Abstract

REPLACEMENTS FOR ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION, COMPUTER SIMULATION MODELS Sanghmitra Priyadarshini*, S.S. Agrawal

Sanghmitra Priyadarshini*, S.S. Agrawal, Ankur Sood, Shreya Singh, Zaid Naqvi, Ankit Gupta

ABSTRACT

For demonstration of animal experiments of medical and paramedical faculties, a large number of animals are sacrificed every year. Such demonstrations can be humanely presented using computer simulations rather than experimental animals. For example, software 'X-cology: An Interactive CD-ROM for Pharmacology Undergraduates' was developed. It has become increasingly difficult to perform animal experiments, because of issues related to the procurement of animals, and strict regulations and ethical issues related to their use. A number of computer simulation models (CSMs) are available. Interactive demonstrations were conducted to encourage the departmental faculty to use CSMs. CSMs can be used repeatedly and independently by students, and this avoids unnecessary experimentation and also causing pain and trauma to animals. Recently a hybrid model based on the finite element method and on a compartmental biophysical representation of peripheral nerve fibers and intraneural electrodes was developed. Animal experiments were performed using the same stimulation protocol as in the computer simulations in order to rigorously validate the model predictions and understand its limitations. This software displays complete video demonstrations of different procedures like isolation and mounting of animal tissues followed by on screen interactive interface to study the effects of various drugs on the isolated tissues. It simulates / demonstrates experiments causing undue pain to animals. The presentation is made user friendly and self explanatory.

Keywords: Alternative of animal, simulation model, computer science.