Validation of canine uterine and testicular arteries for the functional characterisation of receptor-mediated contraction as a replacement for laboratory animal tissues in teaching

Abstract

Teaching practicals for receptor physiology/pharmacology in medical and veterinary schools have involved the use of in vitro experiments using tissues from laboratory animals, which have been killed for isolated vascular strip or ring preparations. However, the use of scavenged tissues has been advocated to reduce animal use. Utilising discarded tissues from routine surgical procedures, such as canine neutering, has not previously been investigated. Canine testicular and uterine tissues (discarded tissues) were obtained from routine neutering procedures performed by the veterinary team at a local animal neutering clinic for stray dogs. Rings of uterine and testicular artery were dissected an..