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Modelling Neurological Diseases in Large Animals: Criteria for Model Selection and Clinical Assessment.
Samantha L Eaton1, Fraser Murdoch1, Nina M Rzechorzek2
1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
Cells
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Neurological disorder research faces translation challenges from rodents to humans. Large animal models, like livestock, offer better translational potential for developing effective human therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Medicine
- Translational Research
Background:
- Neurological disorders affect 1 in 6 people globally, with limited effective treatments.
- Translating rodent-based therapies to human neurological interventions has a high failure rate.
- Aging populations exacerbate the impact and need for effective neurological treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize characterization of large animal models for neurological disorders.
- To provide comprehensive neurological assessment protocols for large animal species.
- To evaluate the cross-species applicability of neurological exams for disease modeling.
Main Methods:
- Development of standardized neurological assessment protocols for large animals.
- Description of the applicability of these neurological exams across different large animal species.
- Focus on informing neuroanatomical dysfunction and lesion characterization.
Main Results:
- Established comprehensive neurological assessment protocols for large animal models.
- Detailed the practicalities of cross-species neurological disease modeling.
- Highlighted the utility of higher-order mammals in bridging the translational gap.
Conclusions:
- Standardized neurological assessments are crucial for large animal models.
- Large animal models, including livestock, improve therapeutic translation for neurological disorders.
- These protocols serve as a reference framework for consistent neurological clinical scoring.
