Mice and rats and scientists, oh my!

Have you had a loved one with cancer? Do you know someone with diabetes? Did you personally have COVID-19?

We all know someone affected by these diseases and many other ailments that cause a decline in their quality of life. But have you ever thought about how doctors and nurses are able to treat these conditions to allow people to live longer, healthier lives, even when they have these conditions?

Researchers studying diseases use many different tools to mimic human diseases and identify potential therapeutics. You’ve probably also heard that animal research is an import tool to study diseases, and occurs at MUSC, numerous other medical universities and even pharmaceutical companies. After all, animal models, like rats and mice, are one of the most common ways to do research.

Recently, there has been a big splash in the news about groundbreaking work in organ transplantation. In March of this year, a patient with chronic kidney disease received a donor kidney from a pig – a world first. The pig kidney was modified using gene-editing tools to be compatible with humans, allowing this patient to receive a healthy kidney after years of waiting for a human kidney. Although the patient died suddenly from unknown causes that are believed to be separate from the transplant, the initial success of this procedure provides a beacon of hope for others waiting for organ transplants.

But have you ever wondered how the animals that make this type of research possible are cared for? 

"Small and large animal models have allowed researchers to figure out why diseases happen, discover new genes and proteins that play critical roles in diseases, and develop novel medicines to treat and cure diseases."

-- Alexa Corker

Each country, including the U.S., has a set of strict rules and regulations pertaining to the use of animals in research. In the U.S., investigators must first write up a detailed protocol on how they plan to use animals in their research. Next, this protocol gets reviewed by each facility’s Institution Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), a committee that ensures animal wellbeing. Oftentimes the protocol needs to be edited by the investigator and reviewed once again to ensure that the animal procedures listed minimize harm to the animal.

The IACUC ensures that the 3 R’s of animal research are being followed by the laboratory. Is there a replacement model that could be used in place of the animals? Is there a way to reduce the proposed number of animals? Is there a way to refine these experiments to ensure animal safety and wellbeing? There are also anonymous tip lines to report animal abuse to the committee. If investigators are found to be violating these policies and their protocols, they can lose the right to use animals in their research.

The use of animals is critical to my own research. I study how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects cardiovascular health. It is hard to find human patient samples for my project as heart biopsies and tissue punches are extremely rare. In order to better understand these diseases, I employ the use of a mouse model. The use of my animal model may lead to the discovery of treatments for both PTSD and cardiovascular disease. Since I use mice in research, my lab and I interact with IACUC to ensure animals are not in pain and how I, as a researcher, can minimize pain in the animals. I also take yearly on-line and hands on training to ensure the newest and best practices are in place for my studies.

The public often has a negative connotation of using animals in research. Organizations like the Humane Society International (HIS) and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) fuel the image that researchers abuse and mistreat animals. While some institutions have been caught abusing animals, it is fairly rare due to the restrictions and policies in place when dealing with animal research.

Mice at MUSC are well taken care of. They receive regular cage, food and water changes by the animal technicians. If mice undergo surgical procedures, they are given daily vet checks and pain medicine. The majority of animal protocols state that if animals are exhibiting signs of distress and pain, they need to be humanely euthanized. These animals have an entire veterinary staff dedicated to them, giving them as much comfort and safety as possible.

Without animal research, we would not have the advancements in medicine and therapeutics we have today. Small and large animal models have allowed researchers to figure out why diseases happen, discover new genes and proteins that play critical roles in diseases, and develop novel medicines to treat and cure diseases. Over the years, scientists have discovered ways to minimize harm and maximize wellbeing for the animals.

We owe a lot of thanks to the animals that help to power our research, just as the Cowardly Lion helped to get Dorothy and Toto back home to Kansas.

**Disclaimer: the views expressed in this article are that of the author and do not reflect the position of MUSC.**