An in vivo experiment is a scientific investigation conducted within a living organism, either animals or humans, aimed at studying the biological responses to various interventions or conditions. This type of experiment involves manipulating and observing the living organism as a whole, taking into account the complexities and interactions of various biological systems in their natural environment.
In an in vivo experiment, researchers typically introduce a specific substance, treatment, or condition into the organism, either by oral administration, injection, or other means. The effects and reactions of the organism to this intervention are then carefully observed and measured. This could include evaluating changes in physiological functions, behavior, metabolism, growth, or the progression of diseases.
Unlike in vitro experiments performed on isolated cells or tissues in culture dishes, in vivo experiments enable the investigation of the entire organism's response as a whole, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how a particular intervention affects the whole biological system. Furthermore, in vivo experiments allow researchers to study the interactions between different organs or tissues and their responses to experimental interventions, which are crucial for understanding complex biological processes.
Due to the ethical considerations involved in conducting in vivo experiments on humans, most in vivo experiments are conducted on animals that share similarities with humans in terms of anatomy, physiology, and genetics. The results obtained from such experiments are then extrapolated to gain insights into human biology or to inform potential treatments and interventions.
