2. 1) DEFINITION OF EXPERIMENTAL
PHARMACOLOGY
deals with effect of various pharmacological agents
studied on different animal
It is defined as the branch of pharmacology in which
drugs are injected in animals or consumed by animals
to study the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
parameters
3. Mouse – most frequently used. Pharmacology, genetics of mammals, virology,
models of human diseases (mutant strains, transgenic and knock-out mice)
Rat – physiology of cognitive processes, behaviour, models of diabetes
Rabbit – serology, insulin quantification, pyrogens quantification, tests of
irritable effect of chemical substances on the cornea
Cat – study of CNS and respiratory system
Dog – e.g. beagle, use in electrophysiology, neurophysiology
Guinea-pig – in microbiology and serology, physiology of the auditory system
Hamster - genetics
Pig – training of surgical techniques, temporary covering of burns with porcine
skin
Primates – rhesus monkey, baboon, chimpanzee – use in neurology, virology,
behaviour
Frog – physiology of blood circulation, electrophysiology
Fish, molluscs, insects...
3
2) The most important species of laboratory animals
5. 4)CURRENT SCENARIO
Animals are used for experimentation in testing the
pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of
the drug . It is done purely for curing diseases in humans
.
But this is highly debatable as people protest that
animals are harmed in doing so
So certain organizations for the welfare of animals
suggest that the use of animals for experimentation
should be abolished and alternative measures should be
taken .
6. 5)
On the other hand researchers say that the alternative
measures taken would not yield the desired result .
Researchers also state that the alternative measures
may produce erroneous results.
So the current scenario is that minimum amount of
animals are used for research .
The animals provided for research are very few . And
the grant to use animals is provided after very careful
verification .
8. 7) ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES OF THE
ALTERNATIVESADVANTAGES
Animals can be saved .
Less torture to animals
Less time consuming
DISADVANTAGES
As soft wares are man made errors are bound to occur
Desired results may not be obtained
Researchers are forced to believe the software results
without reasoning
9. Testing
1. Helps researchers to find drugs and treatments
2. Improves human health
3. Helps ensure safety of drugs:
4. Alternative methods of testing do not simulate
humans in the same way
10. 9 Cons or Negatives of Animal
Testing
1. Animals are killed or kept in captivity
2. Some substances tested, may never be used for
anything useful
3. It is very expensive
