A shared DSI Inhalation System for diverse studies across disease and health

Project Summary The goal of this proposal is to build a state-of-the-art respiratory exposure system at Baylor College of Medicine. This system will address a critical gap in inhalation exposure research using rodent models. It will facilitate studies encompassing developmental to degenerative life stages, peripheral and central neurological function, respiratory control, immune functions, and cardiovascular physiology. We will offer a multi-modal inhalation exposure platform for advanced respiratory exposure research at Baylor College of Medicine. We are requesting a customized Data Sciences International (DSI) Inhalation Solution that integrates multiple options for 1) housing the mice during exposure, 2) aerosolizing the desired agent, and 3) measuring and analyzing resultant respiratory parameters during exposure for maximal flexibility across a wide variety of users and research projects. The customized DSI solution utilizes a Stackable Inhalation Tower with options to expand capacity over time without any loss of investment from the initial purchase. The Inhalation Dosing Tower uses modular levels, each level providing 7 inhalation exposure ports, and can be expanded up to 6 levels for a total of 42 possible ports. The requested equipment provides capacity for 28 ports which would allow for the exposure of 23 animals while the remaining ports are used to sample the airflow to quantify particle/aerosol concentration. The tower enables real-time respiratory measurements that when integrated with the FinePointe software allow the user to fine-tune acute exposures based on measured respiratory parameters and particulates/aerosolized components. There are three options for aerosolizing or smoking desired respiratory exposures: 1) an E-Cig/ Vape/ Tobacco Smoke (EVT) Generator, 2) a Smoke Generator, and 3) an Aerogen Nebulizer Head capable of aerosolizing a variety of desired toxins including virus and bacteria. The system will be housed in a BSL-3 safety cabinet to ensure full containment and safety. Lastly, BCM will make a substantial financial commitment in salary support and an extensive, five-year service contract to ensure consistent, optimal operational, and maximal longevity for the requested equipment. This equipment system represents a significant opportunity to advance respiratory exposure research for Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). The portfolio of research conducted at BCM represents a unique opportunity to improve experimental approaches in disease states influenced by environmental respiratory exposures including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), congenital respiratory disorders, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, and BSL-2 level pathogen infections such respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).