Traditional submerged cell culture techniques have well-known limitations for aerosol exposure studies; for instance, the impact of exposure dilution within the media and the poor solubility/sedimentation of some exposure particles1. Air liquid interface (ALI) cultures are a technique whereby cells are grown on a microporous membrane insert, immersed in a media-containing well.
Pulmonary fibrosis describes a condition in which the normal lung anatomy is replaced by a process of active remodeling, deposition of extracellular matrix and dramatic changes in the phenotype of both fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells. This condition can be idiopathic, as in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or secondary to genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders or exposure to environmental toxins, chemical warfare, drugs, foreign antigens or radiation
The flexiVent makes assessing mechanical properties of the lung a relatively simple undertaking. However, understanding the underlying physiological processes and mathematical modelling can be daunting. A background in pulmonary structure, function, and of the forces at play within the system are key to making the most of the provided outcomes.
To Open or Close the Lungs – That Is the Question! Although often necessary, mechanical ventilation of small animals during pulmonary measurements can lead to
When developing an appropriate protocol to assess respiratory mechanics, there is a trade-off between accuracy of the measurements and the invasiveness of the technique. The flexiVent favours an invasive technique, producing results that are unparalleled in accuracy.
Attending a training such as the Phenotyping Mice Models of Human Lung Disease organized by the Jackson Laboratory is a great way to advance skillsets or simply get started in the field of respiratory research. It represents a wonderful opportunity for researchers of all stages to learn and network in a structured yet informal environment. The uniqueness of the event lies in the roundness of the approach, which combines theoretical sessions and practical experience in all topics.
E-cigarette vapour composition is influenced by a number of factors. Some of which relate to the device physically (battery charge, wattage/temperature control, puffing profile) and others to the e-liquid itself (proportion of propylene glycol and glycerol, amount of nicotine, pH of solution). Standardizing how we study these devices will be key to understanding their impact.
A lack of validated pulmonary hypertension animal models is the reason why there aren’t enough studies exploring the pathophysiology and therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (PH).
Studies addressing the potential risks associated with electronic cigarette (e-cig) usage are urgently needed, given their rising use and popularity, especially in youth. Coordinated efforts are required to tackle the challenge of addressing key scientific questions, as there is a diversity of devices and e-liquid formulations that exists, as well as various ways in which the aerosol can be generated.
During the Experimental Biology Meeting that took place in Orlando from April 6-9, 2019, SCIREQ launched the vivoFlow – WBP (Whole Body Plethysmograph Chamber). The vivoFlow is fully compatible with our current system and has several design features which both improve data quality and usability.
The circadian rhythm regulates many physiological parameters including lung function, immune responses, and cardiopulmonary function. The master circadian pacemaker is located in the anterior of the hypothalamus, also called the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). The SCN receives inputs from environmental cues, such as light and temperature and modulates downstream vital biological functions in an oscillatory fashion.
Since the effects on the central nervous system (CNS) can depend on the method of administration, traditional methods of nicotine delivery such as cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor inhalation, provide relevant translational outcomes for clinical investigations.
When working with obese mice, what weight to use when performing flexiVent measurements?
Welcome to SCIREQ’s knowledge center. You can find everything from software registration to document downloads to complete list of SCIREQ publications in this section. Everything you need to get the most out of your SCIREQ system.
