Animal use in experimental neuropathology: Provisions for animal welfare and ethics

Abstract

In the Netherlands each year 50-60.000 vertebrate animals are used for studying aspects of neuropathological disorders. Worldwide probably more than 10 million animals are used per year in this field of research. In most countries legislation has been adopted as to regulate the use of animals for these and other experimental purposes. The legislative regulations include provisions on the care and welfare of laboratory animals, on the use of alternatives or on alleviation of pain and distress. A major provision is that persons who are involved in animal experimentation must be competent. In some countries the establishment of an animal ethics committee has been made mandatory by law. In the Netherlands the first of these committees have been established more than a decade ago. Their work in evaluating the ethical and biotechnical aspects of the experimental design is generally valued by the scientific community. A most critical aspect of the experimental design is the choice of a proper animal model. In the field of experimental neuropathology much research on validation is still needed. The standards of animal-based research can be further improved through a well-considered and strictly implemented animal welfare policy of editorial boards. The need for animal models as a substitute for man will probably decrease in the future, mainly as a consequence of the revolutionizing developments in molecular biotechnology.