NIA IRP Comparative Medicine Section

NIA的比较医学部(CMS)负责研究动物的福祉，这些研究动物受雇于研究与衰老生物学有关的问题。CMS的职责包括但不限于，提供满足特定物种和特定年龄的需求和要求的住房和护理。CMS还旨在通过向调查人员提供关于人道处理这些动物和执行实验技术的培训来支持NIA的科学研究。此外，CMS确保所有动物研究都符合NIA、NIH和联邦法规和指南的要求。 CMS致力于建立稳固、一致的资源管理，同时与调查人员保持合作关系。如有要求，可提供育种管理、样本采集和实验操作等形式的技术援助。CMS还为NIA的研究人员提供老鼠行为表型鉴定服务，并持有一份合同，供研究人员用来对他们的动物进行基因分型。每月大约有2700个样品寄给承包商。 对于希望进入NIA间隔室的调查人员，必须在首次进入之前完成设施培训。CMS提供的培训包括设施准入要求、生物安全措施、适当的动物处理、相关法规和其他相关问题。法规或设施程序的最新情况由动物项目主任在动物项目咨询委员会(ACAP)双月一次的会议上提供。 NIA动物保护和使用委员会(ACUC)每年对动物项目、隔膜和动物实验区进行两次检查和评估。这些半年一次的审查是根据联邦法规进行的。除了这些内部审查外，AAALAC(前身为国际实验室动物护理评估和认可协会)每三年对动物项目进行一次评估，这是一个促进在科学领域人道对待动物的私人组织。2016年6月，AAALAC实地参观了NIA动物项目。实地考察的结果是完全持续的认证，没有提出任何改进建议。 CMS工作人员协助NIA IRP研究项目，并可能进行新的研究，重点是改善他们照料的动物的健康和福利。CMS发起的项目旨在回答当前设施管理以及老年动物的特殊需求和护理方面的问题。

The Comparative Medicine Section (CMS) of the NIA is responsible for the well-being of research animals employed in the investigation of pertinent questions about the biology of aging. CMS responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the provision of housing and care that meets species-specific and age-specific needs and requirements. The CMS also aims to support NIA scientific research by providing training to investigators in the humane handling of these animals and the performance of experimental techniques. Furthermore, the CMS ensures that all animal research is conducted in compliance with NIA, NIH, and federal regulations and guidelines. The CMS works to establish firm, consistent resource management while maintaining a collaborative relationship with investigators. Technical assistance in the form of breeding management, sample collection, and experimental manipulations is available upon request. The CMS also provides mouse behavior phenotyping services to NIA investigators and holds a contract used by investigators to genotype their animals. Approximately 2700 samples/month are sent to the contractor. For investigators wishing to access the NIA vivarium, facility training must be completed prior to initial entry. CMS provided training includes facility access requirements, biosecurity measures, proper animal handling, relevant regulations, and other related issues. Updates in regulations or facility procedures are provided by the Animal Program Director (APD) at bimonthly Advisory Committee to the Animal Program (ACAP) meetings. The animal program, vivarium, and animal laboratory areas are inspected and evaluated twice a year by the NIA Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC). These semi-annual reviews are conducted in accordance with federal regulations. In addition to these internal reviews, the animal program is assessed every three years by AAALAC (formerly the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International), a private organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science. In June 2016 the NIA animal program was site visited by AAALAC. The outcome of the site visit was full continuing accreditation with no suggestions for improvement. CMS staff members assist with NIA IRP research projects and may conduct novel research with a focus on improving the health and welfare of animals in their care. CMS initiated projects aim to answer current questions in facility management and in the special needs and care of aging animals.