Core Capabilities

In Vivo Sampling for 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
• 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 

The table below details some of the in vivo sampling options available at the PTP:

Our rates vary according to the number of samples and what needs to be done to the samples. If you have questions, please feel free to give us a call at 494-6540.

Gross motor activity

The Culex instrument is capable of recording gross motor activity as a function of the rotation of the cage, which serves to keep indwelling lines and catheters from becoming tangled. Behavioral changes can be recorded for studies in neuroscience, evaluation of potential side effects of dosed compounds or other behavioral studies.

Food and water intake

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.

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 NIH 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. Sample preparation, small molecule or metabolomics analysis, and protein or peptide characterization are available through collaborations with the Metabolomics and Proteomics cores at Bindley.

• Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD)
• Behavioral assessments
• Automated blood sampling for rodent and swine models
• Nutritional/Biomarkers
• Surgical models (with Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine)
• Physiological data (ECG, BP, temperature)
• Imaging