Respiratory Disease Preclinical Models
Preclinical animal models of respiratory diseases are extensively used to study disease mechanisms, testing potential therapeutic mediations, and advancing our knowledge of disease progression. Clinically relevant animal models are necessary in preclinical research to mimic human respiratory diseases and study their pathophysiology.
Animal Models
- Mouse (Transgenics, inducible and knockouts)
- Rat (e.g., Ovalbumin-induced Asthma)
- Guinea Pigs (Ovalbumin-sensitization)
- Inv vitro (Human and animal lung cell culture)
Aragen scientists and technical staff will assist in accelerating your biotherapeutic or small molecule drug development projects. Our validated rodent models enable the evaluation of the potential efficacy of novel asthma, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and bronchodilator agents targeting lung fibrosis.
Asthma Models
Our rodent asthma models include induction by ova or other allergens (cedar pollen, dust mote antigen). Models can range from mild to severe disease, to evaluate a range of treatment options.
- Whole Body Plethysmograph (WBP)
– Airway hyper responsiveness
– Respiratory rate
– PenH - FlexiVent Lung Functional Analysis
– Resistance
– Compliance
– Elastance - Abbott iSTAT
– Blood glass measurement to monitor hypoxia-related symptoms - FlexiVent Lung Functional Analysis
– Detection of structures that contain high concentrations of carbohydrate macromolecules (eg. glycogen, glycoprotein, proteoglycan) typically found in mucus - Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Analysis
– Antigen-specific IgE and IgA levels
– Cytokines levels
RSV Models
Rodent models that test efficacy and safety in preclinical studies provide a critical component to the development of anti-RSV antibodies, small molecules and vaccines.
Lipopolysaccharide/ Zymosan-induced Acute Lung Injury Model
A well characterized ALI model induced by combined administration of LPS and Zymosan, with detailed end results of bronchoalveolar lavage infiltrate, cytokine analysis, hypoxia measurements and histology with capability of lung function analysis.
Bleomycin-induced Lung Fibrosis
Bleomycin induction causes quick inflammatory and fibrotic reactions in rodent lungs, successfully replicating many of the pathological characteristics associated with IPF, including abnormal deposition and accumulation of collagen in lung tissue.
Silica-induced Lung Fibrosis
A rodent model induced by the administration of crystalline silico dioxide (or silica) displays many pathophysiological features of chronic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis.