a review of the history of animals in biomedical research and their contributions lab animal...

A Review of the History of A Review of the History of Animals in Biomedical Research Animals in Biomedical Research

and Their Contributionsand Their ContributionsLab Animal CaretakerLab Animal Caretaker

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History of Animals in ResearchHistory of Animals in ResearchThe study and use of animals has been The study and use of animals has been documented since ancient times.documented since ancient times.

Scientists have solved many medical Scientists have solved many medical problems, cured diseases and problems, cured diseases and developed vaccines – all by the use of developed vaccines – all by the use of animals in biomedical research.animals in biomedical research.

History of Animals in ResearchHistory of Animals in Research

Let’s look at some medical advances Let’s look at some medical advances discovered in the last few hundred discovered in the last few hundred years.years.

History of Animals in ResearchHistory of Animals in ResearchIn 1796 the world’s 1st vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner to protect people from small pox. He extracted serum from a cow pox - a virus similar to small pox and injected it into a person to prove his theory of immunity. After that millions of people received the vaccine. Small pox was a highly deadly disease killing millions of people worldwide for centuries, but was declared eradicated in 1980.


In 1879 Louis Pasteur proved the theory of disease by inoculating sheep against anthrax. He went on to solve the mysteries of rabies, anthrax, chicken cholera, and silkworm diseases, all by studying animals. He developed He developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885 with research the first rabies vaccine in 1885 with research done with rabbits.done with rabbits.

History of Animals in ResearchHistory of Animals in ResearchBy the 1900’s medical discoveries were By the 1900’s medical discoveries were made much more frequentlymade much more frequently

Scientists, like detectives, have searched for Scientists, like detectives, have searched for the clues to solve the health mysteries of the clues to solve the health mysteries of people and animalspeople and animals


Lets take a look at some of the Nobel Lets take a look at some of the Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Physiology that Prizes for Medicine and Physiology that have been awarded from 1901 to the have been awarded from 1901 to the presentpresent

Animal research has played a key role in Animal research has played a key role in each of these important discoverieseach of these important discoveries

Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Physiology Physiology

In 1901 the scientist Dr. von Bering developed a In 1901 the scientist Dr. von Bering developed a diphtheria antiserum with guinea pigs. This is a diphtheria antiserum with guinea pigs. This is a deadly bacterial disease that killed over 15,000 deadly bacterial disease that killed over 15,000 people in the early 1900’s.people in the early 1900’s.

In 1902 research with pigeons showed how malaria was transmitted between people and how this microscopic parasite’s life cycle was linked to the mosquito.

Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Nobel Prizes for Medicine and PhysiologyPhysiology

In 1912 surgical advances were made in the suture and grafting of blood vessels by using dogs.

1908 scientists Dr. Mechnikov and Dr. 1908 scientists Dr. Mechnikov and Dr. Erlich discovered immune reactions and Erlich discovered immune reactions and the functions of the functions of phagocytes phagocytes with research with research in birds, fish and guinea pigs.in birds, fish and guinea pigs.

Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Physiology Physiology

Jumping a head a bit…in 1928 scientist Dr. Jumping a head a bit…in 1928 scientist Dr. Nicolle learned the pathogenesis of typhus with Nicolle learned the pathogenesis of typhus with monkeys, guinea pigs, rats and micemonkeys, guinea pigs, rats and mice

1967 the primary physiological and chemical 1967 the primary physiological and chemical processes of vision were studied with chickens, processes of vision were studied with chickens, rabbit, fish and crabsrabbit, fish and crabs

The fruit fly was used to prove genetic control of The fruit fly was used to prove genetic control of early embryonic development in 1995early embryonic development in 1995

ReviewReview

There has been a wide variety of animals There has been a wide variety of animals used in research that have won Nobel used in research that have won Nobel Prizes…more than rats and mice.Prizes…more than rats and mice.

Can you name a few that were mentioned in Can you name a few that were mentioned in the previous slides?the previous slides?

Why do we need biomedical Why do we need biomedical research?research?

Understanding the causes and treatment of Understanding the causes and treatment of diseases, developing new drugs or vaccines, diseases, developing new drugs or vaccines, testing the safety of chemicals, and discovery of testing the safety of chemicals, and discovery of how the body works are just a few of the goals.how the body works are just a few of the goals.

Some of these animals are also susceptible to Some of these animals are also susceptible to many of the same diseases as humans.many of the same diseases as humans.

Not all research involves the use of animals, yet Not all research involves the use of animals, yet animal-based research remains essential in animal-based research remains essential in many areas.many areas.

