Neuro Network

     From first-hand experience, I know the necessity of animal models in neurological research as well as the level of care these animals are subjected to.

I worked in a pharmacology research lab for over a year. The lab’s purpose was finding a cure for alcoholism and opioid additions. My contribution was finding a better way to train the mice to more closely resemble human addiction. Because the research was still in its very early stages, all work was done on mice. 

     Alongside my project, I was also in charge of taking care of all the lab mice. I fed them, made sure they had water, cleaned their cages every other day, and took any that were showing signs of illness to the on-call veterinarian. I, along with all other lab personnel, had to complete 10 hours of online and hands-on training before I was even allowed to handle the mice. Every month, the lab was required to attend a continued education meeting to make sure all rules and regulations were being followed in regard to the animals’ care.

     The Animal Welfare Act was passed by the federal government in 1966. It protects all warm-blooded animals used in research, including mice and rats. The AWA sets high standards for animal housing, ventilation, medical needs, and anesthesia.  Additionally, all research institutes are required to create an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). During my time in the lab, I worked with Indiana University’s IACUC every day. Members, including a veterinarian, are required to be in the building 24/7 to ensure the animals are being treated according to federal guidelines. IACUCs also have the power to stop any trial or study at any point in time if they believe the animals used are not being treated as they should. 

     All regulations from the oversight agencies were fully embraced by every person in the lab, from the principle researcher to the high school intern. Professionals who work in this line of research are aware of the affects it has on society. The research is not taken lightly, and neither is the animal care. Alongside their obligation to animal care, researchers are also dedicated to using alternative methods and models before animal studies are conducted.

     This research could not be done if it weren’t for the animals. Animal models are a fundamental part of therapeutic developments. Without them, society would not see any new medical developments and our standard of living as a society would decline. Because of their biological similarity to humans and ease of control, they make for much better models in early trials than humans. Also, the federal government requires any medication to be proven safe and effective on animals before any human trials are done. This ensures that humans are not subjected to any treatment that would significantly harm them.
     It is also important to note that many medications and vaccines developed using mice in labs are also used in veterinarian clinics to treat dogs, cats, and other animals of heartworm, hepatitis, and even cancer. Lab animals are not just sacrificed for human benefit, but also other animals to help them live longer and healthier lives.

     In conclusion, the United States government as well as other institutions guarantee that all lab animals are treated ethically. Furthermore, human compassion towards these lab animals is profuse and their contribution towards biomedical developments are not taken for granted.