Download inhalation toxicology

Fraunhofer Institute for
T o x ic o l o g y a n d E x p e r i m e n t a l
M e d ici n e I TEM
The Fraunhofer ITEM offers contract research in
the area of human health. The focus of research is
on issues of preventive medicine, investigation of
novel diagnostic methods and innovative therapeutic
concepts, toxicological research, pre-clinical and
clinical registration trials.
Contact
Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine
Executive Director: Prof. Dr. Dr. Uwe Heinrich
Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
Phone +49 511 5350-0
Fax +49 511 5350-155
www.item.fraunhofer.de
Dr. Otto Creutzenberg
Phone +49 511 5350-461
[email protected]
Dr. Bernd Bellmann
Phone +49 511 5350-452
[email protected]
Inhalation
Toxicology
Inhalation Toxicology
Within a current research focus, engineered nanoparticles are
investigated, which require an enhanced toxicological design
(particle translocation within the whole organism besides the
Research and services in the Department of Inhalation Toxi­
target organ lung).
cology are focused on the investigation of effects of airborne
materials on the health of rodents. Test substances can be
chemicals, environmental pollutants, or pharmaceuticals
Services
which require testing as part of the drug registration process.
A broad range of project types can be offered, from the
development of evaluation concepts up to the realization of
complex test designs. We analyze, for example, the hazards
of chemicals, gases, or aerosols, as they occur at workplaces,
in the environment, and indoors. The team has many years
of experience in generating a large variety of exposure atmos­
– Toxicity studies in rodents after application of pharma­
ceuticals by inhalation
– Inhalation studies for toxicity and/or carcinogenicity
assessment of potential airborne pollutants
– Studies on the toxic effects and toxicokinetics of poorly
soluble particles
pheres of different gases and aerosols, e.g. fiber aerosols
– Toxicity studies after intratracheal instillation of particles
or complex mixtures such as motor vehicle exhaust. In our
– Complex project designs for adequate toxicological
modern facilities, units for nose-only and whole-body expo-
characterization of engineered nanoparticles
sure of rodents are available. Due to the interdisciplinary
– Biopersistence studies on mineral and organic fibers
cooperation in the institute complex problems relevant for
– Studies on the genotoxicity of chemicals and complex
the environment and for human health can be dealt with.
Industry, public authorities, and governmental agencies benefit from this.
Methods
mixtures in vitro and in vivo
– Risk assessment of occupational and environmental
exposures to airborne particles
– Studies on the toxicity of airborne consumer products
– Nose-only and whole-body exposure of rodents
– Toxicokinetics of inhaled particles:
- Characterization of fibers and particles by electron
microscopy (REM/TEM)
- Deposition and retention
- Particle clearance with radiolabeled tracers
- Bioavailability of specific components from solid particles,
e.g. metals
– Specific lung toxicity measurements:
- Inflammatory reactions in the lung
- Enzymes and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
- Indicators of oxidative tissue damage
- Histopathology
- Immunohistochemical techniques
- Cell proliferation assays (e.g. BrdU, PCNA)
– Clinical chemistry and hematology:
- Analyses required by international guidelines
- Cell count
- Analyses of enzyme activity, substrates, electrolytes,
coagulation
– Genotoxicity:
- Ames test
- Micronucleus assay
- Comet assay
- Chromosomal aberration test