Handbook of Pre-Clinical Continuous Intravenous Infusion

The Handbook of Pre-clinical Continuous Intravenous Infusion answers the needs of researchers and technicians involved with pharmacological testing by providing complete instructions in a single volume reference for a range of infusion techniques delivered to several species. It provides guidelines for the use of a variety of equipment including tail cuffs, implanted buttons, and mini-osmotic pumps; detailed information on surgical preparation and surgical suite design, and the proper use of anesthesia, analgesics, and antibiotics, as well as the humane handling of animal models. With contributions from several experts, this authoritative volume allows researchers to proceed with confidence in undertaking critical studies. Also, you might be interested in a review of the book published in the British Toxicology Society Newsletter in 2000, which I append below. Guy "Continuous intravenous infusion using cannulated animals is still a relatively new technique for drug administration. To date, literature on the subject is scattered with no central publication. This situation is no longer the case with this excellent book. Handbook of Preclinical Continuous Intravenous Infusion introduces and describes in detail the methodology associated with this route of dose administration in the 6 most commonly used species in preclinical evaluation toxicity studies. Areas covered include surgical technique, study design within repeat and reproduction toxicity studies, advantages and disadvantages with the technique, suitable vehicles plus expected in-life and pathological findings. The welfare of the laboratory animal is frequently addressed which is important as this is a "stressful" technique. What is particularly good about this handbook is that it highlights the fact that continuous infusion is now a routine route of dose administration in many laboratories, for use to evaluate drugs to be given continuously in a clinical setting and/or to avoid adverse metabolism issues associated with bolus dosing. Regulators can now expect robust, controlled studies to support safety claims within new product licence applications. In format the handbook is divided into 7 parts each containing a short précis and then various chapters by authors associated with different laboratories. Each part is in essence a "stand-alone" document, with parts 1 to 6 describing the different techniques available in the rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, primate and minipig. Part 7 covers information common to the technique for all species, namely pathology findings plus infusion vehicles, rates and volumes as well as standard equipment used. This part also describes the use of osmotic pumps and their role in preclinical evaluation. As techniques used for continuous infusion and associated equipment are being continually refined, some minor details in the handbook are (not unexpectedly) outdated but this fact does not detract from its overall usefulness. The handbook is mainly devoted to the technique as used preclinically, which may be frustrating to those in clinical practise who wish to know more about longer term infusion. However, there is enough general information in the handbook to satisfy even these individuals! Continuous intravenous infusion is an expensive technique to set-up and to maintain in-house when compared to other dose routes. Issues include cost of equipment, intensive husbandry, specific training and resource, establishing background data and standardising methodology. Specific knowledge is needed of different welfare laws in different countries (eg, the use of tethered vs non-tethered dogs and issues associated with single vs multiple housing). The handbook goes some way in giving answers to these issues. Overall, this book is an excellent buy for anyone involved in drug development, risk assessment or within drug licensing agencies and in academic research. The editors have put together a textbook with international contribution, representing many major laboratories that have invested in the technique of continuous infusion and all at a very reasonable price. This book represents a benchmark achievement for this technique and I am sure that it will become the standard for many years to come" British Toxicology Society Newsletter in 2000
•
Laboratory Animal Science
Reference
Professional