Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZIIn vivo pharmacology
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacological parameters of drugs, such as their bio-availability and biological half-life, are determined on the basis of catheterised rats and naive mice. The examinations are based on comprehensive testing on the basis of isolated cell cultures and after a corresponding animal test approval has been obtained from the local authorities. LC-MS based methods are available for measuring the drug levels.
Models
The effectiveness of drug candidates is examined in animal models after the determination of pharmacokinetic characteristics. So far, the following models have been established:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) with transient keeping in metabolism cages for the collection of spontaneous urine
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)
- Infection model with biosafety level 2 pathogens (periodontitis, septicaemia)
- Transgenic mouse lines (focus: Alzheimer’s disease)
Behavioural studies
A comprehensive range of tests is available for phenotyping transgenic mouse models or the screening of new drug candidates to evaluate general animal health as well as specific functions. These e.g. include the examination of:
- Motor coordination (e.g. Pole test, Rotarod test),
- Cognition (e.g. Morris-Water Maze Test, Contextual Fear Conditioning, Novel Object Recognition Test, Y-Maze Test), and
- Emotions, such as examinations of fear-associated behaviour (Elevated Plus Maze Test).
The main focus is on automated observation minimising animal-human contact. The following systems are available for automated observation:
- PhenoMaster (TSE Systems) and
- IntelliCage (TSE Systems).
In vivo imaging
Fraunhofer IZI has a bioluminescence-imaging device. This device has an isoflurane anaesthesia unit. As a result, it can be used for imaging in rats and mice.
Histology
A number of histological (cryo- and paraffin) section and staining techniques (histological staining, immunohistochemistry) are available for examining disease relevant conditions. Afterwards, the detected targets can be microscopically quantified.