Experimental animal research
At the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, studies are carried out with various animal species - from ants to mice - in order to clarify fundamental biological questions. Animal experiments are sometimes indispensable, particularly in biomedical research and ecological studies at RPTU. Complex processes in living organisms, which are due to the interaction of different cell types, can only be researched in living animals. Processes such as hearing, memory storage or disease-related phenomena, such as epileptic seizures, cannot yet be simulated in cell cultures or mini-organs. However, it is precisely this research that forms the basis for future therapeutic intervention. Animal-based basic research thus creates the foundation for biomedical progress. Animal experiments are also often necessary in ecological studies in order to understand the complex interactions in ecosystems and between different species. For example, animals have to be marked in order to track their movements in nature. This is the only way to record the effects of environmental factors, climate change or new species on ecosystems. This is crucial in order to preserve biodiversity and the ecological balance on Earth. The reintroduction of rare species also plays an important role in preserving them in their natural environment.
For these reasons, we consider the handling of animals to be extremely important not only in research, but also in teaching, particularly in biomedical degree programmes. On the one hand, professional handling of animals is taught with the aim of minimising stress and pain for the animals. On the other hand, ethical aspects are comprehensively addressed. This is not only about responsibility in the practical handling of animals, but also about weighing up the moral justifiability of animal experiments. Students should develop an awareness of the ethical challenges and learn how to harmonise scientific necessities with animal welfare. These discussions promote a sound understanding of ethical boundaries and social responsibility in research.
RPTU takes the discussion about animal welfare and animal testing very seriously. In addition to strict adherence to the legally enshrined animal protection, we endeavour to act in accordance with the so-called 3R principle - Replace, Reduce, Refine (further information on the 3R principle can be found here. The aim here is to completely avoid animal testing wherever possible (Replacement) and to limit the number of animals used in experiments (Reduction) and their stress (Refinement) to the absolute minimum. For the mammals used, the necessity of the respective animal experiments is explained in detail in the official authorisation procedures, and only officially approved animal experiments are carried out at the RPTU (a comprehensive description of the authorisation process can be found here).
Alle tierexperimentell arbeitenden Forscher:innen an der RPTU sind sich ihrer Verantwortung für das Wohlergehen ihrer Versuchstiere bewusst und werden in ihrem Bestreben, ihren Versuchstieren optimale Haltungsbedingungen zu geben und Belastungen für die Tiere zu minimieren, von kompetenten Tierschutzbeauftragten und dem Tierschutz-Ausschuss der RPTU unterstützt.
All researchers working in animal experiments at RPTU are aware of their responsibility for the welfare of their laboratory animals and are supported by competent animal welfare officers and the RPTU Animal Welfare Committee in their efforts to provide their laboratory animals with optimal housing conditions and to minimise stress for the animals.
Replacement
Wherever possible, animal experiments are replaced by alternative methods, such as tissue and cell culture models. We also use human stem cells, for example, which can be differentiated into nerve cells in cell culture. Furthermore, at the RPTU we use the simplest possible organisms for many neurobiological questions on fundamental mechanisms and behaviours in order to prevent pain and suffering in more complex animals. The fruit fly, for example, is used in this context. However, it is not possible to research all emerging questions using such alternative methods.
Refinement
In research, great importance is attached to ensuring that the animals used in experiments are kept as well as possible. Strict legal requirements and ethical guidelines apply to the keeping of laboratory animals, such as mice, to ensure that the welfare of the animals is fully taken into account. These include regular inspections of the housing facilities, species-appropriate accommodation, air-conditioned rooms and constant access to food and water. The cages must offer the animals sufficient space and activity to support their natural behaviour as much as possible. In addition, animal welfare officers and veterinarians work closely with the researchers to ensure that unnecessary suffering is avoided.
If pain is unavoidable, such experiments must be assessed by the State Investigation Office and an independent ethics committee. The experiments may then only be started after authorisation by the authorities. Care is taken to ensure that pain is minimised for the animals and that an ethical balance is struck between the stress for the animals and the necessity of the experiment. Painkillers or other measures such as anaesthetics are used to minimise stress for the animals. There are strict regulations as to which drugs may be used and how they must be used. In addition, as part of each animal experiment, criteria are defined that determine when and how an animal must be removed from an experiment in order to prevent excessive suffering.
Reduction
The number of laboratory animals is limited to the necessary minimum. This is achieved through well-designed experiments and methodological as well as statistical improvements. Animal models are carefully selected based on prior experience. Centralized documentation of experimental results and close coordination among researchers help prevent redundant experiments.