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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19690974 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The birth of the first transgenic primate to have inherited a transgene from its parents opens the possibility to set up transgenic marmoset colonies, as these monkeys are small and relatively easy to keep and breed in research facilities. The prospect of transgenic marmoset models of human disease, readily available in the way that transgenic laboratory mice are currently, prompts excitement in the scientific community; but the idea of monkeys being bred to carry diseases is also contentious. We structure an ethical analysis of the transgenic marmoset case around three questions: whether it is acceptable to use animals as models of human disease; whether it is acceptable to genetically modify animals; and whether these animals' being monkeys makes a difference. The analysis considers the prospect of transgenic marmoset studies coming to replace transgenic mouse studies and lesion studies in marmosets in some areas of research. The mainstream, broadly utilitarian view of animal research suggests that such a transition will not give rise to greater ethical problems than those presently faced. It can be argued that using marmosets rather than mice will not result in more animal suffering, and that the benefits of research will improve with a move to a species more similar in phylogenetic terms to humans. The biological and social proximity of monkeys and humans may also benefit the animals by making it easier for scientists and caretakers to recognize signs of suffering and increasing the human motivation to limit it. The animal welfare and research impacts of the transition to marmoset use will depend very much on the extent to which researchers take these issues seriously and seek to minimize animal harm and optimize human benefit. |
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Authors:
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I Anna S Olsson; Peter Sand?e |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review Date: 2009-08-19 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Transgenic research Volume: 19 ISSN: 1573-9368 ISO Abbreviation: Transgenic Res. Publication Date: 2010 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-02-16 Completed Date: 2010-05-18 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9209120 Medline TA: Transgenic Res Country: Netherlands |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 181-6 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Laboratory Animal Science, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal. olsson@ibmc.up.pt |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Animals, Genetically Modified / genetics* Bioethics Biomedical Research / ethics* Callithrix / genetics* Disease Models, Animal* Genetic Engineering / ethics*, methods Germ Cells / metabolism* Humans Transgenes / genetics |
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