Studies Database

Gorzalczany S, Rubio M, Bramuglia G, Baratti CM, Taira C. Teaching in pharmacology and 3Rs: problems and ways forward [abstract]. ALTEX. 2011;28(Special Issue):229. Abstract 383.

The advance in the discovery of drugs has increased the quantity of scientific available information to be evaluated, creating new challenges in the selection of the knowledge to being given in the university classroom. Drug-discovery research requires accurate quantification of the affinity, selectivity and biological effects of new compounds. From in vitro assay, it is possible to get information indicating its potential efficacy and safety but in vivo studies are essential for determining whether the in vitro activity does in fact, translate to the in vivo situation. Integrative pharmacologists, who understand the potentials and the risks inherent to a pharmacological mechanism with the ability to build intellectual and technical bridges between molecular, cellular and intact organisms, are needed to evaluate new drugs. However, there is currently a severe shortage of pharmacologists with the skills needed to carry out in vivo studies in medical research. Economical and ethical factors have led to a decline in the teaching of in vivo pharmacology but this knowledge and appreciation of integrated responses must be given proper emphasis in any pharmacology courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Videos, experimental design, statistical analysis, and data handling exercises related to animal experimentation used in the educational process, could improve animal welfare and the quality of biomedical research and testing in our country. Although economical obstacles must be overcome, this will provide a mechanism by which most biomedical science students can become aware of issues related to the use of animals in research.

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