1. Why Use Animals?
Biomedical Research

2. Non-animal and non-human models
Consider each of the following models. What are some reasons these models might not provide all the information needed to confirm if a new drug or medical device is safe and effective for us to use?
A computer model of how a drug is metabolized in the body
2. A human tissue sample to study if a new chemical
causes cancer (is the drug carcinogenic)
3. Yeast cells used to check if a new drug is toxic to parts
of a cell

3. Using Animals Research helps us :
understand how our body functions (physiology)
understand diseases that affect us (pathology)

4. Using Animals
Despite the difference in appearance between humans and animals, we share similar biology.
Mice are around 99% genetically similar to humans.

5. Animals in Research
Used to learn more about biological systems and the illnesses that afflict human beings and other animals
Serve as surrogates for humans in obtaining information that cannot be gained in any other way
Not ethical to test substances or drugs with unknown and potentially adverse side effects on humans

6. Using Animals
Even if we give a new medicine to some human cells, this cannot tell us how it will affect the whole body.
Living animals, most commonly mice, rats and fish, are used to see how a medicine affects a whole body.
We also need to know if the medicine will reach the part of the body it needs to.
Animals can tell us about the toxicity and will also indicate what dosage is necessary for humans.

7. Animals in Research ANIMAL SYSTEM/CONDITION Cats Auditory Primates
Immune
Dogs
Cardiovascular
Endocrine
Mice
Aging
Rats

9. Percentage of Animals
About 25 million animals are used for research each year in the US.
About 95% are Mice or Rats
About 3% are guinea pigs, rabbits, or hamsters
0.28% Primates
0.25 % Dogs
0.08% Cats
>1% Other species

10. Where do we get Animals for Research
Most animals are bred specifically
Breeding allows scientists to control specific traits in animals.

11. Where do we get Animals for Research
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA)permits use of dogs and cats from local shelters but due to restrictive legislation this rarely occurs
Some non endangered species are imported for use in research.
Endangered species such as the chimpanzee are NOT used in research.

12. Three Rs of Research
Refinement – Finding ways to make research animals’ lives better. ie: toys for animals or better training for technicians
Reduction – Using less animals, only enough to get good results
Replacement – Using non-animal alternatives whenever possible

13. Decreasing Animal Use Dogs= 67% decrease since 1973
Cats=68% decrease since 1973
Guinea Pigs=48% decrease since 1973
Hamsters=68% decrease since 1973
Rabbits=53% decrease since 1973

14. What do you think?
Researchers also try to use the “lowest” type of animal possible for their experiment – for example: a fish instead of a sheep or a fruit fly instead of a mouse.
Why do you think scientists try to replace animal use?
Why use “lower” animals – do you agree with this idea?

15. What do you think?
TIMELINE ACTIVITY

16. Become an Expert Exercise