Animal Models for Human Diseases

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge and competences in biomedical sciences are required. The course can be held in both Portuguese or English.

Teaching Methods

Lectures will be given by a group of leading experts in animal models of human diseases. Beyond that, work in laboratory environment and small group discussions will allow the PhD students to brainstorm around new research ideas and develop new research projects, always with a face to face interaction with the faculty members. Critical analysis of published research articles will also be performed. Continuous evaluation of the students will be performed during course. There will also be a theoretical evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

The use of animals as model of human diseases runs parallel to the development of medical science and biomedical research. Experimental animals are an indispensable alternative for medical research and safety testing. This course gives a general overview on animal models of human diseases and was designed to be used in biomedical research, addressing the scientific, technological and ethical aspects of animal experimentation.

During a week, students are introduced to the different animal models of human diseases, giving special emphasis to the criteria needed to design, select and validate the model. This content will provide basic information and the background for students to integrate their knowledge into the design and implementation of a research project including an animal model. A practical session will be carried out, during which the students will perform a biodistribution study of a radiopharmaceutical for studying the function of a particular organ.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1st dia - 13:00 – 20:00 (M Filomena Botelho, Denise Priolli, JG Tralhão)
Introduction to the Course of Animal Models of Human Diseases
Experimental Animal Research
Surgical Models
Critical analysis of papers

2nd day - 13:00 – 20:00 (C Rego, M Marques Ferreira, M Filomena Botelho, P Raimundo, Denise Priolli)
Animal models of degenerative diseases
Dental transplants
Research with Zebra Fish
Critical analysis of papers

3rd day - 13:00 – 20:00 (M Carneiro, M Abrantes, M Filomena Botelho, R Seiça, C Sena)
Animal models of Rheumatoid arthritis
Models of hypoxia/Reperfusion
Animal model of diabetes
Critical analysis of papers

4th day - 13:00 – 20:00 (M Filomena Botelho, Denise Priolli, M Abrantes, M Laranjo, S Barroso)
Practical session
3 R’s – replacement, reduction and refinement

5th day - 13:00 – 20:00 (M Filomena Botelho, Denise Priolli, JG Tralhão)
Evaluation
Seminar.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Filomena Rabaça Roque Botelho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 30.0%
Report of a seminar or field trip: 30.0%
Critical analysis of scientific papers: 40.0%

Bibliography

1. Scientific papers and dedicated books in the areas referred above.
2. “Methods in mammary gland biology and breast cancer research”. Margot M Ip and Bonnie B Asch. Kluwer Academy, New York
3. “Metastasis research protocols, Vol II”. Susan A Brooks and Udo Schumacher. Humana Press, New Jersey.
4. “Principles of laboratory animal sciences”. LFM Van Zutphen, V Baumens, AC Beynen. Elsevier.