Biomedical ResearchBiomedical Research

Rats and mice are used in more than 90 Rats and mice are used in more than 90 percent of all research projectspercent of all research projects

Rats are valuable research subjects Rats are valuable research subjects because their body systems are similar to because their body systems are similar to humans and other animalshumans and other animals

However, they’re not good subjects all However, they’re not good subjects all research like for surgeryresearch like for surgery


Other animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, Other animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, sheep, cattle, horses, fish, frogs, birds, sheep, cattle, horses, fish, frogs, birds, monkeys and even fruit flies may be used.monkeys and even fruit flies may be used.

Some animals are chosen for a specific Some animals are chosen for a specific type of research, like dogs and pigs for type of research, like dogs and pigs for surgery. surgery.


Or a particular type of disease, like Or a particular type of disease, like lobsters to study the response of lobsters to study the response of neurons (nerve cells) used to study neurons (nerve cells) used to study Parkinson’s disease.Parkinson’s disease.

The majority of animals used in The majority of animals used in research are bred specifically for that research are bred specifically for that purpose by USDA licensed supplierspurpose by USDA licensed suppliers

Biomedical researchBiomedical research

Scientists use purpose bred animals Scientists use purpose bred animals because they know the genetic make-up because they know the genetic make-up and the health background of the animals.and the health background of the animals.

This also allows for the comparison of This also allows for the comparison of historical data and helps to determine the historical data and helps to determine the statistical significance of certain statistical significance of certain responses, like tumor growth or liver responses, like tumor growth or liver disorders.disorders.

ReviewReview

Why are animals used in biomedical Why are animals used in biomedical research?research?

Where do animals used for biomedical Where do animals used for biomedical research come from?research come from?

Rodents contributions to Rodents contributions to Biomedical ResearchBiomedical Research

Mice, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils and Mice, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils and hamsters are the majority (90%) of hamsters are the majority (90%) of animals used in biomedical researchanimals used in biomedical research

Did you know mice age 30 times faster Did you know mice age 30 times faster than humans? This makes mice ideal for than humans? This makes mice ideal for long-term exposure or chronic studies.long-term exposure or chronic studies.

Rodents in ResearchRodents in Research

Their small size and low cost makes them ideal for laboratory experiments.

Mice and rats have contributed to cancer research, the understanding of aging and in pursuing treatments for AIDS. Both are also used for product safety testing.

Mice in researchMice in research

Mice in ResearchMice in Research

Scientists can breed different strains of mice with natural genetic deficiencies to achieve specific models of human diseases.

Cells from human cancer tumors have also been injected into mice to cause conditions like leukemia and breast cancer.

This has allowed researchers to test new treatments on subjects with the actual disease condition and to determine if the new treatment is effective.

Special types of mice Special types of mice


The successful transfer of human embryos is possible today because of experiments in mice. This technique can also be used to improve reproduction in domestic and endangered species.


Research with mice has helped to develop vaccines to counter influenza, polio, yellow fever and rabies

Rats in ResearchRats in Research

Did you put on deodorant today? Did you put on deodorant today?

Use soap in the bath? Use soap in the bath?

Brush your teeth or shampoo your hair Brush your teeth or shampoo your hair today?today?

RatsRats are used in product safety tests to make sure these types of items will not cause unwanted side effects.

Rats in ResearchRats in Research

Because of their short life span rats are also used to measure the effects of long-term exposure to a product or drug.

Rats have been used as models for Rats have been used as models for Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and dental studies.diabetes, cancer and dental studies.

Guinea pigs support of biomedical Guinea pigs support of biomedical researchresearch

Studies on guinea pigs led to the Studies on guinea pigs led to the discovery of Vitamin C, the tuberculosis discovery of Vitamin C, the tuberculosis bacterium and adrenaline. They were used bacterium and adrenaline. They were used in the development of the diphtheria in the development of the diphtheria vaccine, replacement heart valves, blood vaccine, replacement heart valves, blood transfusion, kidney dialysis antibiotics, transfusion, kidney dialysis antibiotics, anticoagulants and asthma medicinesanticoagulants and asthma medicines. .

Guinea pigs in researchGuinea pigs in research

The inhaled medications that are the The inhaled medications that are the mainstays of asthma treatment were mainstays of asthma treatment were developed using guinea pigs. developed using guinea pigs.

Gerbils in ResearchGerbils in Research

A unique feature of gerbils is that 20% of them A unique feature of gerbils is that 20% of them have naturally occurring epileptic seizures. have naturally occurring epileptic seizures. These seizures can come about because of loud These seizures can come about because of loud noises, handling, or other types of excitement.noises, handling, or other types of excitement.

