Humane methodology and conservation of species in maintaining a primate animal laboratory for biomedical experimentation: twenty years experience.

The "3 R's", i.e., Reduction of numbers, Refinement of techniques aimed at avoiding or diminishing pain and suffering, and Replacement of primate animal use (or animal use) whenever possible has been our policy for the past twenty years. LEMSIP is an inter-institutional, biomedical laboratory primarily serving physicians with clinical human patient responsibilities, and the research aimed at improving human health. The majority of its users are from New York and the northeastern U.S. area, but it is also utilized nationally, as well as internationally, in active programs over many years with a number of European countries, as well as the U.S.S.R., India, Japan, South Africa, etc. Our consistent experience has been that biomedical researchers are willing to take the time and effort to devise protocols which avoid unnecessary sacrifice of animals, as well as pain and suffering, when it is called to their attention and if appropriate methodology is provided. The protocols submitted are reviewed for compliance with the "3 R" policy by a Utilization Committee of peers; this has proven to be most helpful in implementation of the policy. Typical, actual examples of implementation of humane methodology and conservation of species will be represented to illustrate the methods used.