The Ethical Use of Animals in Research

What is The American Brain Coalition?

The American Brain Coalition (ABC) is a non-profit organization that bring together people with disabling brain disorders, the families of those that are affected, and the professional who research and treat diseases of the brain.  The mission of the ABC is to reduce the burden of brain disorders and advance the understanding of the brain.

Benefits of Animal Research

The American Brain Coalition (ABC) supports the purpose of utilizing animals in research to advance the understanding and treatment of diseases. The use of animals in research has played a critical role in nearly every major medical advancement of the last century. From the development of life saving medications, to better diagnosis and prevention techniques, the knowledge generated through this research is essential to both human and animal health. In order to treat and cure disorders of the brain, continued research on the complex functions of the living nervous system is absolutely necessary. 

Models of a number of human illnesses have been developed in several animal species. These models have been useful for the development of effective treatments as well as for understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders. At times, the only suitable vehicle to study the brain is an animal model. There is no adequate alternative, and therefore research must be done on animals in order to further our knowledge of the brain.

A Model of the Brain is Necessary

The function of the American Brain Coalition is to seek to advance the understanding of the brain and to reduce the burden of disabling brain disorders. The ABC is committed to finding cures for individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. The use of animals in research is essential for accomplishing this function. The results that have come out of animal testing have not only saved lives and money but also improved health and reduced suffering in humans as well as animals. There are numerous specific examples of how the study of brain and nerve cell function in animals has played a critical role in the development of treatment for brain-related illnesses. Without the use of animals, it would have been impossible to discover new therapeutic advance and improvements on existing medications.

For many human illnesses, the affected organ can be examined directly. Most organs can be probed, biopsied and excised for treatment and study. In general, the brain cannot be examined directly during life, except for rare instances during neurosurgical procedures. For most behavioral disorders, there is no clearly abnormal part of the brain that can be removed and studied. Thus, animal models are critical for the development of understanding normal brain function.

The ABC stands behind the specific laws and regulations in place to ensure the humane treatment and safety of animals utilized in educational studies or trials. These include minimum, set standards for handling, housing, watering, feeding, sheltering and ventilation of experimental animals. Additionally, institutions that conduct research on animals are required to establish a committee to evaluate and monitor animal use procedures.

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