The Need for Primates in Research
Nonhuman primate research has led to major medical breakthroughs in the treatment
and prevention of diseases in both humans and animals.
Although less than 0.5 percent of
all animals used in research are primates, work with these
animals is important to scientific understanding of human
health and disease. Over the years, research with nonhuman
primates has led to major medical breakthroughs in the treatment
and prevention of diseases such as polio, Rh disease, and
hepatitis.
SFBR enjoys a long and distinguished history
in the use of nonhuman primates, particularly baboons and
chimpanzees, in biomedical research. The Foundation maintains
the world's largest baboon colony, composed of more
than 2,700 animals.
In June 1999, SFBR was designated as the
site of the new Southwest National Primate Research Center
as a result of the extensive animal resources and scientific
expertise in nonhuman primate research present at the What makes nonhuman primates so important
to biomedical research? Work with these animals has numerous
advantages:
Genetic and Physiological Similarities
Primates are genetically and physiologically more similar
to humans than are other animal species. Use of nonhuman
primate models allows investigation of complex physiological
characteristics that are shared only by humans and other
primates.
Infectious Disease Susceptibility
Similarities
Only humans and other primates are susceptible to many of
the infectious diseases that threaten human populations. For
example, the chimpanzee is the only animal besides man that
is susceptible to infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis
C viruses. Unlike humans, however, chimpanzees do not develop
liver disease from these infections. This characteristic makes
chimpanzees a valuable model for hepatitis research. In fact,
work with chimpanzees at SFBR was instrumental in the development
of a successful vaccine for hepatitis B, which is now given
to school-age children. Today, SFBR scientists are continuing
their research efforts to develop a similarly successful vaccine
for hepatitis C.
Similarities in Characteristics
of Menopause
Only humans and some nonhuman primates undergo menopause.
No other animal models are available for studying health issues
related to the natural onset of menopause.
Similarities in Chronic Disease
Profiles
Primates more closely resemble humans than any other animal
model in manifestations of the chronic diseases that are the
major public health problems in the United States today. For
example, nonhuman primates have naturally occurring atherosclerosis,
osteoporosis and hypertension, making them ideal animal models
for these conditions.
Ability to Control Matings
The ability to control breeding of nonhuman primates allows
experimental testing of specific genetic hypotheses that is
not possible in human populations.
Ability to Control Environment
Primates can be maintained in a similar environment throughout
life. The ability to control and maintain environmental factors
facilitates many experimental evaluations not possible in
human populations.
Medical Breakthroughs
