Resource for Pre-Clinical Studies of AKI (animal models, small animal imaging and physiology)
Director:
Paul W. Sanders, M.D., Univ of Alabama at Birmingham
Co-Directors:
Kurt Zinn, Ph.D. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Roland Blantz, M.D., University of California, San Diego
James George, Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Mouse models of human disease have provided essential insights into renal pathophysiological processes and are an important preclinical resource to test therapeutic and preventive approaches in AKI. However, the expense and technical expertise required to develop and maintain murine models of AKI can be limiting factors for many investigators. Therefore, the major goals of Core B are to provide investigators with a resource for animal models, small animal imaging and renal physiology studies relevant to AKI. The specific aims of Core B are to 1) provide the facilities and skills to study murine models of AKI, 2) maintain a state-of-the-art small animal imaging facility, and 3) provide the facilities and requisite skills to determine renal physiological changes in AKI.
This core will specifically provide:
- expertise in the development and training in the use of rodent models of AKI specifically in the setting of ischemia/reperfusion injury, sepsis and renal transplantation,
- a multi-modality small animal imaging core that will provide state-of-the-art molecular imaging, including functional, structural and metabolic imaging using magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy, high frequency ultrasonography and microCT, gamma-ray imaging (gamma camera, microSPECT/CT), and optical imaging (bioluminescence and fluorescence), and,
- a physiology core that will provide expertise for micropuncture techniques and measurements of GFR, tubular reabsorption, renal hemodynamics with assessment of tubuloglomerular feedback, metabolic assessment of kidney oxygen consumption and nitric oxide in rodents.
- Core B will also provide technical expertise for the isolation of primary renal and vascular cells in culture from rodents.
Overall, the intention of Core B is to provide unique resources that help overcome barriers for investigators to utilize relevant rodent models for in vivo studies and rodent cell lines for in vitro studies to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI.