Refinement of a transplantation project in the non-human primate by the use of a humane endpoint

By Fante, F. - Boldrin, M. - Polito, L. - Ravarotto, L. - Castagnaro, M. - Hutabba, S. - Cozzi, E. - Ancona, E.

An assessment scheme was developed to establish a humane endopoint in a pig-to-primate renal xenotransplantation project, with a view to minimizing and controlling any pain or suffering conditions in the animals involved while still achieving the scientific objective. In particular, the assessment criteria for identifying the earlist endpoint are described, bearing in mind both the resarcher's need to obtain top-quality data and the ethical need to safeguard the animal. The scheme should also be applicable to other experiments involving non-human primates (e.g. allotransplantation, survival after major surgery, pharmacological safety tests) because it considers reproducible general parameters together with aspects specific to each experimental model.