A PESQUISA EXPERIMENTAL E SUA ADESÃO AOS MÉTODOS ALTERNATIVOS COM O USO DE BRONQUÍOLOS SUÍNOS PROVENIENTES DE ABATEDOURO: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.814112402105

• Palavras-chave: Bronquíolos, Porco doméstico, Pesquisa científica

• Keywords: Bronchioles, Domestic pig, Scientific research

• Abstract: The use of vertebrate animals in medical research remains a common practice today, aimed at developing techniques beneficial to human health. Among these animals, the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) stands out due to its physiological similarities to humans in aspects such as dentition, cardiovascular system, and renal structure. However, due to high maintenance costs, the use of pigs in research was initially limited, leading to the development of minipigs to facilitate studies in pharmacology and toxicology. At the Regional University of Cariri (URCA), aiming to reduce experimental euthanasia and following the 3Rs principles (Reduction, Replacement, Refinement), the Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of Excitable Cells (LFCE) conducts experiments with pig bronchioles obtained from local slaughterhouses. Lung fragments are carefully collected and transported in physiological solution to avoid contamination and preserve tissue viability. After a storage period, samples are prepared for muscle contraction and relaxation tests, recording mechanical responses via transducer. This method has proven effective and has led to studies on the bronchodilator effects of substances like Lippia sidoides essential oil and methyl eugenol, with potential pharmacological applications. The technique contributes to the global trend of reducing the use of laboratory animals by utilizing tissues from slaughterhouses for scientific research.