Pharmacokinetics

At Brains On-Line both kinetics and dynamics of many new drugs are studied in several animal models. Our technology and know-how is chiefly geared towards drugs in development for action in the CNS.

The MetaQuant microdialysis probe

The MetaQuant microdialysis probe is used within Brains On-Line to make ultra slow microdialysis a medium throughput technique. A unique characteristic of MetaQuant microdialysis is that information can be obtained about the unbound concentrations of a compound in the extracellular spaces in the body.

Brains On-Line routinely carries out studies that evaluate PK-PD relationships of CNS targeted drugs which are affected by important physiological processed, including:

• Plasma (protein) binding
• Blood-brain barrier transport
• Brain tissue binding
• Receptor kinetics

The MetaQuant offers novel quantitative microdialysis

• Nearly 100% recovery due to (very) low microdialysis flow
• Consistent data with little variation
• Fewer animals needed (66% reduction compared to Dynamic No Net Flux)
• Faster turnover of studies because there is no need for extensive validation and screening in pilot experiments
• No intrinsic pharmacological effects from compounds added to the perfusate
• Easy combination with jugular vein/femoral vein catheters to assess brain and systemic pharmacokinetics and /or effects within the same animal

At Brains On-Line we have extensive experience with combining microdialysis (regular or MetaQuant probes) and catheters into the jugular vein and/or femoral vein. Allowing simultaneous monitoring of brain and systemic parameters within the same subject.

Blood sampling is performed using automated Dilab AccuSamplers®

• Higher degree of precision and repeatability
• Sampling over prolonged periods of time
• Robust set-up for overnight operation
• Freely-moving and stress free conditions

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