Programs & Campaigns
A Voice for All Animals
NEAVS Questions
Boston Globe's Rat and Human Biology Article
February 9, 2001
Boston Globe
135 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02107
Dear Editor,
Rats are biologically similar to humans???
The New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS) hopes readers
will not swallow Marlene Cimons’ lopsided article Cheers,
jeers on rat research (2-08-01). Cimons’ article
states, "Typically, if a chemical causes cancer in rodents,
it usually will cause cancer in humans too." The animal
research industry wants us to believe that—and Cimons echoes
their propaganda.
First, rat anatomy and physiology
differ enormously from humans’. A few of the dissimilarities
that could detrimentally affect research: rats rarely vomit;
do not have a gall bladder; do not have sweat glands; cannot
pant; are poor regulators of body temperature; have twice
the concentrating ability for urine; and, have a heart rate
four times a human’s.
Second, numerous rat studies of drugs
were inaccurate when extrapolated to humans. A small sample:
Flosint, an arthritis medication, proved fatal to humans yet
was considered safe from testing on rats, dogs, and
monkeys. Zelmid, an antidepressant, caused neurological damage
in humans though tested on rats and dogs. Clioquinol,
an antidiarrheal, caused blindness and paralysis in humans
despite testing in rats, rabbits, cats and dogs.
One can find animal studies that show
cigarette smoke, fiberglass, and saccharin are harmful – or
harmless. This is true of almost any substance. Since animal
research gives such varying results depending on species,
sex, breed and a host of other factors, researchers’ results
can be unintentionally or even intentionally misleading.
Then why do these antiquated, faulty
animal tests continue? Because it is an enormous profit-driven
industry.
Non-animal tests such as Corrositex,
EpiDerm, EpiOcular, Irritection Assay System, are highly predictive
for humans. Sadly, they do not get media attention. Rather,
the animal industry’s stranglehold over the media continues
to define science. Your readers deserve better, educated,
and objective reporting.
Sincerely,
Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D.
President
Ann Stauble
Director of Research and Investigations
For further information, contact Melinda Everett, APR,
Director of Media and Public Relations: 617-523-6020 x17 or meverett@ma.neavs.com.
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