Toxicology and Teratology Research Using ALZET® Osmotic Pumps
Toxicology
When assessing risk, an understanding of the involved toxicologic mechanisms can be helpful. Areas of recent interest include research on the interplay between immunology and toxicology, the neurotoxicity of a variety of compounds, and research on the process of apoptosis. Controlled, continuous delivery of test agents using ALZET osmotic pumps has proven useful in these areas of research.
Examples of recent work
in these and related areas are included in a general
list of references on toxicology research. Cell proliferation
labeling affords insight into the potential carcinogenesis resulting
from exposure to toxic agents. A well proven and reliable technique
involves the continuous infusion of bromodeoxyuridine. Continuous
exposure to the labeling agent is likely to capture a summation of
cell proliferation activity over several days, and can reduce the
likelihood of overlooking bursts of proliferation.
Teratology
The ability to infuse agents continuously to pregnant animals can provide insight into a myriad of teratologic effects. ALZET pumps have been used to infuse valproic acid, drugs of abuse, and a variety of agents under teratologic investigation.
A list of references is available on teratology research. A wealth of information regarding the use of ALZET osmotic pumps in toxicology and teratology research can be found in this bibliography section.
Some of these bibliographies may be large and take a short while to display. These bibliographies are updated frequently. As the references are listed most recent first, you may wish to truncate your printing to ten pages or less.
- Antibiotics
- Antioxidants
- Measuring Cell Proliferation In Vivo (continuous BrdU or 3H-thymidine labeling)
- Cocaine
- Cytokines
- Epinephrine
- Growth Factors
- Injection-Infusion Comparisons (studies which compare the effects of drugs when given by injection and infusion)
- Immunosuppressants
- Nicotine
- Opioids and Opiate Peptides
If you are interested in a specific agent and did not find it listed above, check the index by Agent Administered.
Looking for references? We can help!
ALZET will perform a custom bibliography search for you! ALZET pumps have been used to deliver hundreds of different compounds, including proteins and peptides, in a myriad of different experimental applications. We have recently updated our database, which now contains over 12,000 references that can help you guide your research project!
Pump Advantages
- Ensure around-the-clock exposure to test agents at predictable levels
- Permit continuous administration of short half-life proteins and peptides
- Provide a convenient method for the chronic dosing of laboratory animals
- Minimize unwanted experimental variables and ensure reproducible, consistent results
- Eliminate the need for nighttime or weekend dosing
- Reduce handling and stress to laboratory animals
- Small enough for use in mice or very young rats
- Allow for targeted delivery of agents to virtually any tissue
- Cost-effective research tool