In the United States, there are 1 million people living with Parkinson’s and 7 million with Alzheimer’s. As the American population continues to age, the number of neurodegenerative disease cases is projected to increase with no current cures in the market.
The Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research at the University of Georgia uses an interdisciplinary research approach to better understand and treat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The researchers at the Isakson Center come from diverse academic backgrounds such as neuroscience, toxicology, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.
As animals are prone to the same neurodegenerative diseases as humans, the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the highest-ranked veterinary schools in the nation, works together with the Isakson Center to find treatments for humans and animals alike.
Mice and rats make up 95% of the animals used in scientific research as they share genetic similarities to humans and are easy to manage. Rodent models have gained criticism in scientific research as rodents often live in more controlled conditions with less environmental pressures than humans, leading to differing disease expression.
Through its collaboration with the veterinary school, those at the Isakson Center occasionally use animals other than rodents such as canines and primates. These animals have more complex brain structures than rodents and have lifestyles similar to humans as they tend to be more sedentary and are prone to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
“A mouse is not a replica of a human, you see,” said Johnny Isakson Distinguished Professor Arthi Kanthasamy. “So we go to higher-order models, like dogs.”
While scientists at the Isakson Center will run tests on animals when conducting their research, they attempt to minimize the use of animals by turning to methods such as in-vitro models or computer simulations when at all possible. When animals are used in research, the Isakson Center must adhere to the various university and national guidelines and policies with regard to their treatment of animals.
“We do not take lightly the decision to use animals in some of our research,” said Julie McPeake, senior director of communications and marketing at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
A recent example of the progress the Isakson Center has made using canine models to further understand neurological disorders has been through their research on Cushing’s Disease, a syndrome leading to the overproduction of cortisol. In diseases such as Cushing’s Disease, canines are more likely to exhibit noticeable symptoms than humans, making canine research invaluable for further understanding diseases in humans and canines alike.
The shared goal of the scientists at the Isakson Center is to deepen their understanding of diseases in animals and humans in order to find solutions to mitigate their symptoms and search for potential cures.
“A lot of the diseases that occur in humans occur in animals and vice versa,” said College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Lisa Nolan in a statement. “So, solutions that we find in one can inform the care of the other.”
Neva Drane is a third-year journalism and anthropology student at the University of Georgia.
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