BehaviouralPharmacology Flashcards
Translational biomedical research
research conducted in the area between the bench (labbased experiments), the bedside (clinical research and patient management) and the healthcare
system (broad implementation and health economics) with the aim of improving the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of disease
Initially mouse models were used for
modelling a disease; e.g. ischemic stroke models
Current animal models
development of “human physiological systems” within the mouse model
opportunities to test both gene and pharmacological therapies
e.g. gene mutations
When using animal models never forget that
knowledge about animal models, attention to the
quality, including validity, specificity, and comprehensiveness, of animal models is a crucial component
of the effectiveness of translational research in behavioral neuroscience
Goal of behavioural pharmacology
develop and refine behavioral procedures effective in helping to screen drug candidates for potential clinical effectiveness
2 type of relationship between subject designs
between and within
Common Dependent Variables
- Arousal level (EEG)
- Sensory measurements (Thresholds & Timing)
- Cognition (Memory & Vigilance / arousal)
Less Common Dependent Variables
-Motor tasks
Motor coordination
Tapping rate
Non humans too
- Timing
- Learning and memory
- Avoidance
- Paw lick test
What is a “model”?
Typically models are preparations in animals that attempt to mimic a human condition
but in general it is any experimental preparation developed for the purpose of studying a condition in the same or different species
2 main purpose of animal models
-Mimic the syndrome in its entirety
Difficult if your knowledge of the syndrome is incomplete and changing
-Study potential therapeutic treatments
Tends to concentrate on effects of known drugs may hamper identification of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action
Animals models can be used to
-Mimic only specific signs and symptoms
Symptoms being modelled may not be diagnostic for the disorder but should be reliably measured and defined
-Mimic the psychological constructs thought to be affected in the disorder
Useful for studies that involve both patients and putative models
Model validation
- Models assume a common basis for the behaviour and physiology of various species
- Models should be reliable in terms of induction and outcome.
- Variability cannot always be considered an error
Predictive Validity
- The ability of the model to predict the human phenomenon. Usually this refers to treatment (pharmacological isomorphism)
- Important criterion since the scientific process requires the testing of predictions
- Predictive validity and reliability may be sufficient to define a good model.
Construct Validity
- The accuracy with which a model measures what it is intended to measure
- Often considered the most important criterion but rarely established
- Ongoing modification of the model as ideas about the disorder evolve
Face Validity
- The model resembles the disease being studied
- Different species may not reflect similar symptoms even if the aetiology of the condition is known
- Similarities between symptoms do not necessarily implicate similar aetiologies
Adverse drug effects (ADE)
- 68% of the ADE’s found experimentally, were also found in humans
- and 79% of possible adverse effects not seen in animal, do not occur in patients
- Approx. 90% of the carcinogenic substances have been shown to have carcinogenic effects in animal experiments
General rule of using animal models
- Don’t anthropomorphise擬人化
- Emotions are personal, internal, and highly species-specific.
- There is no way for a human investigator to know whether a mouse is feeling afraid, anxious, depressed, or experiencing hallucinations.
- observe the behavioural and physiological responses that a mouse makes to stimuli and events.
- The anatomy, physiology, and neurochemistry of the mouse is similar to the human in many aspects
What makes behavioural lab special
- limited number of species
- focus: Behaviour, typical for the majority of individuals
- standardised environment (housing conditions)
- standardised environment (experimental conditions)
