We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics UK Ltd.

Download Mobile App




Dependence on Lab Animals for Testing Asthma and Allergy Agents Reduced with 3D Test

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Apr 2014
Print article
In a recent study, scientists report that they’ve developed a simple, three-dimensional (3D) laboratory technique to test asthma and allergy medications that mimics what occurs in the body, which could help reduce the need for animal testing.

Dr. Amir Ghaemmaghami and colleagues from the University of Nottingham (UK) noted that respiratory disorders, such as asthma and allergies, are becoming more common. These conditions affect the lungs and the airway leading to the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Respiratory symptoms lead to expensive hospital visits, as well as absences from work and school. Improved agents could provide better relief, but before giving new medicines to people, researchers must first test them in animals—an expensive and arduous process. Sometimes, researchers will use 2D tests in which they apply the drug to a layer of human cells in a lab dish instead, but this is not a satisfactory way to tell how a pharmaceutical agent will perform in a whole animal or a whole individual. Therefore, Dr. Ghaemmaghami’s team developed a new, 3D alternative.

Their test includes three types of human cells that are typically in a person’s airway. In the body, these cells are close together and are involved in the development of respiratory conditions. The 3D model reacted similar to an actual person’s airway when they exposed it to allergens and bacterial extract. They say that the model has the potential of reducing the need for some animal testing of new drugs for respiratory conditions.

The study’s findings were published March 14, 2014, in the ACS’ journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

Related Links:

University of Nottingham


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Thyroid ELISA Kit
AESKULISA a-TPO
New
Gold Member
ANA & ENA Screening Assays
ANA and ENA Assays

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Genome sequencing technology has the potential to detect thousands of genetic disease (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Gene Technology Outperforms Standard Newborn Screening Tests in Pioneering Study

Since its introduction in the 1960s, newborn screening has grown to encompass dozens of primarily genetic disorders. The standard approach to newborn screening involves detecting specific biomarkers in... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: LMU’s Professor Frederick Klauschen developed the novel approach that can improve diagnostic accuracy (Photo courtesy of LMU Munich)

AI Tool Uses Imaging Data to Detect Less Frequent GI Diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being utilized in various medical fields, demonstrating significant potential in aiding doctors in diagnosing diseases through imaging data. However, training AI... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.