Why are rats used in drug research?
Most of the mice and rats used in medical trials are inbred so they are almost identical genetically helping to make the results of medical trials more uniform. Another reason they’re used as models in medical testing is that their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of humans.
Why animals are used for research?
By studying animals, it is possible to obtain information that cannot be learned in any other way. Instead, the drug or technique is tested in animals to make sure that it is safe and effective. Animals also offer experimental models that would be impossible to replicate using human subjects.
What is the benefit of rats?
Rats are rodents that do actually serve a purpose in the ecosystem. They are scavengers and opportunistic eaters. They will eat garbage and other things that people throw away. Plus, rats are important as part of the predatory ecosystem.
Why are albino rats used in research?
Sprague Dawley (albino rats) are used for this project because they will eat any food typically eaten by humans; they have a digestive system similar to humans; they are small, clean, gentle and easily caged animals; they can safely and easily be handled; they do no transmit disease to humans; and they grow quickly and …
How important is animal research in drug discovery?
Animal testing is a vital part of drug development. They also indicate how the drug effects the interactions between different cells and organs of the body. If a potential drug appears to be effective in animals, and passes initial safety screening, then it can be studied in human trials.
Why animals should not be used in scientific research?
Therefore, animals should not be used in research or to test the safety of products. First, animals’ rights are violated when they are used in research. Animals are subjected to tests that are often painful or cause permanent damage or death, and they are never given the option of not participating in the experiment.
When were rats first used in research?
Albino rats were first used in a scientific experiment in 1828 for a fasting study to measure the quality of proteins inside the body. With this distinction, rats are known to be the first animal domesticated for scientific purposes.