PreClinOmics » Animal Models

The ZDSD Rat – a Model of Metabolic Syndrome

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:12:07 +0000

The characterization of the ZDSD rat continues to move forward. Recent data demonstrates that the ZDSD Rat is an excellent model for the discovery and development of therapies targeting complications associated with Metabolic Syndrome. In February 2008 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a Guidance for Industry regarding Diabetes Mellitus: Developing Drugs and Therapeutic Biologics for Treatment and Prevention. Paraphrasing, the Guidance:

Metabolic Syndrome is defined using a cluster of laboratory and clinical markers that identify increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. As much as 25% of the adult American population can be classified with this Syndrome depending on the definition of Metabolic Syndrome used. A number of therapies exist that treat one or more of the components of the syndrome. Therapeutic products intended for the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome should ideally normalize or improve all of the components of the syndrome and ultimately prevent the development of type II diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Key to the development of therapies targeting Metabolic Syndrome is an animal model that spontaneously develops the complications associated with the syndrome. The ZDSD rat currently available for sale from PreClinOmics is such a model. Current data demonstrates that the ZDSD spontaneously develops obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and elevated lipids. These factors ultimately lead to the development of Type II diabetes in the model as well. Dietary manipulation can synchronize the expression of these complications. Studies are ongoing to characterize the cardiovascular risk factors.

Interested researchers are encouraged to contact us to inquire about receiving small cohorts of animals for feasibility studies. These animals are provided in exchange for payment of shipping charges and control data that may be used to further understand the value of the model.

In brief, male ZDSD rats, maintained on LabDiet 5008, will spontaneously exhibit the following (click to enlarge graphs):

Obesity:

Hyperglycemia:

Insulin Resistance:

Hypertriglyceridemia:

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Poster presentation at American Society of Nephrology meeting

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:51:20 +0000

San Diego, CA, Oct 29^th 2009

At this year’s meeting of the American Society of Nephrology we will be presenting a poster on our ZDSD rat entitled “The ZDSD/Pco Rat, A Type II Diabetic Model for Diabetic Nephropathy Without Leptin or Leptin Receptor Mutations.” (TH-PO750) Our Dr. Richard Peterson, developer of the ZDF and ZDSD rats, will be at the poster Oct 29^th.

ASN Poster

Additional information on the ZDSD rat can be found here.

Sub-Line of ZDSD Females Become Diabetic

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:47:22 +0000

A sub-population of females in the ZDSD breeding barrier have been showing signs of developing diabetes in response to being fed D12468 or 5SCA. The ZDSD females unlike their ZDF counterparts have a functional leptin receptor and provide the researcher more latitude in designing both mechanistic and therapeutic drug development protocols. This sub-line of the ZDSD is being bred in limited quantities in our newly opened AAALAC approved production facility.

For more information on the availability of female ZDSDs from this sub-line please contact us.

ZDSD Development Collaboration Projects

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:21:55 +0000

In an effort to better characterize the ZDSD and its application to drug discovery research we are making small cohorts of ZDSDs available to researchers who are interested in exploring the utility of the model. These collaboration cohorts are limited in size to 18 animals and the recipient is responsible for charges related to shipping and any applicable taxes. In exchange we ask that the recipient share any non-proprietary data with us.

Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact us for further details.

ZDSD Production Barrier Opens

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:20:57 +0000

Production of the ZDSD, a novel model for metabolic disease, has been moved into a newly constructed AAALAC approved breeding facility. The ZDSD was re-derived into the facility in July 2009 and the colony is being expanded to meet demand for the model.

The production facility is physically separated and independently operated from the contract research barrier.

Health monitoring of the production animals is ongoing following the FELASA guidelines as part of our Clean Animals for Research Endeavors (C.A.R.E.) program. Health reports can be found here.

Orders for the ZDSD are being taken now. Please contact us for availability and pricing.