Refinement and reduction in animal experimentation: options for new imaging techniques.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical imaging
• Animal research ethics

Background:

• In vitro and in silico methods have limited success in analyzing complex biological systems.
• Reducing animal use in research is a critical ethical and regulatory requirement.
• Complex physiological systems like cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuronal systems require advanced analysis methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application of non-invasive imaging techniques for reducing animal experiments.
• To highlight the advancements in resolution and precision of modern imaging technologies.
• To encourage the adoption of small animal imaging techniques in research.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing non-invasive imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging ((f)MRI).
• Employing positron emission tomography (PET) for in vivo studies.
• Applying optical imaging (OI) for observing functional changes.
• Showcasing examples from recent research, including three from the authors' group.

Main Results:

• Non-invasive imaging allows observation of functional changes in genetically modified animals without harm.
• Current imaging technologies offer unprecedented resolution and precision.
• Demonstrated the merits of advanced imaging techniques through practical examples.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive imaging techniques are valuable tools for reducing and refining animal experiments.
• The adoption of advanced small animal imaging can significantly benefit complex biological research.
• Further exploration and application of these technologies are encouraged to advance scientific understanding and ethical research practices.