Ethical Guidelines, Emerging Regulations in Octopus Research

January 08, 2024 - With their unique biological features, octopuses have become valuable subjects in medical research. Their extraordinary abilities, such as camouflage, regenerative capabilities, and highly developed nervous systems, make them captivating candidates for studies that could lead to innovative healthcare technology and medical research breakthroughs.

However, using octopuses as an animal model in research raises ethical concerns and regulatory challenges that must be addressed.

Ethical Oversight and Regulatory Framework

Ethical and regulatory oversight is crucial in the United States, where the exact number of octopuses used in biomedical research is not readily available. Research institutions must adhere to guidelines set forth by esteemed agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) are also pivotal in reviewing and approving animal research protocols, ensuring they meet ethical standards and comply with applicable regulations.

Octopuses in the Laboratory

One area of research involving octopuses focuses on their unique ability to match their skin's color, pattern, and texture to their surroundings. This research, led by Roger Hanlon, PhD, a scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, revealed that the skins of cuttlefish and squid are full of light-detecting molecules, also known as opsins. These opsins are the same as those found in the animals’ retinas, suggesting they can perceive light through their skin. Research later confirmed that opsins are present in octopus skin.

Although these studies offer insights into biomimicry for military applications and medical devices, octopuses may not be the ideal animal model due to their high intelligence. Unlike rodents, octopuses are not as cooperative in controlled settings, leading to difficulties in certain types of studies.

The octopus surpasses the scope of [Hanlon’s] study. When placed in a tank, its immediate instinct is to thoroughly explore its surroundings, followed by attempts to break free, elucidated Amy Hancock-Ronemus, DVM, a former veterinarian at the University of Chicago’s Marine Biological Laboratory. Their focus isn't necessarily fixated on conforming to the tank's bottom, as their intelligence likely informs them that such conformity is unnecessary.

According to Hancock-Ronemus, the Marine Biological Laboratory’s policy is that all research animals are to be treated humanely. “Any lab animal veterinarian will tell you we need to give animals the benefit of the doubt,” she said to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “We know any animal can feel stress and distress, and there’s really no good argument for not giving them the most humane care we know of.”

The Cost of Research Models

Octopuses, being more complex organisms, present challenges in terms of cost and maintenance compared to traditional laboratory animals like rodents. Rodents like rats have been widely used in research due to their availability, ease of handling, and lower costs.

Meanwhile, octopuses require specific environmental conditions and are generally more expensive to acquire and maintain. Researchers often choose models based on the relevance to their study, ethical considerations, and budget constraints.

Challenges in Aquarium Settings

Breeding octopuses in captivity is notoriously tricky, leading to most research subjects and aquarium displays being wild-caught. The challenges include creating modified tanks without internal vents or openings and providing secure lids to prevent escapes. Health issues, such as parasitic and bacterial infections, are common in captive octopuses, and addressing these concerns adds another layer of complexity to their care.

Octopuses, known for their high intelligence, require frequent mental stimulation in captivity. According to the AVMA, aquarium staff at Shedd Aquarium engage octopuses in training sessions to monitor their behavior and health. The staff noted that each octopus exhibits unique preferences and personalities, showcasing the need for specialized care and attention in research settings.

Each octopus has its own food preferences or favorite item or toy incorporated into the enrichment activities, as outlined by Eve Barrs, a former aquarist at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. One octopus liked ice cube trays, while another was inseparable from a whiffle ball.

"He always kept it near, nestled in his tentacle," she reminisced. "He would bring it along during feedings and carefully carry it back to his den afterward."

Biomedical Breakthroughs from Octopus Research

Despite these mounting challenges, octopuses have contributed significantly to various biomedical studies.

Camouflage and Adaptive Coloration

Octopuses are masters of camouflage and can change the color and texture of their skin to blend into their surroundings. Researchers have studied the mechanisms behind this ability to develop a deception technology platform that is used in various fields, such as the military, medicine, robotics, and sustainable energy.

Regenerative Abilities

Octopuses have impressive regenerative abilities and can regrow arms that have been injured or amputated. Scientists are interested in understanding this regenerative capability's molecular and cellular processes, as it may provide insights into human regenerative medicine.

Neuroscience and Intelligence

Octopuses have highly developed nervous systems and complex behaviors. Studying their brains and nervous systems can provide insights into neurobiology and potentially inspire advancements in artificial intelligence.

Sucker Function

The suckers on an octopus's arms have a remarkable ability to manipulate objects with great dexterity. Researchers have examined the structure and function of these suckers to develop soft robotics and prosthetic limbs with improved gripping capabilities.

Venom Research

Octopus species possess venom that they use for predation or defense. Scientists have investigated the chemical composition of octopus venom for potential medical applications. For example, a team of Spanish and Australian researchers are studying the tumor-fighting properties of a group of synthetically produced venom compounds from various marine animals.

"The octopus peptide stops the proliferation of BRAF-mutated melanoma," said Maria Ikonomopoulousaid, PhD, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland, to Newsweek. "In addition, it is safe to be used at high doses; it is not toxic. Therefore, in combination with other FDA-approved melanoma drugs/management, treatments could potentially achieve better and safer patient outcomes."

While these studies have provided valuable insights and potential applications, the field of biomimicry, where nature's designs and processes inspire human innovation, is still ongoing, and many breakthroughs are in the earliest stages of development.

Recent Developments in Regulatory Oversight

In the US, cephalopods have been excluded from certain regulations covering laboratory animals due to their invertebrate status. However, recent initiatives by the NIH propose guidelines for the care and use of cephalopods in research. This marks a significant step toward ensuring ethical treatment and oversight, requiring researchers to obtain approval from IACUCs. The proposed guidance addresses factors such as justification for using cephalopods, sedation and anesthesia, and the impact of experimental procedures on the animals' well-being.

The Physicians Committee, alongside researchers, advocates, and Congress, has played a pivotal role in urging regulatory bodies to establish better protections for cephalopods used in research. The efforts to amend the definition of "animal" in the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) to include cephalopods have gained momentum. While recently proposed guidance by the NIH is a positive step, ongoing advocacy work emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to ensure the humane treatment of cephalopods and the exploration of non-animal research methods.

As the healthcare technology industry evolves, striking a balance between scientific advancements and ethical treatment of research subjects, including octopuses, remains crucial for the future of medical breakthroughs.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to note that Eve Barrs is a former Chicago's Shedd Aquarium employee and that Amy Hancock-Ronemus, DVM, is a former veterinarian at the University of Chicago’s Marine Biological Laboratory.