In-vivo disease models MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This quiz collection on in-vivo disease models is designed for M.Pharm students preparing for examinations and practical research in Biological Evaluation of Drug Therapy. It covers commonly used disease models, induction methods, relevant behavioral and biochemical endpoints, model selection criteria, and ethical and methodological considerations. Questions emphasize mechanistic understanding, translational relevance, and practical aspects of model implementation — including genetic, chemical, surgical, and xenograft approaches. Use these MCQs to test your knowledge of model validation, interpretation of outcomes, and limitations that influence drug evaluation. Regular practice will strengthen your ability to choose appropriate models and critically assess preclinical data for therapeutic development.

Q1. What is the primary purpose of using in-vivo disease models in preclinical pharmacology?

• To study drug metabolism exclusively in isolated enzymes
• To study pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions in living organisms
• To replace clinical trials in humans
• To evaluate only in vitro cytotoxicity

Correct Answer: To study pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions in living organisms

Q2. Which chemical is commonly used to induce Type 1 diabetes by selective pancreatic beta-cell destruction in rodents?

• Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic beta-cell destruction
• Alloxan-free radical inhibition
• High-fat diet-induced insulin resistance
• Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis

Correct Answer: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic beta-cell destruction

Q3. Which model is widely used to evaluate acute inflammatory pain and anti-inflammatory effects in the paw of rodents?

• Carrageenan-induced paw inflammation
• Morris water maze spatial task
• 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion
• Orthotopic tumor implantation

Correct Answer: Carrageenan-induced paw inflammation

Q4. Which transgenic mouse model is commonly used to study Alzheimer’s disease pathology including amyloid plaque formation?

• APP/PS1 double transgenic mice
• ob/ob leptin-deficient mice
• NSG immunodeficient mice
• MPTP-treated mice

Correct Answer: APP/PS1 double transgenic mice

Q5. Which neurotoxin is frequently used to create a Parkinsonian phenotype by inducing dopaminergic neuron loss in mice?

• MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)
• Streptozotocin (STZ)
• DSS (dextran sulfate sodium)
• Carrageenan

Correct Answer: MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)

Q6. Which mouse strain is considered highly immunodeficient and is preferred for engraftment of human tumor xenografts?

• NSG (NOD scid gamma) mice
• Balb/c mice
• Wistar rats
• Sprague-Dawley rats

Correct Answer: NSG (NOD scid gamma) mice

Q7. Which behavioral test is primarily used to assess spatial learning and memory in rodent models?

• Morris water maze
• Rotarod motor coordination test
• Tail-flick nociception test
• Forced swim test for depression-like behavior

Correct Answer: Morris water maze

Q8. Which chemical agent is commonly used to induce experimental colitis that models ulcerative colitis in rodents?

• Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis
• Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
• Formalin-induced paw inflammation
• 6-OHDA-induced nigrostriatal lesion

Correct Answer: Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis

Q9. Which nociception assay measures spinal reflex-mediated pain threshold by applying a heat stimulus to the tail?

• Tail-flick latency (tail-flick test)
• Hot-plate latency
• Von Frey filament mechanical test
• Grip strength test

Correct Answer: Tail-flick latency (tail-flick test)

Q10. In the context of the 3Rs guiding ethical animal use, what does “Replacement” refer to?

• Reducing the number of animals used per experiment
• Replacing painful procedures with milder ones
• Replacing animals with non-animal alternatives where possible
• Refining husbandry conditions

Correct Answer: Replacing animals with non-animal alternatives where possible

Q11. In toxicology, what does LD50 represent?

• Lowest dose producing a therapeutic effect in 50% of animals
• Lethal dose that kills 50% of the tested population
• Lowest dose causing any observable effect in 50% of animals
• Limit dose for chronic toxicity studies

Correct Answer: Lethal dose that kills 50% of the tested population

Q12. Which description best fits an orthotopic xenograft cancer model?

• Implantation of human pancreatic cancer cells into the mouse pancreas
• Subcutaneous injection of tumor cells into the flank
• In vitro culture of tumor cell lines only
• Administration of carcinogen in drinking water

Correct Answer: Implantation of human pancreatic cancer cells into the mouse pancreas

Q13. Which agent is commonly used to induce pulmonary fibrosis in rodents for testing antifibrotic drugs?

• Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
• Streptozotocin-induced diabetes
• Carrageenan-induced paw edema
• Formalin-induced tissue necrosis

Correct Answer: Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Q14. Which parameter quantifies the safety margin of a drug by comparing toxic and effective doses?

• Therapeutic index (ratio of LD50 to ED50)
• Area under the curve (AUC)
• Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) only
• Half-life (t1/2) in plasma

Correct Answer: Therapeutic index (ratio of LD50 to ED50)

Q15. For chronic inflammation models, which combination of endpoints best indicates ongoing inflammatory activity and tissue remodeling?

• Histopathological scoring and cytokine profiling (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6)
• Immediate paw withdrawal latency only
• Serum glucose and insulin levels
• White blood cell count alone

Correct Answer: Histopathological scoring and cytokine profiling (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6)

Q16. Which practice is most important to minimize experimental bias in preclinical animal studies?

• Randomization and blinding of outcome assessment
• Using only one sex of animals without justification
• Measuring outcomes non-standardized over multiple days
• Assigning treatments based on cage location

Correct Answer: Randomization and blinding of outcome assessment

Q17. Which genetically altered mouse is a classical model for obesity and hyperphagia due to leptin deficiency?

• ob/ob (leptin-deficient) mouse
• NSG immunodeficient mouse
• APP/PS1 Alzheimer’s mouse
• SCID mouse

Correct Answer: ob/ob (leptin-deficient) mouse

Q18. Which nociceptive assay shows a biphasic response and is used to model both acute and inflammatory pain phases?

• Formalin-induced paw licking (biphasic) test
• Rotarod motor coordination test
• Morris water maze
• Forced swim test

Correct Answer: Formalin-induced paw licking (biphasic) test

Q19. Which experimental approach is most appropriate when studying metastatic behavior of tumor cells in vivo?

• Orthotopic implantation in the organ of origin
• Subcutaneous flank implantation only
• In vitro scratch wound assay
• Topical application of carcinogen to skin

Correct Answer: Orthotopic implantation in the organ of origin

Q20. Which concept describes a key criterion for validating an animal model when a drug effective in humans shows similar effects in the model?

• Predictive validity (response to clinically effective drugs)
• Construct validity only relating to anatomy
• Face validity limited to appearance of symptoms
• Internal validity disregarding external translation

Correct Answer: Predictive validity (response to clinically effective drugs)

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