My first #shockcon

My first #shockcon

Changes will be made to the Shock journal to streamline the review process and allow easier submission of manuscripts. Here are four changes that will be implemented, please check the Shock journal website for up-to-date information: https://journals.lww.com/shockjournal

Preclinical research relies heavily on appropriate animal models to better understand human biology and to test the safety and efficacy of new therapies. It is of upmost importance that researchers continually strive to optimize preclinical models, both from the standpoint of animal welfare, and to promote the translatability of preclinical data to the clinic.

Guidelines in the US recommend housing laboratory rodents at temperatures ranging from 20-26°C (1). Most vivaria that I have worked in seem split the difference, housing rodents at around 22-24°C. I have always assumed that this temperature range has become the norm as it is one that is comfortable for PPE clad humans – something I can attest to having recently had building maintenance at my institution adjust the ambient temperature in one of our rodent holding rooms to 30°C. However, there is an abundance of empirical data indicating that housing temperatures in the low to mid 20°Cs likely represents mild cold stress for rodents (see (2) for a detailed review on rodent thermoneutrality).