Animal Test Subjects In Biomedical Research

Animal Test Subjects in Biomedical Research
INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND: The first evidence of animal testing dates back to ancient times, where scientists studied the anatomical structures of deceased subjects (Scutti). Living animals were experimented on by Greek physician-scientists and used to examine nerves and tendons (Scutti). In Rome, during the 2nd century, a physician named Galen of Pergamum practiced anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology on animals (Scutti). He was the first to describe the cardio-pulmonary system, and he also speculated on the functions of the brain and the spinal cord (Scutti). Andreaus Vesalius, who lived in sixteenth-century Italy, was a teacher that demonstrated anatomy on a live animal, usually a dog, …show more content…
Scientists use “good” models – subjects that mimic parts of the human body and its functions because no animal completely and successfully represents human biology (“Animals in Science – The Failure of the Animal Model”). Primates have the most phylogenic similarities to humans, sharing 98% of our genes, though the results are still inaccurate (“Animals in Science – The Failure of the Animal Model”; M.P.H., “Why Animal Experimentation Doesn’t Work – Reason 3”; “Animals in Science – The Failure of the Animal Model”). A therapeutic antibody to monkeys, called anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody TGN1412, triggered a potentially fatal immune response for people (“Animals in Science – The Differences Between Humans and the Animal Model”). One scientist’s opinion on the relatively similar genetic makeup between primates and humans is that “…any animal close enough to us to be of value in research was close enough to be valued for itself; an end in and of itself, not a means to an end” (“Animals in Science – The Failure of the Animal Model”). Cats, dogs, rats, mice, sheep, and rabbits are among the many other species that are commonly used during experiments (M.P.H., “Why Are Animal Experimentation Doesn’t Work – Reason 3…”). Penicillin was determined to be ineffective when it was tested on animals and proved to be toxic to guinea pigs, although it safely and effectively treats bacterial infections in humans (Animals in Science – The Failure of the Animal Model”). Aspirin caused birth defects in mice and rats but is harmless to humans and is used commonly for managing pain or preventing strokes (Animals in Science – The Failure of the Animal Model”). The most noted failure was HIV/AIDS research because all of the ninety tested vaccines failed in humans (M.P.H., “Why Animal