongrel cats" were given surgeries to remove tissues from their bladders and were then killed [5]. Mongrel cats are cats of mixed breed or unknown ancestry meaning that they were likely not bred in a lab with a certain genetic line. The source of these animals is not listed in the publication. Other studies involve giving rats surgeries to remove bladder cells and then killing them [6].

These are only a few of multiple studies published by de Groat and his colleagues involving suffering and killing of nonhuman animals.


William C de Groat can be contacted in the following ways:

Work:
Phone: 412-648-9357 Email: wcd2@pitt.edu Fax: 412-648-1945 Address: W1352 Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower 3500 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Home:

6357 Burchfield Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15217-2732
(412) 521-1198

Have information on an animal laboratory that you would like to share? Email us about it. We will protect your privacy.

References
[1] Grant Number: 1R01DK077783-01 Project Title: Neuroplasticity of Urinary Tract Disorders after SCI
[2] Grant Number: 5R37DK049430-13 Project Title: AFFERENT MECHANISMS UNDERLYING BLADDER PAIN
[3] Tai C, Smerin SE, de Groat WC, Roppolo JR. (2005). Pudendal-to-bladder reflex in chronic spinal-cord-injured cats. Exp Neurol. 2006 Jan;197(1):225-34.
[4] Tai C, Wang J, Wang X, Roppolo JR, de Groat WC. (2007). Voiding reflex in chronic spinal cord injured cats induced by stimulating and blocking pudendal nerves. Neurourol Urodyn. 2007;26(6):879-86.
[5] Ruan HZ, Birder LA, Xiang Z, Chopra B, Buffington T, Tai C, Roppolo JR, de Groat WC, Burnstock G. (2006). Expression of P2X and P2Y receptors in the intramural parasympathetic ganglia of the cat urinary bladder. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2006 May;290(5):F1143-52.
[6] Beckel JM, Kanai A, Lee SJ, de Groat WC, Birder LA. (2006). Expression of functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat urinary bladder epithelial cells.Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2006 Jan;290(1):F103-10.

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Alternatives to Animal Tested Treatments: Insomnia

One way to boycott the animal testing industry is to boycott, when possible, medications and treatments that are tested on animals. While for some, this is not an option, we would like to offer alternatives to animal tested treatments when they are possible.

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability fall asleep or stay asleep. As one of the most common disorders plaguing Americans, it afflicts one third of the US population and nearly 10 million are currently taking a prescription medication to manage the problem. Although pharmaceuticals do work, they are highly addictive, interfere with natural sleep cycles, have controversial side effects, and many could cause long term damage to your kidneys and liver!

For those wishing to find alternative and effective ways to get healthy deep sleep there are a number of lifestyle changes that might be effective. First, a regular sleep routine is important for the body to understand when it is time to go to bed and wake up. Avoid eating oily or spicy food and be sure to enjoy a diet rich in fresh produce and whole grains. Also, try to eat your last meal at least three hours before going to be. Studies have estimated that about half of all cases of insomnia are caused by psychological disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression so managing these problems may be the key for many. Herbal remedies are particularly helpful for their therapeutic affects on the mind and the nervous system. Relaxation through yoga, acupuncture and meditation has been proven to help manage anxiety and promote restful sleep. Deep massage, herbal baths, and listening to sleep tracks for sound therapy are also effective for many. Try a combination of these suggestions for a period of time to find a routine that works for you. Learning to manage insomnia through natural means will bring you peace of mind and contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Valerian: The sedative herb valerian root is regarded by many experts as the most effective treatment for insomnia and is particularly popular in Europe. It is relaxing and sleep inducing, relieves spasms, calms the digestion, and lowers blood pressure. It is useful for severe insomnia and insomnia accompanied by pain, cramps, intestinal pain, menstrual pain, tension, and anxiety. In one study a treatment of 160 mg valerian and 80 mg lemon balm preparation was shown to be equally effective as benzodiazepines without the daytime drowsiness and other unwanted side effects. Brew valerian tea or take between 150-300 mg of a standardized extract thirty minutes before going to sleep. It takes 2 - 5 weeks for valerian to start becoming effective.

Lemon Balm: Also known as melissa, lemon balm is a claming herb that is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and digestive problems. The sedative action is attributed largely to a group of chemicals in the plant called terpenes. Brew an herbal tea or use in a bath. It is recommended that lemon balm be used in conjunction with valerian for maximum effectiveness.

Hops: Hops has been used to treat general insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, indigestion, and headaches for over 1,000 years. The sedative compound in hops is methl-butenol, which acts on the central nervous system. Use in a herbal bath, brew a tea, or take in supplement form. Most often hops is paired with valerian root, chamomile, or lavender in a tea- although this is not necessary to enjoy its calming effects. Those who are depressed or in the first three months of pregnancy should not use hops.

Passionflower: The popularity of this herb dates back to the time of the Aztecs, who used it for its sedative effects. Due to the active compound harmine, Passionflower relaxes muscles, promotes sleep, relieves pain, and works as an anti-spasmodic. Harmine, originally called telpathine for its ability to produce a contemplative state and a mild euphoria, can inhibit the breakdown of serotonin. Use the dried herb as a tea or take in standard tincture, supplement, or extract form 45 minutes before bed.

Lavender: Accidentally discovered for its anesthetic properties, lavender is responsible for the founding of the field or aromatherapy. Today it is most popular for its ability to soothe and relax. Because the oil helps to slow nerve impulses it can help reduce irritability and bring on sleep. However, not all lavenders are created equal. Be sure to test the lavender oil to make sure that it has a calming effect. English lavender is popular for treatment of insomnia whereas Spanish lavender may actually have a stimulating effect. Since not all oils are marked it is necessary to experiment at times, or purchase from an experienced aromatherapist. Burn the oil, brew a tea, take an herbal bath before bed, or place a couple drops of oil or dried leaves in a sachet under your pillow.

Chamomile: The sedating compound in chamomile apigenin has earned this plant a reputation as a gentle bedtime tea for centuries. It is relaxing, eases digestion, relieves spasms and pain, and even helps to heal wounds. Of all of the treatments for insomnia, chamomile is the most child-friendly. Brew a tea or add to an herbal bath.

Roobios: Roobios tea is a popular South African treatment for insomnia. It is known to promote sleep, reduce inflammation, improve appetite, calm the digestive tract, and reduce nervous tension. Roobios tea is becoming quite and can be purchased either loose or in a standard tea bag. Drink a cup 45 minutes before bed.

St. Johns Wort: Commonly used to treat depression, St. Johns Wort is also useful for prolonging deep sleep cycles. It is effective in treating depression, anxiety, tension, insomnia, and hypersomnia. Research suggests that the active compounds hypericin and hyperforin prevent nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. Take as directed in standard supplement at any time during the day. Those who are pregnant or taking MAO inhibitors and anti-rejection medications should not take St. John’s Wort. Prolonged use may increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Skullcap: This sedative herb is one of the most popular nerviness available. Although the exact compounds are not known, it appears that they work by enhancing the effects of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a naturally calming brain chemical. It is useful to treat insomnia, pre-menstrual syndrome, depression, stress, and tranquillizer or sleeping pill withdrawal. It relaxes states of nervous tension while at the same time renewing the central nervous system. Brew a tea and consume two to three cups daily or take a standard tincture or preparation as directed.