@article{17109cd049bb4e9d8ded194106ed20f7,
title = "Animal models in pain research.",
abstract = "OBJECTIVES: To describe the various models of acute and chronic pain used in animal research and to assist the clinical nurse to understand specific terminology in interpreting the research findings. DATA SOURCES: Review articles, book chapters, research studies, and research guidelines and handbooks pertaining to use of animals in laboratory research. CONCLUSIONS: The value of pain research in animals is the testing of new drugs and treatments that may one day be used to relieve pain. Additional benefits include a greater understanding of the physiology of pain and the reflexive and complex pain behaviors that can be used to increase awareness of the human pain experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Understanding the models used in animal research allows greater communication between nurses and scientists, fostering the development of clinically based research questions. Patients with benefit from animal research when nurses and other health care providers appropriately interpret and apply this valuable information in the clinical setting.",
author = "Stanley, {K. L.} and Paice, {J. A.}",
note = "Funding Information: Most of the medical treatments we use today, including new drugs and surgical techniques, were first developed and tested using animals. This is especially true in the area of pain research. Before any new analgesic is used in clinical trials, efficacy studies as well as toxicity research must be conducted. Approximately 90% of the animals used in pain research are rodents, followed by small mammals such as rabbits, cats, and dogs. Extreme caution and care are used to avoid provoking excessive distress or suffering in the animal. Unfortunately, the use of animals in research has generated much controversy. Animal rights groups have been vocal, and often militant, opponents to the use of animals in biomedical research. Although abuses have been documented, and are frequently cited by animal rights groups, these incidents are extremely rare. How does one balance the need for animal research with the obligation to conduct research in a humane manner? Several principles guide the scientist. Minimizing pain and distress is not only an ethical imperative, it is also good science. Animals that experience unnecessary pain or health problems may introduce confounding variables into the design of the study. Several general principles that guide responsible animal research include using the fewest number of animals, exposed to the least noxious stimuli possible, for the shortest period of time.tS Furthermore, animals used in research should be given adequate post-operative analgesia and euthanasia that is without pain, fear, or stress. ~9 Strict laws and regulations have been developed to govern animal research and ensure humane treatment. These include the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (RL. 99-198) and the Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act amending the Animal Welfare Act (RL. 99-148). 2o The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires that any institution conducting research funded by the Public Health Service must comply with the Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The NIH also publishes the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. 21 All research institutions must follow the policies set forth in this document. Other organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience, 22 the National Research Council, 23 and the International Association for the Study of Pain, ~s have also established guidelines to be followed by their members. Copyright: This record is sourced from MEDLINE{\textregistered}/PubMed{\textregistered}, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine",
year = "1997",
month = feb,
doi = "10.1016/S0749-2081(97)80043-5",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "13",
pages = "3--9",
journal = "Seminars in Oncology Nursing",
issn = "0749-2081",
publisher = "W.B. Saunders Ltd",
number = "1",
}