Without risking human life, researchers at Wayne State University, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University are currently exploring the cause, mechanisms of injury, and treatment of lung diseases. The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine is using research with calves to better understand the early onset of pneumonia. This machine has recently proven to offer extended support for infants with respiratory problems - up to two weeks longer than the standard heart lung machine can safely operated. New substances are also being tested on animals to find less toxic drugs than those now available for asthmatic patients. Studies of emphysema in rabbits and asthma in horses are revealing the natural stages of development of these diseases and promise new ways to prevent them.
Animal models are critical to control human suffering from lung ailments.
The lives of 25,000 infants a year might be saved if researchers knew more about infantile repiratory distress. Better treatment of asthma would restore thousands of workdays to productive people. Clearly, animal research may provide the breath of life to millions. We hope that likeminded citizens will join us in working for rational public policy that assures the continued appropriate use of animals in the course of good science.