Comparison Of Toxicology Assessment Baseline Data Collected Using Two Restraint Methods In Nonhuman Primates: Restraint Chair/Pole And Collar Vs. Procedure Cage

By Petronella Magunda, Narine Lalayeva, Julie Forget, and Norbert Makori

Historically, physical or chemical restraint has been used in laboratory settings to ensure the humane and efficient handling of nonhuman primates (NHPs) while minimizing stress. Stress can disrupt an animal’s physiological homeostasis and psychological well-being, making restraint techniques a critical consideration. Among various methods, restraint chairs are the preferred approach for research studies. This method involves fitting animals with a neck collar, allowing them to be guided via a pole from their home cage to the restraint chair—referred to in this study as the pole and collar (PC) restraint chair method. This approach enables positive restraint techniques with minimal negative reinforcement (NRT), promoting animal cooperation, reducing distress and anesthesia use, and encouraging cognitive engagement.

Another commonly used method, the procedure cage, relies primarily on physical contact and aspects of NRT, wherein the animal voluntarily moves into position at the front of the cage for a procedure and is released from the squeeze-back upon compliance. This study aimed to compare the impact of these restraint methods on toxicological assessments in NHP studies and provide evidence-based recommendations for best practices in laboratory restraint techniques.