This Feature focuses on UK neuroscience research using nonhuman primates (NHPs), and the application of the 3Rs, in the light of the recent EU SCHEER report and subsequent article by Prescott et al. (2017). The challenge of understanding the human brain and its disorders means that NHP research is still very much needed, although it is essential that this research is complemented by studies using other approaches, such as human volunteers and patients, and other alternatives to NHP use. Analysis of recent publications shows that these complementary approaches are already being actively exploited by NHP researchers in the UK. Application of the 3Rs has been led by the UK National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), with active participation of UK NHP researchers, who are constantly refining research methodology. However, not all refinements work, and those that do succeed need to be fully validated before they can be introduced more widely into current practice. More generally, the 3Rs have helped to ameliorate harm experienced by NHPs in procedures, although there is still more to do. Accumulating evidence from recent UK Home Office statistics suggests that most monkeys used in scientific procedures experience a moderate rather than a severe level of harm.

鉴于最近的EU SCHEER报告以及Prescott等人的后续文章，该功能重点介绍了使用非人类灵长类动物（NHP）进行的英国神经科学研究以及3R的应用。。（2017）。理解人脑及其疾患的挑战意味着仍然非常需要NHP研究，尽管至关重要的是，必须使用其他方法（例如人类志愿者和患者）以及其他NHP替代方法来进行研究，以补充该研究。对最新出版物的分析表明，英国的NHP研究人员已在积极利用这些互补方法。3R的应用由英国3R国家中心（NC3R）领导，英国NHP研究人员积极参与，他们不断完善研究方法。但是，并不是所有的优化工作以及成功的改进都需要经过充分验证，然后才能将其更广泛地引入当前的实践中。更广泛地说，3R有助于减轻NHP在程序中所遭受的伤害，尽管还有更多工作要做。英国内政部最近的统计数据表明，大多数在科学程序中使用的猴子受到的伤害程度中等而不是严重。