These mice are part of a study to help understand how HDL cholesterol, “the good cholesterol,"protects people from heart attacks. They are transgenic mice carrying the human gene APOA1, which produces a protein component of HDL cholesterol. Animals with this gene are highly resistant to heart disease. When they reach…
View and ShareGreater understanding of these genetic interactions may eventually permit improved diagnostics and therapies for patients with cardiomyopathy
Read MoreCats like Sophie help researchers study the molecular causes for heart failure. Almost 6 million people in the US have heart failure and half of these people die within 5 years of their diagnosis. Cells from the heart muscle of cats survive for up to 10 days in culture. This…
View and ShareThis mouse is on a study to help prevent heart attacks. He lives in a shoebox cage with three other mice. His cage is cleaned regularly and he is provided with fresh food consisting of a high fat diet (to simulate humans prone to heart attacks). He sleeps during the…
View and ShareThese baboons are needed as a model for a variety of studies, including research focused on understanding the genetics of complex diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. These two baboons are males socially housed in a baboon corral with other male baboons. They are seated on climbing structures…
View and ShareThe anatomy and function of organ systems in pigs are very similar to that of humans. Pig and human hearts and their associated blood vessels are approximately the same size and structure. Thus pigs are a valuable model in understanding heart function, disease, and treatment. Both pigs and people are…
Visit Species PageRabbits are the reason our dogs and cats can live with us in our houses. Louis Pasteur worked with rabbits to develop the first rabies vaccine which made it safe to bring pets into our homes. Rabbits have a similar anatomy and physiology to humans, especially their cardiovascular system, and…
Visit Species PageAnimal research contributes greatly to medical progress that helps both animals and humans to live longer and healthier lives. Share our information about the important contributions research animals make to life-saving medical breakthroughs. These animals were crucial to the development of vaccines, as well as effective treatments for cancer, AIDS,…
Read MoreCats contribute to research in neuroscience, ophthalmology, retrovirus research, inherited diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases. Cats are a valuable model for the study of Alzheimer’s disease because they uniquely replicate various integral parts of the pathology of the disease, in a way that’s similar to humans. Advances in veterinary as well…
Visit Species PageSheep have a similar physiology to humans, can get many of the same diseases, have a short gestation period, and their young are born at a similar weight to human babies. These characteristics are valuable in research studies related to respiratory diseases and fetal development. Sheep have contributed to many medical…
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