The purpose of the safety pharmacology core battery program is to investigate the effects of the test substance on vital functions. In this regard, ERBC conducts GLP-compliant studies on central nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems in small and large animal species. Some endpoints can be incorporated in the design of toxicology and clinical studies or evaluated in specific studies. ERBC also develops new strategies and methodologies for risk management, notably in cardiology.
Cardiovascular system
- Measure of ECG, primary (heart rate, blood pressure) and advanced (including stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and regional blood flows) hemodynamic parameters on anaesthetized dog, monkeys and rodents
- Effect on cardiovascular function in conscious dog, minipig and monkey using telemetry combined with assessment of effect on the autonomic nervous system (HFAM model) and modelization of hemodynamic effect (stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance)
- Impact on hERG potassium channel activity by patch-clamp technique.
Respiratory system
- Pulmonary test functions on freely moving rats by whole body plethysmography or by jacket telemetry in large animals when integrated into toxicology studies for biologics
Central Nervous system
- Impact on spontaneous locomotor activity in rodent
- Measure of behavioral changes in rodent (Irwin test)
- Neurological status in rodent (rotarod test)
- Pro-convulsive potential and anti-convulsant activity (Metrazol or electric shock test)
- Assessment of analgesic properties (Tail Flick or Writhing test)
- Effect on body temperature in rat
