Proceedings of the Symposium on Current Concepts and Approaches on Animal Test Alternatives

Abstract : Biological and medical research has historically been conducted primarily with animal experimentation. The advances in biological scientific knowledge and medicine have been dependent and resulted from these animal experiments, supplemented with in vitro studies. Over the last decade, advocates for animal rights, and the skyrocketing cost of animal experimentation, have intensified the search for more alternatives to animal biomedical research and testing. Although to replace animal research is a noble quest, realistically this may never be accomplished since the final proof will require testing in an integrated whole animal system. However, the scientific and animal activist communities, sensitive to all of these issues are advocating the adoption of the 3 Rs: (1) replacement of animals; (2) reduction in the number of animals; (3) refinement by getting more information from fewer animals and using animals lower on the phylogenetic tree. A fourth R is taking responsibility for implementing the 3 R approach. These proceedings describe the current state of the art in the 4 Rs. Alternative methods (in vitro, chemical, computer) are described for not only eye and skin, but also for inhalation, aquatic, environmental and noncarcinogenic endpoints. In addition, the regulatory status is discussed since this is a major prerequisite to validation and acceptance. Alternatives, Environmental and noncarcinogenic endpoints, In vitro, Inhalation, Dermal and ocular alternatives, 3 Rs, Aquatic