Using Animal Models in Biomedical Research: A Primer for the Investigator

Animal models play crucial roles in the continuum of experimental activities that make up biomedical research. Such in vivo modes are especially important in proof-of-principle experiments and in establishing the preclinical safety and efficacy data required for progressing to human clinical trials. A practical understanding of the choice, care and use of animal models is thus expected and required of all biomedical researchers. However, while both legislations and the practice of laboratory animal science have made great advances in the last decade and have impacted significantly on the use of animal models, this corpus of knowledge is not readily available in formats easily digestible to the average biomedical researcher. This book fills this gap in knowledge and provides material not easily sourced by the average biomedical researcher, such as current information on bioimaging, occupational health and biosafety, animal protocol design and histological-pathological support.