Because gerbils have symptoms and triggers Because gerbils have symptoms and triggers similar to humans they are often studied to similar to humans they are often studied to develop new treatments for epilepsy.develop new treatments for epilepsy.

Rodents in research reviewRodents in research review

Why do scientists like to use rats and mice Why do scientists like to use rats and mice in their research?in their research?

What is special about gerbils?What is special about gerbils?

Rabbits in ResearchRabbits in ResearchThe physiology of rabbits and humans is very similar, making the rabbit a good model for research into human disease like emphysema and other types of skin disorders

Rabbits are a good animal model for studying ear treatments for infections of the middle and inner ear, which affect millions of infants and children each year.

Rabbits in ResearchRabbits in ResearchThe ability of scientists to produce tumors in rabbits makes them useful models to study chemo/immunotherapy, as well as immuno-prevention of certain cancers.

Cholesterol studies: Rabbits have been used to test drugs that lowers blood cholesterol and retards the development of hardening of the arteries.

Rabbits in ResearchRabbits in Research

Rabbits are used in product testing --eye and skin irritation tests to develop appropriate procedures for handling certain chemicals and to predict the toxicity of accidental exposure.


Rabbits are also used to study Entropion, a condition caused by eyelashes turning in to the eye. Rabbits have helped with the study and treatment of Glaucoma, which often results in blindness.


More than 10,000 blind or visually impaired people have benefited from corneal transplants, possible only because of hundreds of trials on rabbits.

Cats in ResearchCats in Research

Cats represent less than 1% of animals used in research each year. However, their contributions are extremely valuable to the research of AIDS.

Cats can develop feline AIDS, a virus similar to human AIDS. Scientists have developed a vaccine for feline leukemia and hope this breakthrough can be used as a model for a human vaccine.

Cats in ResearchCats in Research

Cats are used to study Cats are used to study toxoplasmosis, which toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a is caused by a protozoan parasite protozoan parasite that can infect people that can infect people and unborn babies and unborn babies with cause with cause encephalitis (brain encephalitis (brain disease). Cat are a disease). Cat are a common intermediate common intermediate host to the parasite.host to the parasite.

Cats in ResearchBecause of similarities between the cats and humans, cats make excellent models for studying the eye and to research vision vision disorders such as lazy eye.disorders such as lazy eye.

Cats in ResearchCats in ResearchResearch has led to the understanding of the function of neurons and nerve cells, functional organization of the brain and mechanisms of nerve impulses. This research has been used to help humans recover from strokes.

Cats in Research

Both cats and humans suffer from hearing Both cats and humans suffer from hearing loss as a result of exposure to high noise loss as a result of exposure to high noise levels. Researchers have used this levels. Researchers have used this similarity to study the effects of noise on similarity to study the effects of noise on humans.humans.

Cats in Research

Diabetic cats are useful models for the study of Diabetes Mellitus. Researchers have learned more about the protein that hinders insulin production and may lead to a cure for diabetes.

Cats in Research

Research using cats has led to improved animal surgical procedures and new vaccines to prevent animal diseases. Thanks to research, the life expectancy of house cats has been expanded more than eight years. In fact, some pets can live up to more than 20 years.

Rabbits and cats in reviewRabbits and cats in review

Name one type of human disease or Name one type of human disease or condition that rabbits are used to study?condition that rabbits are used to study?

What percent of animals used in research What percent of animals used in research do cats represent?do cats represent?

What disease of cats has helped What disease of cats has helped researchers develop breakthroughs for researchers develop breakthroughs for humans and cats?humans and cats?

Dogs in ResearchDogs in Research

Dogs also represent less than 1 percent of animal models used in research.

From kidney transplants to the development of the heart-lung machine, researchers have developed many surgery procedures including lifesaving emergency room techniques.


Starting in 1950 open heart surgery, pacemakers & organ transplant procedures were developed & perfected on animals including dogs & pigs.


Coronary bypass surgery, artificial heart valve insertion and pacemaker implantation were tested and studied in dogs before being used in humans.

Artificial heart valveArtificial heart valve


Dogs were vital to the development of angioplasty, in which a small tube is threaded up through the femoral artery to unblock coronary arteries.

Dogs in ResearchDogs in ResearchDogs are used to train emergency room physicians and nurses in lifesaving techniques. Studies in dogs have led to new techniques to treat post-shock infections, heart complications, kidney functions and blood pressure levels.


Hip replacement surgery was first developed in dogs. Dogs were also instrumental in creating replacement and repair techniques for many other joints.

Picture of a hip prosthesisPicture of a hip prosthesis

Dogs in Research Benefits Dogs Dogs in Research Benefits Dogs too!too!

