Animal Research Responsible Science

THE NEW RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT Videotape 1-Animal Rights The Threat to Research. Videotape 2 The New Research Environment The Foundation for Biomedical Research. Washington. DC, 1987. VHS: $50 set. 3/4-inch U-Matic: $55 set. INVESTIGATOR'S HANDBOOK For Researchers Using Animal Models. The Foundation for Biomedical Research, Washington DC. 1987.86 pp. $10. CARE AND USE COMMITTEES January 1987 Issue of Laboratory Animal Science. F. Barbara Orlans. Richard C. Simmonds and W. Jean Dodds, eds. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Cordova, TN, In collaboration with the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, Bethesda, MD. 178 pp. $45. An Introduction for New Experimenters A.A. Tuffery. ed. Wiley Interscience New York, 1987. 337 pp. $25. BY PERRIE M. ADAMS In recent years there has been considerable debate over the appropriateness of animal research and the responsibilities of the scientific community. These materials, prepared by a variety of organizations and individuals from the United States and abroad, provide excellent tools for scientists and students concerned with issues ranging from federal regulations to appropriate techniques to what's on the agenda of the increasingly vocal animal rights advocates. The two videotapes available from the Foundation for Biomedical Research provide visual documentaries of the debate, detailing the major points raised by both parties. Animal Rights: The Threat to Research (Tape 1) shows many of the procedures frequently presented as glaring evidence of scientific improprieties. These scenes are countered by the presentation of public opinion surveys illustrating support for animal use to advance knowledge. The tape concludes by stressing the importance of scientific responsibility and the humane treatment of animals. The New Research Environment (Tape 2) is a very useful resource for animal researchers and medical educators. Part I stresses the process of review and the important role of review committees. It puts into perspective the reasons why committees request information on procedures to be used in proposed research, efforts intended to minimize pain and suffering and methods of disposal. Background information is also provided for faculty members who wish to better understand the importance of animal welfare issues to the research efforts of their institutions. Part 2 describes specific methods using rodents and rabbits. Particular attention is given to handling procedures, routes of injection, drawing blood and euthanasia. This part will be particularly helpful in training laboratory personnel and animal handlers. Similarly, Part 3 provides an excellent description of how to prepare a dog for surgery. It highlights the importance of pre surgical health, aseptic methods and monitoring for signs of postsurgical distress. This segment will be an excellent teaching tool for laboratory personnel and animal surgery workers./P> The Foundation for Biomedical Research, which has performed a great service by making these tapes available for teaching and training programs, has also produced a guidebook for researchers. The Biomedical Investigator's Handbook gives scientists in the United States the information required to comply with federal regulations pertaining to animal research. The first part of the guide focuses on methods to minimize animal pain and suffering, and stresses the scientist's obligation to make every effort to reduce animal distress. Chapter 2 addresses unwanted variables that present complicating factors, such as circadian rhythm effects and pesticide exposure. Other sections address euthanasia, biological hazards in the lab and the new U.S. regulations related to the use of animals in research. Effective Animal Care and Use Committees, a special issue of the bimonthly journal Laboratory Animal Science, was published in January 1987 in collaboration with the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare. It contains a series of brief articles addressing various aspects of animal review committees in the United States and Canada. Specific chapters address regulatory views, protocol review, ethical issues and reducing animal pain. The articles on investigator responsibilities and institutional roles should be particularly interesting to animal researchers and committee members alike. Laboratory Animals: An Introduction for New Experimenters, which is based on a training course in Britain, provides new investigators with an excellent introductory text. Although it details the major procedures that U.K. scientists need to know to comply with new 1987 regulations governing animal research, most of the material is applicable to activities in other countries as well. The opening chapter, which discusses the ethical aspects of animal experimentation, establishes the appropriate atmosphere for conducting research. Other sections address experimental design, animal acquisition, hazards of working with animals, handling methods, drug utilization and standards of surgery. Also, the new U.K. legislation, which replaced the 1876 Cruelty to Animals Act, is compared with similar laws in the United States, Canada and other European nations. The book is well written and the issues are presented clearly. These tools are excellent resources for working scientists as well as scientists in training. They provide essential guidance in many areas basic to the use of animals for research in any field. Assuming responsibility for appropriate care and treatment of research subjects while striving to attain new understanding is critically important to today's scientific enterprise. Adams is associate dean for research at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 75235.

Animal Research Responsible Science

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