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Ethical considerations in hibernation research

Lab Animal volume 42, pages 248–252 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Ethical research practices are a key component of scientific integrity and of public support for research. Hibernation research presents specific ethical issues in regard to animal welfare. In this article, the authors apply the '3Rs' principles of humane experimental technique (replacement, reduction and refinement) to hibernation research. They provide recommendations for hibernation researchers and suggest future directions for addressing issues specific to hibernation research. They discuss the use of appropriate behavioral and physiological monitoring procedures, the development of species-specific brain atlases for placement of brain probes, the provision of environmental enrichment and the management of studies involving pharmacological induction of torpor. Addressing these issues in hibernation research will lead to improvements in research outcomes and in welfare of hibernating species.

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Figure 1: Arctic ground squirrels.
Figure 2: The number of hibernation studies published each year has increased from 1962 to 2011.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Kelly L. Drew for her review and comments and the following agencies for funding: US Army Research Office (Grant W911NF-05-1-0280); US Army Medical Research and Material Command (Grant 05178001); National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Grants NS041069-06 and R15NS070779); and Alaska Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

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  1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alaska Basic Neuroscience Program and Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

    Tulasi R. Jinka &  Lawrence K. Duffy

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  1. Tulasi R. Jinka
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Correspondence to Tulasi R. Jinka.

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Jinka, T., Duffy, L. Ethical considerations in hibernation research. Lab Anim 42, 248–252 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban.253

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