The dog’s contributions to research have benefited canine health through the development of the canine parvovirus vaccine.


Studies in dogs have led to the invention of devices and treatments for animals – pacemakers, hip and artificial joint replacements, diabetes treatments, dental care, chemotherapy and canine vaccines for rabies.

Dogs in research reviewDogs in research review

What contributions have dogs made to medical research?

Name one surgery technique learned using dogs.

Primates in ResearchPrimates in ResearchPrimates represent a tiny portion of animals used in research – 1/3 of 1 percent – yet they have made huge contributions to major medical breakthroughs, most notably the development of the polio vaccine and in the treatment of RH disease.

Primates in ResearchPrimates in Research

Primates have been used to research cancer, heart disease, numerous infectious diseases and neurological disorders, obesity and blindness, plus much more.

Picture of basal cell carcinomaPicture of basal cell carcinoma

Primates in ResearchPrimates in Research

Scientists are learning how HIV works Scientists are learning how HIV works through studying its counterpart in through studying its counterpart in primates - primates - Simian Immunodeficiency Virus. Some species of primates are also carriers of HIV, although it does not kill them.

Primates in ResearchPrimates in ResearchResearch conducted in baboons has led to a Research conducted in baboons has led to a technique that has allowed cancer cells to be technique that has allowed cancer cells to be removed from healthy bone marrow cells and removed from healthy bone marrow cells and baboons have been used to develop artificial baboons have been used to develop artificial blood vessels that bypass blocked arteries.blood vessels that bypass blocked arteries.

Primates in researchPrimates in researchResearchers are studying obesity in monkeys in hopes of finding a way to control body weight.

Monkeys are also being used to study Taurine deficiency, which causes vision problems and zinc deficiency, which causes growth retardation in infants and fetuses.

Primates in researchPrimates in research

A surgical technique to remove retinal scar tissue has enabled macular cells to regenerate in monkeys. This research may lead to a cure of human macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 55.

Vision with macular degeneration

Primates in researchPrimates in research

Other studies of primates include the effects of pollution on infants, research on Multiple Sclerosis, Down’s Syndrome, liver disease, drug abuse and mental retardation.

Primates in reviewPrimates in review

Can you name a disease or condition (not noted for previous animals) that primates have been used to research?

What disease in primates is similar to HIV?

Pigs have made contributions Pigs have made contributions to Research!to Research!

And Other Animals: like sheep!And Other Animals: like sheep!Research on sheep led researchers to perfect and implant the arteriovenous shunt, a device that allows patients with kidney failure to be connected to dialysis machines for long term treatment.

Sheep have been used in the development and testing of a device that assists lung function in infants soon after birth.

Plus Ferrets, Woodchucks…Plus Ferrets, Woodchucks…

Ferrets have been used in the study of the influenza virus.

Woodchucks have been used to research human liver cancer and Hepatitis B.

and Armadillos!and Armadillos!

Armadillos have been used to test a vaccine for Leprosy victims

And we can’t leave out the lobsters, And we can’t leave out the lobsters, or…or…

Lobsters are used to study Syphilis, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s all motor coordination diseases.

……chinchillas!chinchillas!

Chinchillas are used as models to study middle ear infection, which commonly plague infants and children. Also in sleep research and in the development of a cholera vaccine.

And eels and fish!And eels and fish!

Electric eels are used in neurobiological studies.

Monkfish are used in hormone research and in insulin treatment for diabetes

More Fish and amphibians!More Fish and amphibians!Many species of fish are used in studies for liver cancer, diabetes, immune systems, vision studies and heart disease.

Frogs have been used to research the effectiveness of antibiotics

Salamanders have been used in heart attack research

Animal research has benefited Animal research has benefited mankind…mankind…

In this day and age, it would be difficult for In this day and age, it would be difficult for a person to not have been touched by the a person to not have been touched by the benefits and contributions of animals in benefits and contributions of animals in biomedical research. biomedical research.

……and animals of all speciesand animals of all specieshave benefited too!have benefited too!

Last QuestionsLast Questions

Name at least one wild animal used in research.

For what?

Tell me one thing you learned from this presentation.

Resources:Resources:AALAS and AALAS and www.kids4research.orgwww.kids4research.org

Foundation for Biomedical Research Foundation for Biomedical Research and and www.fbresearch.orgwww.fbresearch.org

Massachusetts Society for Medical Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, IncResearch, Inc

a review of the history of animals in biomedical research and their contributions lab animal...

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history of animals

use of animals

biomedical research

present animal research

millions of people

small pox

rabies vaccine

nobel prizes