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Breakthroughs in Bioscience: A series of
illustrated essays that explain recent breakthroughs in biomedical
research and how they are important to society. The Breakthroughs series
also highlights the important role animal models play in biomedical
research and discovery.
From Viper’s Venom to Drug
Design: Treating Hypertension In the development of drugs to treat
high blood pressure, dogs and rabbits helped scientists understand how
the body controls blood pressure. In addition, ACE inhibitors (an
anti-hypertensive) were designed based on experiments with snake venom.
Genetic Research: Mining
for Medical Treasures
FASEB J. 2003;17:787E "Knock-out" mice, in which specific genes have
been inactivated, have been tremendously useful in helping researchers
understand the genetic basis of disease. Moreover, "knock out" mice also
serve as animal models for human diseases, allowing researchers to
develop treatments and diagnostic tests for genetic diseases.
New Weapons to Combat
an Ancient Disease: Treating Diabetes
FASEB J
(November 2002) 16:1853 The discovery that insulin could be used to
treat diabetes was made using dogs as models for what was, at that time,
a fatal condition. Mouse models are currently being used in the ongoing
effort to understand and treat type II diabetes.
Transplantation: The
Challenging Road Ahead Using experiments
involving mice, scientists developed methods for re-educating the immune
system to tolerate organ transplants. Additionally, rabbits serve as
critical models for techniques related to corneal transplants, now a
common place medical procedure.
Targeting Leukemia:
From Bench to Bedside
FASEB J.
(March 2002) 16: 273 As researchers discovered effective treatments
for leukemia, there remained a stumbling block: the drugs that killed
leukemia cells were unable to penetrate into the brain and spinal cord.
Fortunately, using animal models, scientists were able to develop a
direct injection and irradiation protocol that eliminated this problem.
Bone Builders: The
Discoveries Behind Preventing and Treating
Osteoporosis
FASEB J.
(August 2001) 15: 1677 The discoveries
that led to creating of drugs to treat osteoporosis came out of multiple
animal studies, including those involving cows, rats and dogs.
Making Anesthesia Safer: Unraveling the
Malignant Hyperthermia Puzzle The causes and prevention of malignant
hyperthermia, a violent and sometimes deadly reaction to anesthesia,
were discovered with help from pigs, who served as perfect models for
this sudden onset condition.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
From Atomic Physics to Visualization, Understanding and Treatment of
Brain Disorders
MRI is now an invaluable, noninvasive tool in the diagnosis and
treatment of brain disorders. Researchers learned how to refine and
interpret MRI images based on work done with animal models.
Helicobacter pylori
and Ulcers: A Paradigm Revised
While investigating the relationship between
the bacteria H. pylori and stomach ulcers, researchers were able
to create mouse models of related gastrointestinal diseases, such as
inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s
syndrome. These models offer a way for scientists and physicians to test
potential new treatments, as well as assisting them in understanding the
underlying biology of these devastating illnesses.
And be sure to check out these additional titles in
the Breakthrough series, to learn more about how basic bench research
and animal models lead to medical advancements:
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