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FEATURE: Geoff Watts Alternatives to animal experimentation BMJ 2007; 334: 182-184 [Full text]

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Alternatives?

Thomas Krasemann   (31 January 2007)

Simulated experiments--a possible alternative

dr alpana pathak   (31 January 2007)

Alternatives? 31 January 2007
Thomas Krasemann, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist Evelina Children's Hospital, St Thomas Hospital, London SE1 7EH Send response to journal: Re: Alternatives?	Dear Sir, in his article Watts tries to give an overview over the most commonly used alternatives to animal studies. Thank you for bringing this important subject to our attention (again). My grandfather (who used to be a Paediatrician) always pointed out that "a healthy rabbit ear reacts differently from an ill human leg". This seems to be obvious, but this doesn't tell the truth about animal studies. The advantage is to see the reaction of a whole organism, not only the affected organ. Side effects are typically not forseeable, especially when affecting other organ systems. A good example might be Thalidomide. The positive effect of animal studies has been shown since more than 150 years. The first canulation of a jugular vein was performed in dogs. In 1921 Banting and McLeod injected Insulin in a dog before trying in humans. The concept of microdose will not reveal all side effects immediately, and toxic effects might be missed. Imagine a microdose of insulin given to a patient: Even in our era the microchanges in blood glucose levels can be missed. Last but not least animal studies are essential for the safety of the fetus- we should be able to tell pregnant women whether there might be a risk in taking a new drug. So, all in all there are no real alternatives to animal studies- but the selection of projects should be considered carefully. And, of course, the results should be taken seriously. Competing interests: None declared
Simulated experiments--a possible alternative 31 January 2007
dr alpana pathak, observership lawrenceville--new jersey--08625 Send response to journal: Re: Simulated experiments--a possible alternative	In today's ever advancing and progressing scientific medical world basic medical education and research seems pretty uncomprehensible without involving animal models. However i am of the opinion that if appropriately designed, planned and implemented artificial animal models, computer simulations and high technology driven devices can very well serve the purpose of ensuring high educational and research standards as well as spare the precious and hotly controversial animal life. It all lies in striking a judicious balance in keeping the better interests of all involved. Competing interests: None declared