Overview

The Animal House Unit is one of the key research facilities at An-Najah National University. It plays an essential role in providing an appropriate and well-controlled environment for scientific research involving live organisms, particularly laboratory mice. The unit is equipped with modern facilities and technologies that ensure the health and welfare of the animals, thereby supporting high-quality medical, pharmaceutical, and experimental research.

The unit assists scientists and researchers working on therapeutic development, drug testing, and understanding various biological mechanisms—contributing significantly to scientific advancement. It follows a structured and regulated approach to ensure the application of internationally recognized ethical standards for the care and use of laboratory animals in scientific research.

Researchers are required to complete a detailed research plan form describing the study and all proposed procedures. This form is submitted to the committee coordinator, who reviews the research to determine its compliance with ethical standards. Upon approval, the form is forwarded to the unit’s technician, who coordinates the preparation and ordering of animals and oversees their transfer from the central animal facility to the experimental room.

Each cage is labeled with a unique identification card containing the researcher’s name, protocol number (assigned to each study to ensure accurate tracking), number of animals, their sex, and any additional notes provided by the researcher according to the nature of the experiment. This process ensures proper animal welfare, adherence to ethical standards, and smooth monitoring of ongoing research within the unit.

Vision

The Animal House Unit—also known as the Mouse Research Laboratory—aims to become a leading center that provides an advanced and safe scientific environment enabling researchers to conduct innovative animal-based studies. The unit strives to achieve the highest international standards in scientific research, with a strong emphasis on the optimal and humane use of animals. By equipping researchers with the necessary tools and resources, the unit seeks to support groundbreaking discoveries that enhance public health and improve quality of life.

Mission

The unit’s mission is to establish a dynamic and advanced research environment committed to the highest ethical and professional standards, enabling researchers to conduct precise and comprehensive scientific experiments that contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. The unit is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of laboratory animals through full compliance with international animal-care guidelines. It also aims to provide innovative research services that enhance human health and deepen our understanding of biological sciences, thereby contributing to scientific and medical progress in society.

  • Supporting Scientific Research: Provide support for studies focused on developing new medical treatments and improving existing therapies using animal models in fields such as cancer, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.
  • Achieving Academic Excellence: Strengthen the research capabilities of faculty members and students by offering a flexible and safe environment for conducting animal experiments.
  • Developing Innovative Animal Models: Create and refine new animal models to study biological interactions, evaluate drugs, and test emerging treatments.
  • Research Collaboration: Enhance cooperation with national and international research institutions to exchange knowledge and expertise in animal-based research.
  • Ethical Commitment: Uphold the highest standards of animal welfare and research ethics, ensuring both scientific integrity and ethical compliance.
  • Fostering Innovation: Provide advanced services that support the development of modern techniques in animal research, opening new pathways for understanding diseases and exploring new therapeutic approaches.

Through these objectives, the Animal House Unit aims to support the scientific community in achieving groundbreaking discoveries and tangible medical progress.

  • Mouse Metabolic Cage
  • Electrical Balance (0.001 g – 150 g)
  • Plus Call On Glucose Testing Device
  • Freezer, 20, 274, GL391 S, General Lux
  • MICRO PIPETTE SET 20–200 µL (Autoclavable)
  • Micro Pipette 200–1000 µL
  • Micro Pipette 20–200 µL
  • MICRO PIPETTE SET 100–1000 µL (Autoclavable)
  • MICRO PIPETTE SET 5–50 µL (Autoclavable)
  • High-Quality Colorimeter, CLRM200, MRC
  • A study on the impact of zinc on the STING pathway in a mouse model of liver fibrosis
  • The effects of dopamine on NK cell activation and its outcome in a liver fibrosis mouse model
  • Investigating the biophysical properties of AMPA receptor subunits using 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanamide compounds in mice at different ages
  • Characterization and investigation of novel benzodioxole derivatives as antidiabetic agents: An in vitro and in vivo study using an animal model
  • Detection of anti-angiogenic activity in several Palestinian herbs using a mouse aortic ring model
  • In vivo evaluation of the wound-healing effect of novel formulations using a mouse model of first-degree skin burns

The laboratory offers training opportunities for students and researchers in fields that require the use of laboratory mice, with a strong focus on applying scientific knowledge and practical skills in medical-related research.

Location: Pharmacy Building, Floor B3, Room 3050
Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences
An-Najah National University

Email: [email protected]