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Scientists set to develop animal-free model of human airways
It is hoped the project will prevent experiements on or with animals.
Model could prevent animal tests for toxicity of e-cigarettes

Scientists at Aston University are developing an animal-free model of the human airways, to be used for testing the toxicity of e-cigarettes.

It is hoped that the project, announced ahead of World No Tobacco Day (31 May), will prevent experiments on or with animals, as questions are raised about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes.

In the USA, such experiments are already taking place, in which animals are exposed to vapours for weeks or months on end. After the experiment, the animals are usually killed so that their tissues can be analysed.

The UK does not currently use animals to test e-cigarettes. If a manufacturer wanted to register them as an aid to quit smoking, however, they would be required under new regulations to have them tested as medicinal products, which may increase the chance of animal testing.

Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International, which is funding the study, said: “Public outcry at smoking experiments led to them being ended, therefore the public, including those who vape, would be concerned to see animal tests for an alternative smoking product.

“We are excited to be funding the development of this innovative project which will save animals and provide accurate human-based data. It will also advance the way human cell lines can be maintained which could have far-reaching effects.”

Foetal calf serum (FCS) is the standard method used by researchers as the medium to grow human cell lines. However, this has raised ethical concerns owing to its collection method.

In this novel project, researchers will use multiple cell types submerged in medium without FCS. The cells will be tested and the results compared to previous data from cells grown with FCS.

The researchers will then test these cells under a “dynamic flow system” which more accurately mimics the environment in human airways. The model will then be used to see how the cells respond to e-cigarette exposure.

Project leader Dr Laura Leslie said: “The use of foetal calf serum to grow human cells, although currently standard practice, can present scientific challenges.

“By developing an entirely animal-free model, we hope to set the standard for a completely human-relevant method for investigating the effects of e-cigarettes on the human airways, an area where there is currently a lack of information.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.