Cardiovascular research
Authors:
Michael Emerson
Publication:
British Journal of Pharmacology 161, 749-754
Publish Date:
22 September 2010
Background
Mouse models have a history of being employed in cardiovascular research, and their utilisation raises both scientific and ethical considerations. The adoption of 3Rs principles in cardiovascular research has resulted in improved scientific outcomes and animal welfare.
Summary
This review examines the application and benefits of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in cardiovascular research, specifically using platelet biology and arterial thrombosis as an example. This paper describes how recent refinements to mouse models have reduced animal usage and severity levels, whilst yielding scientific benefits. Finally, animal replacement is exemplified in platelet research by in vitro flow systems.
Key Actions
- Refine your protocol (e.g. in thromboembolic mortality, refinements include conducting procedures under general anaesthesia, not inducing fatal responses, recording reversible thromboembolism and avoiding painful procedures).
- A way of implementing reduction consists of recording multiple responses within individual mice to reduce the number of animals used.
- Wherever possible, replace animals with alternatives (e.g. studying platelet function in whole blood in real time or using in vitro models).
Further questions
Authors
Michael Emerson - Imperial College London