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Your UCP: National June 17, 2003
Research Foundation & Fact Sheets

Research Fact Sheets: General Info

Participation of Animals and Humans in Medical Research, 6/1995

Medical research requires a judicious and sensitive interaction between scientific investigations done in "the test tube" and in living organisms. The scientific literature has examples of research that worked well in an artificial setting (e.g.: the test tube; the computer; the tissue culture), but failed when replicated in a living animal. It also contains examples of results obtained in living organisms which cannot be obtained in artificial settings; this is particularly true when dealing with the brain. Thus one critical issue in medical research is: does it work in an animal model of the disorder?

Another critical issue: is it safe to apply to humans, particularly sick or injured humans? No one can ever be absolutely sure. However, when an intervention is demonstrated to be safe in an animal model, it gives a level of assurance that it can be considered for use in humans. To put it another way, if it is not safe in animals, serious doubt exists about its safety in humans.

Thus, the use of animals in research becomes an important instrument in the search for understanding how human disease or pathology or disability occurs and on the development of improved methods of prevention and treatment. This is particularly true when studying the brain and nervous system because there is no clinically meaningful artificial model of the human brain. Computers do provide for models of artificial intelligence, but these models are exactly that: artificial. They do not describe brain function or dysfunction.

On the other side of the equation is the fact that animals and humans have been mishandled and sometimes abused in medical experiments. That practice is unacceptable socially, ethically and legally. After consultation with scientists, ethicists, legal authorities and the general public, federal procedures have been established that require the adoption of standards to protect animals and humans used in research. These procedures are working very well. As with any procedure, on very rare occasions "something goes wrong." Safeguard written into these procedures identify situations requiring monitoring and when necessary, rapid corrective actions.

Animals and humans are part of medical research projects supported by our Foundation. We use the now well established federal guidelines to assure ourselves that proper regard is given to their protection and well being. Thus we believe we are achieving our research objectives meaningfully, expeditiously and with appropriate regard to the use of animal and human participants.

Information is available from both private and government organizations about the participation of humans in research.

We trust you find the above information of value.

© UCP Research & Educational Foundation, June 1995


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