There are other recently developed methods that reduce the amount of time animals must spend in experiments, allowing for early detection and implementation of early humane euthanasia. The HSUS workshop presented some of the state-of-the-art techniques now available. Dr. Alan Goldberg stated that although the focus of alternatives efforts in the past has been on replacement, the current focus appears to be on refinements. Focusing on refinements will lead to a significant reduction or elimination of pain and distress in laboratory animals. Death as an endpoint is no longer an acceptable method. By incorporating humane endpoints, one can also achieve increased scientific benefits. Noninvasive techniques that incorporate humane endpoints are the most humane and efficient approach in methods of refinement, taking into account the animal's discomfort throughout a study.

Dr. Pamela Reilly Contag described a novel technique that makes use of in vivo imaging of gene expression. This technology can assess structure and function of living tissue by analyzing light transmission through the animal. Biological tissue can be tagged with photoproteins (luciferase) that emit light, and the photons can be detected even when they are coming from inside the animal. Bioluminescent tags can be attached to infectious agents and, as the infection takes hold and spreads, the growth and spread of the infectious agent can be tracked, often producing conclusive results within one work day and before the animal begins to display signs of clinical disease. The advantage of using bioluminescence is that each animal can serve as its own control, thereby reducing animal numbers and animal-to-animal variation.

To read Dr. Pamela Contag's "Refinement of Animal Models by Noninvasive Monitoring of Infection and Gene Expression," download the PDF.

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