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Acta Physiologica 2009; Volume 196, Supplement 671
Scandinavian Physiological Society’s Annual Meeting
8/14/2009-8/16/2009
Uppsala, Sweden
COMPARATIVE CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY WITH FOCUS ON CANINE MODELS
Abstract number: PL3
BOSWOOD1 A
1Veterinary clinical sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK. [email protected]
Dogs are frequently used as whole, large animal models to study cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology and toxicology. Conclusions are drawn from the study of such models regarding human health, disease and its treatment. There are many issues associated with the use of canine models. Justifiably, ethical and philosophical considerations associated with such experimentation exist. The principles of replacement, refinement and reduction should prevail. Notwithstanding these considerations canine models remain necessary and continue to be used. Additional issues require consideration. A model can never completely recapitulate the natural state it is supposed to mimic. Species differences, rather than an intervention of interest, may be responsible for some of the observations made when inappropriate models are used. In some respects dogs are more similar to humans than other species and this makes them more suitable for comparisons to be drawn. For instance compared to rats, one of the most common model species, dogs are more similar to humans in respect of their heart size, myosin heavy-chain isoforms and myocardial chymase activity. There remain important differences between humans and dogs in respect of collateral myocardial circulation, ventricular repolarisation and the tendency to develop atheromatous lesions. These render canine models problematic in the study of certain conditions. The interests of veterinarians and basic scientists are most likely to be aligned when canine models of disease, be they induced or naturally occurring, produce information of benefit to dogs as well as humans. There are numerous naturally occurring cardiovascular diseases of dogs including myxomatous mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy where study of the disease process in a species afflicted by the condition may be of mutual benefit.
To cite this abstract, please use the following information:
Acta Physiologica 2009; Volume 196, Supplement 671 :PL3