• Laboratory animals in biomedical research: ethical concerns
  • Faezeh Tolouei,1,* Danial Safarpoor,2
    1. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic and Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Zanjan, Iran
    2. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran


  • Introduction: Laboratory animals have been used in experimental research to increase our knowledge in biological and biomedical fields. Increased concern for animal rights requires a greater focus on the ethical issues. Also, the reliability of the results of these studies will depend on the use of correct design and implementation methods.
  • Methods: This study has benefited from digital libraries resources published from 2005 to present.
  • Results: Studies in Iran show that despite improving the laboratory animals care status and increasing the awareness of researchers working with laboratory animals, many researchers are still unfamiliar with the ethical codes and standard operating procedures for working with laboratory animals. All biomedical research projects involving laboratory animals must be submitted and reviewed by ethics committees. The guiding principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) underpin the humane use of animals in biomedical research and must be used properly by researchers. All researchers must take the necessary training course(s) in working with laboratory animals and obtain certification. Every researcher must have a thorough understanding of the biology and behavior of the laboratory animal used. Researchers must also be inform of the importance of the work being done, and consider all the necessary preconditions based on the available scientific background. Supervisory committees must monitor the proper implementation of the instructions throughout the research projects.
  • Conclusion: The use of animals in biomedical research must be based primarily on ethical assumptions, and must certainly justify the use of animal.
  • Keywords: Laboratory animal, ethics, biomedicine, research