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MARIN BIOLOGIC LABORATORIES, INC.
Pre-clinical Contract Laboratory Services
Research, Assay Development, Validation and Testing Services
Contract Research Organization - CRO - GLP GMP Compliant
IN VITRO TOXICOLOGY
Apoptosis 
Cell Growth Cytotoxicity
Assay
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IN VITRO TOXICOLOGY OVERVIEW
Marin Biologic performs a variety of
in vitro toxicity tests and assays. We offer a number of assays
performed under strict GLP and GMP compliance with FDA and EPA
guidelines. Performing in vitro cytotoxicity assays prior to
animal testing may be a cheaper alternative for initial drug
screens. Since many of the assays require
cell-based assays, our experience in cell
biology, enables us to analyze cells morphologically as
well as using molecular and biochemical techniques.
APOPTOSIS
You may want to know whether your drug
candidates demonstrate cytotoxicity through apoptosis or necrosis.
We will measure different parameters for apoptosis compared
to necrosis. Apoptosis is characterized by early events such
as expression of phosphotidylserine on the cell surface and
fragmentation of the DNA, followed by loss of membrane integrity
and mitochondrial function. We will discuss with you parameters
such as drug concentration, time of exposure, measurement of
DNA fragmentation in order to customize your in vitro cytotoxicity
assay. Necrosis occurs through the action of toxic factors that
act within the cell, such as irreversible inhibitors of protein,
RNA or DNA synthesis, or mitotic poisons. We would measure protein
or nucleic acid synthesis rates to determine your drug toxicity.
CELL GROWTH
Another measure of cytotoxicity is the
inhibition of cell growth or proliferation. No one mechanism
may be responsible for this observation, however, proliferation
rates can be measured as a response to drug concentration. Some
drugs may have a threshold level rather than a linear response
for inhibition of cell growth. We will discuss parameters such
as optimal target cell line, drug concentration, drug exposure
time and drug delivery to customize your in vitro cytotoxicity
assay.
A partial list of assays is listed
below.
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Cr51 Release |
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Protein Metabolism |
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DNA Synthesis |
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RNA Synthesis |
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Dose Range-Finding
Investigation |
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Hemolysis |
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Cell Cycle Kinetics |
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Plaque Titering Assay |
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Cytokine Release (see
Cell Biology) |
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Bacterial Endotoxin
(LAL) (see Biochemistry) |
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Determine Toxicity
Mechanisms |
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Elucidate Potential
Cytotoxicities in Target Tissues |
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Drug Screening to
Prevent Cytotoxicity |
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Cytochrome P450 Induction
Studies |
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