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 Anti-viral
HBV Studies
Worldwide, there are more than
350 million chronic carriers of HBV of which approximately one
million die each year from complications of the disease. This
makes chronic HBV one of the ten most common causes of death.
In the United States, approximately 1.25 million people are believed
to have chronic HBV and an estimated 200,000 people become newly
infected each year. Hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver
cancer. Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 Americans die each year from
hepatitis-B related chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
Woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV), is a member of
the Hepadnaviridae, and is closely related to HBV in its virus
genetic organization and mechanism of replication. Natural infection
of woodchucks produces chronic liver disease and primary hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC). As in humans, animals infected as newborns develop
chronic antigenemia at higher rates than do young adults. The
predictable course of experimental WHV infection leading to liver
disease in woodchucks makes them an ideal animal model in which
to study the natural history of hepadenavirus and to develop effective
anti-viral strategies. In fact, recent research comparing the
results of the effect of nucleoside analogs in woodchucks with
their effect in humans, demonstrates that the woodchuck is a predictive
model for antiviral therapy against HBV in humans.
Since 1990, Northeastern Wildlife has been completing
antiviral studies in woodchucks at our facility. We offer a broad
range of contract research services and years of experience to
meet your pre-clinical needs. We can also arrange consulting agreements
with investigators who are specialists in Woodchuck Hepatitis
Virus (WHV) infection if required.
Northeastern Wildlife's contract research services
are very cost effective due to our low overhead. We have the most
experienced technicians available in the WHV research field who
also happen to be the owners! Protocols are performed correctly
as our reputations and livelihood are at stake. You don't have
to worry about hurried data collection by disinterested employees
or work study students whose only interest is in leaving early
for the weekend!
Some of Northeastern Wildlife's HBV contract research
services include the following:
1) Protocol development and implementation.
2) Pharmacokinetic studies
3) Long term studies which assess anti-viral effect on Hepatocellular
Carcinoma (HCC)
4) Installation of vascular access ports for long term I.V. and
I.P. administrations
5) Oral dosing of animals
6) Full wedge and needle liver biopsy surgical services
7) Blood collection, harvesting, storage and shipping of samples
8) Necropsy services
9) A full range of diagnostic services such as serological profiles
which include small animal panels, coagulation panels, histology,
hemogram routines etc.
10) WHV virological assays which include serological markers of
WHV infection, Dot Blot assays, Real Time PCR assays, Southern
Blot hybridization, Viral Proteins, In Situ Hybridization, Immunohistochemistry,
PCR amplification sequencing and cloning etc.
If you have an antiviral which shows activity
against HBV, contact us. We will submit an estimate for your consideration.
Hibernation
Studies
In 1990, we constructed a temperature controlled
hibernaculum to perform woodchuck hibernation studies. Current
hibernation projects focus on the role of hibernation triggers
which are present in hibernating woodchuck plasma. These triggers
have been shown to extend organ transplant time and possess anti-clotting
capabilities. Other projects involve the study of cardiac function
during and after hibernation. Contact us for pricing and availablity
of the hibernaculum for your hibernation studies.
Non-traditional
Animal Model Development
Northeastern Wildlife has supplied several species
of wildlife that exhibit similarities to specific human diseases.
Contract with us to produce your animal model or inquire about
our reduced research fees offered during animal model development.
Large Animal Capabilities
Are you faced with high per diem rates and limited
space for your large research animals? We can help! Northeastern
Wildlife is located on 30 acres in northern Idaho. We have space
to meet your large animal needs!
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