Laboratory animals and cardiovascular pathology: Means for better use

Abstract

The last few years have been marked by considerable progress in research strategy for new pharmacologically active molecules. From the simple systematic observation of effects which are not looked for a priori a much more mechanistic approach has been developed. This was made possible by the development of physiological and pathophysiological knowledge and by discoveries related to the molecular mechanism of action of enzymes, hormones and/or neurotransmitters implicated in physiological or pathological processes.