Lumbriculus variegatus: A novel organism for in vivo pharmacology education

Abstract

Pharmacology is the study of how medicines and other drugs work and are processed by the body. 1 As such, pharmacology undergraduates require a comprehensive understanding of both in vitro and in vivo drug responses. Despite advances in molecular biologic techniques, studies in isolated cells and tissues do not fully model the complex interactions observed in whole organisms. Currently, in vivo validation remains critical in the drug discovery and development process. 2 In order to limit the use of animal models at this preclinic stage, the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement, the 3Rs, 3 aims to address the potential harms to animals while supporting high-quality science and translation by addressing the benefits of this research. 4 Animal use in pharmacology education has steadily declined in the last 30 years, with their use in education and training accounting for <1% of in vivo experimental procedures in 2019 5 and <2% of students taught in vivo skills during their degree. 6

Co‐created in vivo pharmacology practical classes using the novel organism Lumbriculus variegatus

“…As part of the design of this practical class, students were provided with blinded compounds and instructed to perform the stereotypical movement assay on the L. variegatus as previously described 18 . As students were blinded this reduced the risk of expectation influencing findings in research, leading to biased results.…”

“…Additionally, this practical class engages students with in vivo measurements and scoring, data recording and interpretation, and statistical analysis while implementing other key concepts such as experimental blinding and the 3Rs within a practical setting. Using our stereotypical movement assay 18 under blinded conditions, students were capable of measuring the dose‐dependent effects of histamine, mepyramine and loratadine on the ability of L. variegatus to perform body reversal and helical swimming movements. Moreover, data generated from the practical class were integrated into final year projects to further utilize the data generated through this in vivo practical and making further use of this organism for education and research purposes.…”

“…Students conducted the L. variegatus stereotypical movement assay for the blinded drug compounds using the methodology previously described 18 under the tutelage of final year undergraduate project students and masters‐level students, with educators and technicians present throughout the class for additional support.…”

“…Lumbriculus variegatus displays two characterized stereotypical movements whereby tactile stimulation of the anterior region results in retraction and the reversal of the body position while touching the tail elicits helical swimming movements 17 . These movements are easily quantifiable without the requirement of any specialist equipment and can be altered by exposure to drug compounds with diverse pharmacodynamic properties 17–20 . As such, quantification of L. variegatus stereotypical movements in the presence and absence of drug compounds enables the inclusion of practical in vivo behavioral pharmacology within a teaching environment.…”

“…16 Recently, we demonstrated that Lumbriculus variegatus, an aquatic Oligochaeta worm inhabiting shallow freshwater ponds, lakes and marshes, 17 has the potential for use within in vivo pharmacology education. 18 As an invertebrate, L. variegatus is exempt from the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and, therefore, offers the opportunity for utilization within education settings. Unlike conventional in vivo organisms, L. variegatus is low-cost and exempt from much of the regulation and ethical challenges that are prohibitory to traditional in vivo practical classes.…”