By Amanda Katz
Posted on April 5, 2003
Two German scientists have developed a new method of
determining whether or not a substance is inflammatory that does not
require the use of animals.
The new test instead involves the use of human white
blood cells grown in test tubes. They are exposed to the substance being
tested, and then examined to determine if the cells have released
molecules called cytokines that cause an immune system response likely
to produce inflammation.
According to the scientists who developed the test,
University of Leipzig researchers Karen Nieber and Sunna Hauschildt, it
may eventually reduce the number of laboratory experiments involving
animals that are conducted by as much as 25 percent.
A substantial number of so-called "cruelty-free"
laboratory tests have been developed and adopted by researchers during
the last decade, according to laboratory animal welfare activist Herbert
Cohen.
"The widespread adoption of this test would be another
step forward in reducing the amount of suffering experienced by animals
in laboratories," said Cohen.
Sources
University of Leipzig
New Test for Potentially Inflammatory Substances
Developed
European Biomedical Research Association
www.ebra.org/regulat/germany.html Animal Research in Germany
� 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
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