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Transgenic Neuroscience Research Exploring the Scientific Opportunities Afforded by New Nonhuman Primate Models: Proceedings of a Workshop (2019) / Chapter Skim
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5 Bioethical Considerations for Transgenic Nonhuman Primate Models in Neuroscience Research
Pages 35-42

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From page 35...
... . • There are many questions to be addressed related to unintended and intended consequences of transgenic nonhuman primate models, including does it matter what disease is being modeled, how are the symptoms associated with the disease managed, and is "humanization" in animal models different in nonhuman pri mates compared with other species (Kahn)
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From page 36...
... These ethical issues relate to determination of the relationship between benefits and harms, the justification for using nonhuman primates as animal models for research, and the justification for genetically modifying nonhuman primates in ways that may cause pain and distress. Greely added that the public may have unrealistic fears about the humanization of these nonhuman primates and that even scientifically unrealistic fears can have significant consequences for research, and therefore, need attention.
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From page 37...
... Benefits such as increasing understanding of the disease in question or finding new treatments are generally accepted, she said, adding that benefits potentially could be increased if the translational fidelity of the animal model was increased. Different Ethical Considerations for Nonhuman Primates Versus Rodents and for Genetically Modified Animals Versus Wild Type Stefan Treue, director of the German Primate Center in Goettingen, said that regardless of the species, and whether genetically modified or not, animal welfare principles should apply to all animals.
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From page 38...
... Genetic models may be generated using human mutations -- either monogenic or combinations of mutations -- that help elucidate the biology of the disease, replicate the circuits implicated in human disease, and thus advance translation of this knowledge to humans. Emborg reminded workshop participants than an investigator's idea for the use of an animal model is vetted several times, starting with the call for proposals by federal and private funding agencies, the NIH Blueprint
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From page 39...
... Treue argued that while peer review works for assessing individual proposals, it is ultimately a political or science policy decision where funding lines are established that allow for approaches that break the general mold, including the large, multicenter projects needed for nonhuman primate research. Feng added that if researchers know of possible approaches that might lead to a treatment and do not pursue them, that also may be unethical.
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From page 40...
... For example, modifications to the animals' environment, feeding, and care may be needed if the manipulations have affected the animal's ability to chew or swallow, caused mobility or balance problems, or resulted in abnormal behaviors, she said. Ensuring that environments are designed appropriately and that animals receive humane and appropriate care requires a program of veterinarians, behaviorists, and technicians who know how to work not only with the nonhuman primate species, but with how the potential disease or phenotypic change may affect that species, said Landi.
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From page 41...
... IMPORTANCE OF PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC Given that the public funds most of the research involving nonhuman primates (other than the use of nonhuman primates for regulatory testing) , Treue stressed that researchers have a duty to communicate with the public about the ethical challenges of working with animals in general and more specifically with nonhuman primates.
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From page 42...
... Kahn added that improved communication is needed across stakeholder groups to guide research and help refine and articulate the arguments about justification so that any criteria crafted assure that research moves forward in an ethically acceptable way. These communications need to go beyond simplistic justifications, said Treue.
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Key Terms

  • nonhuman primate
  • neuroscience research
  • primate research
  • genetically modified
  • animal welfare

  • human disease
  • animal models
  • primate studies
  • ethical issues
  • using nonhuman

  • transgenic nonhuman
  • involving nonhuman
  • animal research
  • research involving
  • national primate

  • primate models
  • animal model
  • particular relevance
  • nih blueprint
  • disease models

  • gordon added
  • unrealistic fears
  • closely resemble
  • modifying nonhuman
  • adequately designed

  • help refine
  • primates compared
  • raises additional
  • help elucidate
  • appropriate care


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