Considerations For Use Of Experimental Animals In Biomedical And Periodontal Research

Human biology is very much like that of many other animals. That is why results from animal experiments apply to people. Animal models have been used to evaluate the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and various periodontal treatment modalities. However, animals are used more as a matter of tradition, not because animal research has proved particularly successful or better than other modes of experimentation. The claim that animals are necessary for biomedical research is unsupported by the scientific literature. One must avoid direct extrapolation of results of studies in laboratory animals to the human. However, the welfare of human being will always outweigh the welfare of non-human beings and the quest for knowledge must never be hindered by what may be interpreted as ignorance or sentimentalism.

Scientists, that work on experimental animals should keep them well and treat them with respect. They should be deeply concerned about the rational and humane use of animals in research.  They should be concerned about avoiding unnecessary pain or suffering or injury to animals during holding, experimentation and post–experimentation period by monitoring and improving their housing, environment, feeding and veterinary care. This review intends to discuss the importance and controversies of animal experimentation; guidelines for animal welfare; legal implications; selection of appropriate species; problems inherent in animal experimentation and their possible solution.