Limiting animal research would be cruelty to humans

0 Comments | Insight on the News, July 29, 2002 | by Frankie L. Trull

Animal research has played a vital role in virtually every major medical advance of the last century, for both human and animal health. From antibiotics to blood transfusions, from dialysis to organ transplantation, from vaccinations to chemotherapy, bypass surgery and joint replacement, practically every present-day protocol for the prevention, treatment, cure and control of disease, pain and suffering is based on knowledge attained through research on animals.

In the United States, the animal-rights movement is a vocal anti-research element that discounts the importance of animal studies, claiming that the results of animal research can't be applied to human health. Physicians and researchers overwhelmingly agree, however, that animal systems provide invaluable and irreplaceable insights into human systems because there are striking similarities between our physiological and genetic makeup.

Approximately 95 percent of all lab animals are specialty-bred rats and mice. Nonhuman primates account for less than one-quarter of 1 percent. Dogs and cats combined also account for less than one-half of 1 percent. The balance includes rabbits, guinea pigs, woodchucks, pigs, sheep, armadillos, leeches, zebra fish, squid, horseshoe crabs, sea snails and fruit flies.

Rodents are the model of choice for medical researchers because they have a naturally short life span--two to three years--that allows scientists to observe in "fast forward" what happens during the progress, or pathogenesis, of a disease. Advances in genetic engineering have enabled scientists to develop excellent rodent models for research. The availability of "transgenic" mice (which have added genes) and "knockout" mice (which have disabled genes) has revolutionized our understanding of cancer, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, memory loss, muscular dystrophy and spinal-cord injuries. The so-called "nude" mouse--lacking a functioning immune system--has become an incredibly important model for understanding cancer suppression.

Thanks to animal research, many diseases that once killed millions of people every year are either treatable or have been eradicated. Immunizations against polio, diphtheria, mumps, rubella and hepatitis save countless lives, and the survival rates from many major diseases are at an all-time high thanks to the discovery of new drugs, medical devices and surgical procedures.

Animal research for animal health also has resulted in many remarkable lifesaving and life-extending treatments for cats, dogs, farm animals, wildlife and endangered species. Pacemakers, artificial joints, organ transplants, freedom from arthritic pain and vaccines for rabies, distemper, parvo virus, infectious hepatitis, anthrax, tetanus and feline leukemia contribute to longer, happier and healthier lives for animals. New treatments for glaucoma, heart disease, cancer and hip dysplasia can save, extend or enhance the life of a beloved pet; exciting new reproductive techniques are helping to preserve and protect threatened species.

In addition to clinical observation and epidemiology, a number of relatively new nonanimal procedures and tests have been developed to supplement animal research. Computer modeling, in vitro and genetic research, and post-marketing drug surveillance all serve as valuable adjuncts to animal research. But there is no complete alternative to animal research. Still, researchers place a high priority on the "three Rs"--reduction, replacement and refinement. Here in the United States, our research communities are committed to supporting techniques that do the following:

* Reduce the number of higher species used;

* Replace animals with other models wherever possible; and

* Refine tests to ensure the most humane conditions possible.

Some activists say that humans, not animals, should be used as medical guinea pigs. However, such activity would contravene the Geneva Conventions and the Helsinki Treaty, all of which require that all medical research be conducted on animals before humans.

There still are those who seek to prohibit animal research--either because they choose to reject its well-established validity and usefulness or because they believe the life of a rat is equal in importance to that of a child. They persist in their efforts to subvert medical research with break-ins, thefts, arsons, harassment and intimidation of researchers. But the vast majority of Americans continue to understand, respect and support the essential need for animals in medical research.

FRANKIE L. TRULL IS PRESIDENT OF THE FOUNDATION FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH (FBR), THE NATION'S OLDEST AND LARGEST ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO IMPROVING HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH.