Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Selection of Appropriate Animal Models in Ocular Research:
Ocular Anatomy and Physiology of Common Animal Models
Brian C. Gilger, Eva Abarca, and Jacklyn H. Salmon
Abstract
Selection of appropriate animal models for ocular research is essential to enhance validity of results and to
minimize number of animals used. Knowledge of differences in ocular anatomy and physiology of the
various animal models is one of the most important parameters in study design. In addition, the researcher
must understand the disease process in the animal model and understand how this differs from the primary
target animal (human or animal). Finally, the selection of the correct animal model is extremely important
when considering route of therapy to translate therapeutic or pharmacokinetic results to larger animals
such as humans. The purpose of this chapter is to review the ocular anatomy and physiology differences
among common animal models of ocular disease to help researchers select appropriate animal models in
experimental designs.
Key words
Animal models, Eye, Ocular, Anatomy, Physiology
1
Introduction
Study of animal models of disease has advanced medicine and
improved quality of life for both humans and animals. Animals
have been studied to understand disease processes, to develop
new therapies, and to ensure safety of drugs and potential envi-
ronmental hazards. However, it is critical that as few animals are
used in research as possible, and if used, only done so to under-
stand the structure and function of complex and intricately
connected biological systems such as the eye. It is essential, how-
ever, that any use of animals in biomedical research is done such
that the three Rs are followed, as originally described by Russell
and Burch in 1959 [
1
]. The three Rs include
Replacement
, which
usually refers to the use of in vitro or computer models to
conduct research instead of animals;
Reduction
, which refers a
decrease in the number of animals used by reducing the variables
through good experimental design; and
Refinement
, which refers
to a change in the study design that leads to a reduction or
replacement of animals and minimizes or eliminates pain or dis-
tress. Selection of appropriate animal models will greatly enhance
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