Replacing animals in research and testing Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Replacing animals in research and testing Deck (8)
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1
Q

Why should we replace animals in research and testing?

A
  • 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
2
Q

What is validation?

A

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

3
Q

What are limitations of in vitro tests?

A
  • 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
4
Q

What are the advantages of in vitro testing?

A
  • 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
5
Q

Name areas where QSARs are being applied

A
  • risk assessment
  • toxicity prediciton
  • regulatory decisions
  • drug discovery and lead optimisation
6
Q

Which areas are successful and promising for the use of alternatives

A
  • education
  • biological production
  • diagnosis
  • toxicology and risk/safety assessments
7
Q

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

A
  • fundamental and medical research
  • long term effects
  • systemic effects
8
Q

What is needed to replace animals in medical research?

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