4. Comparative Neuroscience

• What is the main focus of comparative neuroscience?

  Understanding human behavior through research on other species
• How have sea slugs contributed to neuroscience research?

  They have helped us understand basic types of learning in the nervous system
• What have cats taught researchers in the field of neuroscience?

  Cats have taught us about sensory processing
• What role do rodents play in neuroscience research?

  Rodents have taught us about motivation and some drug addictions
• What percentage of all UK procedures involve mice, rats, fish, and birds?

  97%
• How do the brains of different species vary?

  Some animals have small smooth brains while others have larger folded brains
• Why is the size of the brain not the chief concern in comparative neuroscience research?

  Research focuses on key regions of the brain that may be similar across species
• What does homology refer to in comparative neuroscience?

  Similarity of structures or genes across different species due to shared evolutionary ancestry
• What must researchers consider when comparing brain areas across species?

  They must check if the areas are similar in chemicals or neurotransmitters and their functions
• What types of animals are used in research for drug development?

  Both healthy and unhealthy animals
• What are the three types of validity to consider when choosing an animal model?

  • Face validity: Does the model look like it expresses the condition?
  • Construct validity: Do we see the expected changes?
  • Predictive validity: Can we treat the model with the same drug as in humans?
• What are the stages of pre-clinical work in drug development?

  1. Conducted on a small number of healthy participants to determine dosage and safety.
  2. Small-scale trials on patients with relevant conditions to test tolerance and efficacy.
  3. Large-scale trials on people with relevant conditions for further testing.
  4. Post-marketing surveillance for side effects and long-term risks.
• How long does the drug development process typically take?

  Approximately 12 years
• What are some scientific issues with using animals in research?

  Some argue that animals are not suitable due to dissimilarity and differences in drug administration methods
• What ethical concerns are raised regarding animal testing?

  Some argue we have no right to test on animals for human benefit and that it can be seen as cruel
• Who regulates animal research in the UK?

  The home office
• What must be evident in animal research according to the three Rs?

  Replacement, refinement, and reduction
• What is the purpose of the internal ethical review process in animal research?

  To ensure that animal work is conducted ethically and responsibly
• How can conditions be induced in animal models for research purposes?

  Conditions can be induced through toxin introduction or gene editing
• What factors are considered in the pharmacokinetics of a drug during pre-clinical trials?

  Patterns of absorption, distribution, breakdown, and exertion of the substance