Animal testing on rodents

Animal testing on rodents (pronunciation: /ˈænɪməl ˈtɛstɪŋ ɒn ˈrəʊdənts/), also known as rodent testing, is a common practice in biomedical research and toxicology. The term originates from the Latin rodere, meaning "to gnaw", and testari, meaning "to bear witness".

History

The use of rodents in scientific research dates back to the 19th century. The first recorded instance of rodent testing was in 1828, when French physiologist Claude Bernard conducted experiments on mice to understand the functioning of the pancreas.

Types of Rodents Used

The most commonly used rodents in animal testing are mice and rats. Other rodents, such as guinea pigs and hamsters, are also used, but to a lesser extent.

Procedures

Rodent testing involves various procedures, including injection, surgery, behavioral testing, and genetic modification. The choice of procedure depends on the research question and the specific rodent species.

Ethical Considerations

The use of rodents in animal testing raises several ethical issues, including the potential for animal suffering, the validity of extrapolating results from rodents to humans, and the necessity of animal testing in the light of alternative research methods.

Legislation

In many countries, the use of rodents in animal testing is regulated by animal welfare laws. These laws often require researchers to minimize animal suffering, use the minimum number of animals necessary, and consider alternatives to animal testing.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Animal testing on rodents
Wikipedia's article - Animal testing on rodents

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Animal testing on rodents