Animal Testing

To address the alternatives of in vitro and epidemiological research, I must consent that both of these research methods are viable in their own right. In vitro research has been proven to be accurate and studies particularly on penicillin and streptomycin are example of this. A problem with in vitro studies is that it is impossible to identify physiological effects of drugs. Animal testing is often used in conjunction with in vitro studies so to overcome this barrier. Likewise, epidemiological studies which study control of diseases within a human population are limited by factors such as the prominence of the trait or disease within the population. In regards to genetics research, through gene annotations and mapping there has proven to be evidence of high homology between proteins of different species. While the overall DNA may have a large variance, the homology of certain segments of DNA makes research between species relevant. Many disorders and diseases are the result of protein function and therefore genetic research from one species can be used to deduce information about the genetic function of another species. Gene expression, regulation, and genetic mutation can similarly be analyzed between species given the location of the gene within the genome and the DNA which surrounds it. To establish these relationships a great deal of research must be done, but with the prominence of modern genetics, GENBANK and other genetic databases have increased their number of entries drastically. Genetics research has also provided methods for genetic modification. Modification allows for the insertion or removal of specific genes of an animal allowing for the gene's function to be more thoroughly studied. Diseases and disorders such as Huntington's disease, diabetes, and even cancer have been studied in such a manner. As for cancer research, it must be recognized that developmental methods and the most current methods of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy were first tested on animals before they were used as treatment methods on human patients. Similarly continuing research with monoclonal antibodies, interferons, interleukins, etc... are continuing to be researched through the use of animals. Genetic testing and carcinogenicity testing in various species helps determine the causes and effects of cancer. Furthermore, genetic modification allows scientists to examine growth rates, physiological factors, and inhibitory nature of cancer. This research in conjunction with in vitro studies is now causing researchers to more closely examine interleukins and adenoviruses. While not all forms of cancer can be replicated in animals, some cancers are naturally appearing in animals and other forms of cancer can be inserted into the genetic structure of animals. Breast cancer research in particular is very poignant on animal research because the similarity between breast cancer in some animal species and human. Here are just 2 examples of scientific articles which relate the relevance of animal testing in cancer research: Frese, KK; Tuveson, DA (2007). "Maximizing mouse cancer models.". Nature reviews. Cancer 7 (9): 645–58. Vail, DM; MacEwen, EG (2000). "Spontaneously occurring tumors of companion animals as models for human cancer.". Cancer investigation 18 (8): 781–92