Replacing animals in research and testing

Question 1

Why should we replace animals in research and testing?

Answer 1

• moral/ethical concerns
• public demand
• scientific reasons - improved methods for research and testing
• faster and less expensive way to get more information about a substance or compound
• legislation - animal use not permitted when there are alternatives available

Question 2

What is validation?

Answer 2

The proof that a method is relevant and reliable for its purpose

Question 3

What are limitations of in vitro tests?

Answer 3

• cells change when removed from the body
• difficult to assess/evaluate general/systemic toxic effects and pharmacokinetics
• difficult to extrapolate in vivo dose-response
• no (or limited) interaction between tissues and organs
• specific organ sensitivity needs to be adressed one at a time
• chronic effects are difficult to assess
• one animal test may need to be replaced by a battery of tests and or intelligent testing strategies

Question 4

What are the advantages of in vitro testing?

Answer 4

• controlled testing conditions
• lack of systemic effects
• reduction of variablitiy between experiments
• fast and inexpensive
• small amount of test material is required
• limited amount of toxic waste is produced
• human cells and tissues can be used

Question 5

Name areas where QSARs are being applied

Answer 5

• risk assessment
• toxicity prediciton
• regulatory decisions
• drug discovery and lead optimisation

Question 6

Which areas are successful and promising for the use of alternatives

Answer 6

• education
• biological production
• diagnosis
• toxicology and risk/safety assessments

Question 7

Which areas are challenging areas for the use of alternative methods?

Answer 7

• fundamental and medical research
• long term effects
• systemic effects

Question 8

What is needed to replace animals in medical research?

Answer 8

• strategies and strategic research funding
• education
• validation strategies
• systematic review of animal models