Bronchospasm Measurement System for Preclinical Respiratory Pharmacology
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Bronchospasm Measurement System |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Bronchospasm Measurement System for Preclinical Respiratory Pharmacology is a specialized, non-invasive physiological instrumentation platform engineered to quantify airway resistance and bronchoconstrictive responses in anesthetized laboratory animals—primarily rodents (mice, rats) and guinea pigs. It operates on the principle of forced oscillation technique (FOT) or direct pulmonary mechanics measurement via tracheal cannulation and pressure–flow analysis, depending on configuration. The system enables real-time, high-temporal-resolution assessment of dynamic changes in respiratory impedance—including Newtonian resistance (Rn), tissue damping (G), and elastance (H)—in response to pharmacological challenges such as methacholine, histamine, or leukotriene D4. Designed for integration into ISO 17025-compliant preclinical labs and GLP-regulated safety pharmacology studies, it supports objective evaluation of bronchodilator efficacy, dose–response characterization, and mechanistic validation of novel anti-asthmatic compounds.
Key Features
- Integrated signal acquisition module with synchronized analog inputs for tracheal pressure, flow, and ECG/EMG (optional)
- Real-time calculation of airway resistance (Raw) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) using standardized algorithms compliant with ATS/ERS guidelines
- Modular hardware architecture supporting both invasive (tracheostomy-based) and non-invasive (whole-body plethysmography-compatible) measurement modes
- Low-latency data sampling at ≥1 kHz, ensuring fidelity in capturing rapid bronchoconstrictive events (e.g., peak Raw within 30–60 s post-agonist challenge)
- Rugged, rack-mountable chassis with medical-grade isolation, CE-marked for Class IIa biomedical instrumentation
- Calibration traceable to NIST-standard pneumotachographs and precision pressure transducers (±0.5% full scale)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system is validated for use with Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats (200–400 g), C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice (20–30 g), and Hartley guinea pigs (300–500 g). All animal handling protocols align with NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and EU Directive 2010/63/EU. Data acquisition workflows support ALAC accreditation requirements and are compatible with institutional IACUC documentation templates. Device firmware and software meet IEC 62304 Class B safety standards; electrical design conforms to IEC 60601-1 third edition for laboratory biomedical equipment.
Software & Data Management
The proprietary acquisition and analysis suite runs on Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and provides FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based user access control. Raw waveform data are stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (animal ID, protocol timestamp, drug batch number, operator ID). Built-in analysis modules include automated Raw baseline stabilization, EC50/IC50 curve fitting (log-logistic 4PL model), and inter-animal normalization against pre-challenge baselines. Export options include CSV, MATLAB (.mat), and PDF reports formatted per OECD Test Guideline 412 (Repeated Dose Inhalation Toxicity) and ICH S7A (Safety Pharmacology Studies).
Applications
- Evaluation of β2-adrenergic agonists, muscarinic antagonists, and PDE4 inhibitors in acute bronchoconstriction models
- Longitudinal monitoring of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in chronic allergen-sensitized murine asthma models
- Off-target respiratory safety assessment during early-phase candidate screening (ICH S7B)
- Pharmacodynamic correlation of inhaled drug deposition (e.g., via nose-only exposure systems) with functional airway response
- Validation of genetic knockouts (e.g., IL-13−/−, ADAM33-transgenic) in airway remodeling studies
FAQ
Is this system suitable for conscious animal measurements?
No—this platform is specifically designed for terminal or acute studies under surgical anesthesia (e.g., ketamine/xylazine or isoflurane). Conscious unrestrained measurements require complementary whole-body plethysmography systems.
Can the system interface with existing ventilators or gas delivery modules?
Yes—it features TTL and analog I/O ports compatible with major preclinical ventilators (e.g., Harvard Apparatus VentElite, SCIREQ flexiVent) and gas mixing units (e.g., Environics Series 2000), enabling synchronized challenge delivery and mechanical ventilation control.
Does the software support automated dosing protocol scripting?
Yes—via Python API integration and built-in protocol editor, users can define multi-step aerosol or IV infusion sequences with timed trigger outputs to syringe pumps or nebulizers.
What regulatory documentation is provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with Declaration of Conformity (CE), NIST-traceable calibration certificate, ISO 13485-compliant manufacturing records, and a complete Design History File (DHF) summary per FDA QSR requirements.

