Animal Models Of Human Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Progress in understanding skin diseases has been aided enormously by the use of tissues derived from animals, by studying normal processes in animals, and by the development of animal models. The cellular activities in animals and humans are remarkably similar and the actual pathological process of an inflammatory skin disease can only be accurately observed and analyzed in a living animal model, and not in any in vitro model system. These factors have led to the regular use of animal tissues and models to allow the disease processes to be studied at a much greater depth. Animal Models of Human Inflammatory Skin Diseases features the principles and practices of how to go about studying inflammatory skin diseases using live animal models. On the principle side, the book describes the comparative structure and function of the skin, and the comparative immunology system in animal species commonly used as models. From the practical perspective, it presents a general discussion on methods of experimental animal modeling and contains specific expert experience on individual models. The authors include a detailed method of disease induction for each model, present chapters on comparative histology and immunology, and discuss potential targets of disease intervention. Written by biomedical investigators with first-hand experience in their chosen fields, this book is a valuable guide and reference for investigators in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. It provides an instantaneous comparison between the skin structure and immunology of humans and animals, aiding in the interpretation and application of pathologic and immunologic findings.

Pharmaceutical companies are spending increasing amounts of money on drug discovery and development. Nevertheless, attrition rates in clinical development are still very high, and up to 90% of new compounds fail in clinical phase I - III trials, which is partially due to lack of clinical efficacy. This indicates a strong need for highly predictive in vitro and in vivo models. The "50th International Workshop of the Ernst Schering Research Foundation" focussed on "Animal Models of T Cell-Mediated Skin Diseases". Such animal models should have impact not only on inflammatory dermatoses but also on other inflammatory disorders due to their model character. The current volume summarises recent advances in animal research that are important for anti-inflammatory drug discovery.

A major objective of this open access book is to summarize the current status of Buruli Ulcer (BU) research for the first time. It will identify gaps in our knowledge, stimulate research and support control of the disease by providing insight into approaches for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of Buruli Ulcer. Book chapters will cover the history, epidemiology diagnosis, treatment and disease burden of BU and provide insight into the microbiology, genomics, transmission and virulence of Mycobacterium ulcerans.

Because autoimmune disorders can wreak havoc in both humans and animals, these disorders are now the objects of intense and focused research. This book details specific animal models for a variety of autoimmune disorders. The contributors are recognized authorities who deal with the panoply of experimentally induced autoimmune disorders, including encephalomyelitis, allergic neuritis, uveoretinitis, myocarditis, and hepatitis. Also included are discussions of spontaneously appearing diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Many other disorders are also covered in this comprehensive guide. Certain to be an aid in the planning of individual experiments and broader research programs, this book will be a valuable addition to the library of all practicing immunologists interested in immune system function and dysfunction.

The recent interest in the pharmacology of the skin and the treatment of its diseases has come about for two reasons. The first is a realisation that many aspects of pharmacology can be studied as easily in human skin, where they may be more relevant to human physiology and diseases, as in animal models. Examples of this are the action of various vasoactive agents and the isolation of mediators of inflammation after UV irradiation and antigen-induced dermatitis. The second reason is the fortuitous realisation that a pharmacological approach to the treatment of skin disease need not always await the full elucidation of etiology and mechanism. For example, whilst the argument continued unresolved as to whether the pilo-sebaceous infection which constitutes acne was due to a blocked duct or to a simple increase in sebum production, 13-cis-retinoic acid was found quite by chance totally to ablate the disease; again, whilst cyclosporin, fresh from its triumphs in organ transplantation, has been found able to suppress the rash of psoriasis, it has resuscitated the debate on etiology. We are therefore entering a new era in which the pharmacology and clinical pharmacology of skin are being studied as a fascinating new way of exploring questions of human physiology and pharmacology as well as an important step in the development and study of new drugs, use of which will improve disease control and at the same time help to define pathological mechanisms.

Animal Models for the Study of Human Disease, Second Edition, provides needed information on model sharing, animal alternatives, animal ethics and access to databanks of models, bringing together common descriptions of models for busy researchers across biomedical and biological sciences. Offering easily searchable advantages and disadvantages for each animal model and organized by disease topics, this resource aids researchers in finding the best animal model for research in human disease. Organized by disease orientation for ease of searchability Provides information on locating resources, animal alternatives, and animal ethics Covers a broad range of animal models used in research for human disease Contributed by leading experts across the globe Expanded coverage of diabetes and neurological diseases

Animal Models for the Study of Human Disease identifies important animal models and assesses the advantages and disadvantages of each model for the study of human disease. The first section addresses how to locate resources, animal alternatives, animal ethics and related issues, much needed information for researchers across the biological sciences and biomedicine.The next sections of the work offers models for disease-oriented topics, including cardiac and pulmonary diseases, aging, infectious diseases, obesity, diabetes, neurological diseases, joint diseases, visual disorders, cancer, hypertension, genetic diseases, and diseases of abuse. Organized by disease orientation for ease of searchability Provides information on locating resources, animal alternatives and animal ethics Covers a broad range of animal models used in research for human disease