Laboratory animal sciences training in gulf co-operation council countries: think globally, act locally.

摘要

Animal experiments are currently the mainstay in the determination of the biological activity of newly discovered compounds. The preliminary animal data serve as the basis for elaborate studies in the biological and medical sciences, such as the safety and efficacy testing of drugs, research into genetic disorders, and the development of diagnostics. It is essential that the preclinical data generated should be reliable, accurate and precise, in order to optimise the subsequent clinical studies. Moreover, the handling of laboratory animals and the performance of animal experiments are an integral part of post-graduate training in pharmacology, toxicology, biotechnology, physiology, molecular biology, microbiology and related courses. Many alternatives to animal experiments have been advocated globally. However, in view of the perceived limitations of these alternatives, animal experiments have not been totally replaced in most research institutions.