JNTU B.Pharmacy III SCREENING METHODS IN PHARMACOLOGY Previous Question Paper (August - 2022 - R17)

As per CPCSEA guidelines, an animal house facility for small animals must ensure animal welfare and scientific integrity through the following requirements:

• Location and Environment: The facility should be located away from noise, dust, and vibration, with adequate ventilation and controlled lighting (12-hour light/dark cycle).
• Temperature and Humidity: Small animals like rats and mice require a temperature range of 22±3°C and relative humidity of 30-70%.
• Housing Standards: Animals must be housed in cages made of non-toxic, durable materials (e.g., polypropylene or stainless steel) that allow for easy cleaning and sterilization. Cages must provide sufficient floor area to prevent overcrowding.
• Sanitation: Floors must be impervious, non-slippery, and sloped for drainage. Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols are mandatory to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Feed and Water: Potable water and standardized, uncontaminated feed must be provided ad libitum.
• Quarantine and Isolation: Separate areas must be designated for quarantine of incoming animals and isolation of sick animals to prevent cross-contamination.
• Waste Management: Proper disposal systems for animal waste, carcasses, and bedding materials must be in place, adhering to environmental safety standards.

The Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) is a mandatory body constituted in every establishment involved in animal experimentation, as per the CPCSEA guidelines. Its primary objective is to review and approve research protocols involving small animals to ensure ethical compliance and minimize animal suffering.

Key aspects of the IAEC include:

• Composition: The committee consists of members including a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, a Veterinarian, a Scientist from outside the institute, a Socially Aware Nominee, and a CPCSEA Main Nominee.
• Functions: It reviews project proposals to ensure the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) is strictly followed. It monitors the housing conditions, experimental procedures, and post-experimental care of animals.
• Approval Process: No research project involving animals can commence without prior written approval from the IAEC. The committee conducts periodic inspections of the animal house to verify compliance with CPCSEA norms.
• Accountability: The IAEC maintains detailed records of all approved protocols, minutes of meetings, and annual reports, which are subject to audit by CPCSEA representatives.