Animal models

Animal models are used in biological research to study and understand biological processes in living organisms. They are often used in experimental research to test hypotheses and theories about human biology and disease. Animal models can be any species of animal, but are most commonly mammals such as mice and rats.

History

The use of animal models in research dates back to ancient times. The Greek physician Galen is known to have used animals in his studies of human anatomy. In the 19th century, the use of animal models became more widespread with the development of vivisection and the establishment of the first laboratory animals.

Types of Animal Models

There are several types of animal models used in research, including:

• Inbred strains: These are animals that have been bred for many generations to produce offspring that are genetically identical. This allows researchers to control for genetic variation in their experiments.

• Outbred stocks: These are animals that are bred to maintain genetic diversity. This allows researchers to study the effects of genetic variation on biological processes.

• Genetically modified animals: These are animals that have had their DNA altered in some way. This allows researchers to study the effects of specific genes on biological processes.

Use in Research

Animal models are used in a wide range of research areas, including:

• Drug development: Animal models are used to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs before they are tested in humans.

• Disease research: Animal models are used to study the causes and progression of diseases, and to test potential treatments.

• Basic biology: Animal models are used to study fundamental biological processes, such as cell division and gene expression.

Ethical Considerations

The use of animal models in research raises a number of ethical considerations. These include the welfare of the animals used in research, the justification for using animals in research, and the validity of the results obtained from animal models.

See Also

• Laboratory animal sources
• Animal testing
• Animal rights
• Animal welfare