Chapter 29 - Issues in Laboratory Animal Science That Impact Toxicologic Pathology

Abstract

Numerous genetic, microbial, environmental, and experimental factors work together to influence the development of lesions studied by the toxicologic pathologist. The pathologist needs to understand how factors associated with the laboratory animal test subject, the animal care and use program, the research facility environment, and the study conditions contribute to findings so that the results of toxicity experiments can be properly evaluated. Laboratory animal care and use practices are dynamic entities and are driven in part by advances in animal welfare and by changes in optimal research animal care. As advances are made, greater emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the interplay between host susceptibility factors, test article exposure, and the animal research environment. The goal of laboratory animal science in the toxicology laboratory is to facilitate the conduct of high-quality reproducible studies with optimal animal care and welfare.