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Imprint
Further development of a 3D-model of substance distribution in the cochlea after round window application
Project
Project code: BfR-ZEBET-02-1328-171
Contract period: 01.11.2003
- 31.12.2004
Purpose of research: Applied research
The local delivery of drugs to the round window membrane for the treatment of inner ear disorders is a promising alternative to systemic therapy. Since direct measurements of drug concentration time courses in the human inner ear (as required in phase I clinical studies) is not presently possible, computer simulations provide a valuable tool for estimating drug concentrations in the inner ear for phase II clinical studies. Although a one-dimensional simulation model provides a good representation of the longitudinal distribution of drugs, its ability to accurately predict the radial distribution of drugs (across and between scalae) is limited. A three-dimensional model is therefore necessary which better represents the complex geometry of the inner ear and is better able to represent radial drug movements from scala tympani towards the vestibule. The compute model shall be used for application of the 3R-principle in animal research while avoiding experimental sampling artefacts. This can be achieved by: (1) careful planning and interpretation of experiments studying pharmacokinetics in the inner ear, (2) optimizing volume sampling techniques, (3) facilitating the use of advantageous, continuous sampling methods like microdialysis and (4) by permitting consideration of the complex geometry of the inner ear when transferring results from one species to another.
Follow up: BfR-ZEBET-08-1328-508
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
- Biotechnology
- Computer science
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
BfR - Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (BfR - ZEBET)
