Facilities
Translational pharmacology
The Purdue Translational Pharmacology (PTP) Core conducts in vivo studies that avoid the stress-induced complications of biofluid collection and provide a translational model more closely aligned with drug metabolism in humans.
About
The Purdue Translational Pharmacology Core (PTP) offers researchers the opportunity to conduct studies in a wide range of animal models, from rodents to swine. In addition to standard pharmacokinetic studies, the core is able to develop new surgical models, conduct implantable device testing, and work with a variety of human disease models. PTP works with researchers to develop unique customized studies to fit specific research needs. We support the entire study process, from assistance with study design, method development, and proposals, to sample and data analysis.
Capabilities
Drug Discovery and Toxicology
Studies are available in both porcine and rodent models. The unique instrumentation in the facility offers multiple options for collection of biofluids, with precise sampling intervals ranging from two minutes to two days. Collection is automated from undisturbed, freely moving animals, reducing stress. Automated dosing can be combined with blood collection and physiological recordings. Examples of potential studies include, but are not limited to:
- ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) studies
- Urine and feces collection (mouse, rat)
- Drug formulation studies to test alternate dosage forms
- Pharmacokinetic evaluations of drug candidates
- Bioavailability and first pass metabolism studies (rats)
- Toxicology studies
- Pharmacodynamic studies to examine physiological effects of compounds, including physiological data collection (ECG, BP, temperature)
- Whole animal imaging in collaboration with the Purdue Imaging Facility
Behavior
The Culex instrument is capable of recording gross motor activity as a function of rotation of the cage, for evaluation of potential side effects of compounds, or other neurological effects. For more complex behavioral studies and assessments, the core collaborates with the Animal Behavior Core
Nutritional Studies and Biomarkers
For researchers interested in nutritional studies, evaluation of food and water intake is available on the rodent platform. This can be combined with automated dosing and sampling, as well as behavioral monitoring for a complete pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile
Surgical Models
In collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine, the core offers surgical model development, including indwelling catheters, implants, and more.
Human Disease Models in Swine
Several human disease models are available in swine, including Ossabaw (Type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension); Yucatan (dermal and ventral septal defects); Sinclair (cardiovascular, oncology/melanoma); Gottingen (PK/PD, toxicology).
Pre and post study support services
The PTP offers a range of support services for investigators using the facility, including assistance with study design, consultation on method development, and writing animal care and use applications. For investigators writing National Institutes of Health proposals, the PTP can also assist with writing the Vertebrate Animal Section of the proposal.
Post-study, the PTP collaborates with other core facilities on campus to offer sample analysis and pathology services. Clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, endocrinology, histopathology, urinalysis, and cytology testing are available through the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory. Small molecule or metabolomics analysis, and protein or peptide characterization are available through collaborations with the Metabolomics and Proteomics cores.
Instrumentation
The PTP houses four Culex-L large animal sampling systems, used to collect blood and physiological data from porcine models. Automated, walk-away capability allows drawing, collecting and storage of blood samples at programmable intervals without human intervention, yielding low-stress pharmacokinetic data at any time point.
The pig moves freely in the pen, and the patented system rotates to accommodate the animal’s movement. This allows for a stress-free environment during the sampling process. By allowing the animals to freely move we can collect specific biomarkers without the added stress of traditional sampling.
The PTP houses eight Culex rodent automated sampling systems. This system is used to collect blood, microdialysate and bile samples, as well as many types of physiological and behavioral data. Similar to the Culex-L, this system features a walk-away capability allowing the collection of biological samples at timed intervals without human intervention.
The automated dosing system can be used with either the swine or rodent sampling systems. The instrument delivers precise dosing at programmed intervals. Fluids are delivered from up to three reservoirs to a single indwelling catheter, which could include either a venous or intragastric catheter. The Empis can be used for bolus dosing of one or multiple compounds, repeated doses over time, long-term infusion, or microdialysis. Typical experiments may include drug-drug interaction studies, stress studies where human presence would affect the results, long-term slow infusions and overnight dosing protocols.
Rates
| Service | Internal Customers | External Customers |
|---|---|---|
| Culex Large Animal System (4 units) | $584 / day | $905 / day |
| Culex Small Animal System (8 units) | $1,003 / study* | $3,005 / study* |
| Swine Consumables Kit | $525 / animal | $871 / animal |
| Labor | $45 / hour | $74 / hour |