Over 60% of NIH extramural funding involves animal models, and approximately 80% to 90% of these are mouse models of human disease. It is critical to translational research that animal models are accurately characterized and validated as models of human disease. Pathology analysis, including histopathology, is essential to animal model studies by providing morphologic context to in vivo, molecular, and biochemical data; however, there are many considerations when incorporating pathology endpoints into an animal study. Mice, and in particular genetically modified models, present unique considerations because these modifications are affected by background strain genetics, husbandry, and experimental conditions. Comparative pathologists recognize normal pathobiology and unique phenotypes that animals, including genetically modified models, may present. Beyond pathology, comparative pathologists with research experience offer expertise in animal model development, experimental design, optimal specimen collection and handling, data interpretation, and reporting. Critical pathology considerations in the design and use of translational studies involving animals are discussed, with an emphasis on mouse models.

中文翻译：

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动物模型分析的病理学原理和实践。

超过 60% 的 NIH 校外资金涉及动物模型，其中大约 80% 至 90% 是人类疾病的小鼠模型。将动物模型准确表征和验证为人类疾病模型对于转化研究至关重要。病理学分析，包括组织病理学，通过为体内、分子和生化数据提供形态学背景，对动物模型研究至关重要；然而，在将病理学终点纳入动物研究时有许多考虑因素。小鼠，特别是转基因模型，提出了独特的考虑，因为这些修改受到背景菌株遗传学、饲养和实验条件的影响。比较病理学家认识到动物的正常病理生物学和独特的表型，包括转基因模型，可能会出现。除了病理学，具有研究经验的比较病理学家还提供动物模型开发、实验设计、最佳标本收集和处理、数据解释和报告方面的专业知识。讨论了涉及动物的转化研究的设计和使用中的关键病理学考虑，重点是小鼠模型。