Rabbits as Animal Models in Contemporary Implant Biomaterial Research

Abstract

Development of an optimal interface between bone and orthopedic or dental implants has taken place for many years. In order to determine whether a newly developed implant material conforms to the requirements of biocompatibility, mechanical stability and safety, it must undergo rigorous testing both in vitro and in vivo. Results from in vitro studies can be difficult to extrapolate to the in vivo situation. For this reason the use of animal models is often an essential step in the testing of orthopedic and dental implants prior to clinical use in humans. This review discusses the reasons, the importance, and the research carried out in rabbits in our quest to develop a dental implant ideally suited for human bone.

Effect of Osteoplasty with Bioactive Glass (S53P4) in Bone Healing - In vivo Experiment on Common European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

“…Rabbits are one of the most commonly used animals for medical research, being used in approximately 35% of musculoskeletal research studies. In scientific literature, the fragile weight-bearing femur of rabbits, are described as a disadvantage [20,21], which was also observed during the present study. In the course of the experiment the muscular strength of the rear leg and the fragility of the seen with the activity and incorporation of the bioactive glass.…”

Sheep as an Experimental Model for Biomaterial Implant Evaluation

“…The development of new biomaterials requires in vitro and in vivo experimental studies prior to pre-clinical and clinical use. In vitro analyses provide information about the cytocompatibility and toxicity of the biomaterial 10 and about cell behavior when in contact with the biomaterial. This step avoids unnecessary animal use when the biomaterial tested is cytologically inappropriate.…”

“…This step avoids unnecessary animal use when the biomaterial tested is cytologically inappropriate. 10 On the other hand, in vivo studies are able to evaluate the biocompatibility and the regenerative capacity of biomaterials, including the osseointegration of dental implants system and devices for fixation of bone fragments in the short and long term and in different types and qualities of bone tissue. 10 , 11 …”