In Vivo Therapeutics Core

Immunocompetent and immunodeficient breeding colonies

The In Vivo Therapeutics (IVT) team maintains and distributes on-site breeding colonies of specialized immunocompetent (BoyJ, C57BL/6, BoyJ/C57 F1 cross) and immunodeficient (NSG and NRG) mouse strains.

As requested and coordinated by research programs, we support the set up and validation of syngeneic mouse tumor models and development of patient-derived human xenografts.

We manage all aspects of the IVIS SpectrumCT optical imaging system to evaluate tumor response in mouse models via bioluminescence and fluorescence modalities.

An ultra-sensitive CCD camera and two full range excitation/emission filter sets provide capacity to analyze a broad spectral range, extending from the visible to near infrared light.
Optical imaging data can be linked to X-ray computed tomography to visualize anatomical sites.

The IVT team also manages the radiation facility and performs irradiation services needed for in vitro and in vivo experiments, including hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations.

For more information, contact IVT manager Tony Sinn at alsinn@iupui.edu or 317-274-8811.

Manage IVT Orders Radiation Services Scheduler IVT Study Request Form

Pharmacological investigations

Utilize primary human hematopoietic cells and clonogenic progenitor assays to test effects of new compounds on normal cellular function

Coordinate pharmacokinetic studies with the Clinical Pharmacology Analytical Core (CPAC)
Evaluate efficacy and safety of therapies of new compounds and/or combination therapies to develop rational dosing regimes
Coordinate end-point analysis (necropsy and histology) with Preclinical Histology Core at IU School of Medicine

Facilitate development of novel humanized and immunocompetent xenograft models
Document tumor progression of previously untested tumors prior to drug efficacy and safety studies in immunodeficient mice.
Utilize the IVIS SpectrumCT optical imaging system to document tumor growth in orthotopic models via bioluminescence and fluorescence modalities

Establish tumors and administer drug regimen
Document tumor progression in vehicle- and drug-treated mice
Coordinate longitudinal imaging with the In vivo imaging core
Coordinate end-point analysis (necropsy and histology) with Preclinical Histology Core at IU School of Medicine

Cellular therapies

Radiation of mice prior to transplantation
Intravenous injection of hematopoietic stem cells into mice
Provide investigator blood and tissue samples from transplanted mice
Coordinate analysis of multi-lineage engraftment in transplanted mice via flow cytometry with the CRT team

IVT fees

The core is funded, in part, by grants and contracts of the investigators who utilize the facility. Due to the variety of in vivo models and drug regimens requested, the specific costs of a study will be calculated once the study design is finalized.

Weekend/after-hours/holiday rates will be two times the regular procedure rate, with minimum charge per trip ($191).
IUSCCC members receive discounted rates; contact Kristina Taylor at kristtay@iu.edu or 317-274-3893, for additional rate information.
External rates will be determined upon consultation.

Service	IUSM Rates	External Rate
NSG mice	$31.76	$39.70
NRG mice	$35.23	$44.04
NSGS mice	$43.76	$54.71
Boy J mice	$41.36	$51.70
C57 / Boy J F1 mice	$39.30	$49.12
C57BL/6J mice	$27.97	$34.96
Biohazard mouse room per diems	$1.34	$1.67
Conventional mouse room per diems	$1.34	$1.67
Irradiation (animals or cells)	$43.51	$54.39
Tattoo fees (animal identification)	$2.48	$3.10
Inhalation anesthesia fees (per hr- to cover O2, isoflurane)	$11.42	$14.27
Randomization & rehousing of animals	$43.51	$54.39
Manual palpation (for tumors)	$1.35	$1.69
Caliper Tumors	$4.10	$5.13
IV injection	$6.84	$8.56
SQ injection	$4.10	$5.13
IP, ID, IM injection, Oral dose	$2.74	$3.43
Intratumor injection	$6.84	$8.56
Studies with staggered times (dosing, bleeding, etc)	$43.51	$54.39
Body Weight	$ 1.35	$1.69
Survival or terminal bleed	$6.84	$8.56
Euthanize + formalin fixation (1-3 tissues, NO cassettes)	$13.68	$17.10
Euthanize + formalin fixation (4-6 tissues, NO cassettes)	$14.36	$17.95
Euthanize + formalin fixation (7-9 tissues, NO cassettes)	$15.08	$18.85
Euthanize + formalin fixation (10+ tissues, NO cassettes)	$15.84	$19.80
Euthanize + formalin fixation (1-3 tissues in cassettes)	$25.43	$31.79
Euthanize + formalin fixation (4-6 tissues in cassettes)	$26.70	$33.38
Euthanize + formalin fixation (7-9 tissues in cassettes)	$28.04	$35.05
Euthanize + formalin fixation (10+ tissues in cassettes)	$29.44	$36.80
Cost analysis & billing	$43.51	$54.39
Draft & submit study amendments	$43.51	$54.39
Drug Formulation (15 min increments)	$43.51	$54.39
Surgical Procedures / Orthotopic Implant	$56.50	$70.62
Data entry, analysis & graphing (2hrs/week)	$43.51	$54.39
Irradiation of mice prior to experiment	$43.51	$54.39
Sample processing	$43.51	$54.39
Animal identification (not via tattoo)	$43.51	$54.39
Surgical staple removal	$43.51	$54.39
Clinical observations / BCS scoring	$43.51	$54.39
Travel time (across campus)	$43.51	$54.39
Cellularity & Progenitor Analysis (Mouse BM or spleen)	$64.12**	$80.15**
Weekend rates will be 2 times the regular procedure rate, minimum per trip charge	$196.00	$245.01
Tissue Culture Fees	$43.51	$54.39
Lentiviral Transduction of cell line	$43.51	$54.39
Methylene Blue assay for cell viability after drug treatment	$43.51	$54.39
Tissue Culture supply fees (tubes, pipettes, tips, trypson, etc)	$5.00	$6.25
Mycoplasma testing cell line (required for in vivo studies)	$77.22	$96.53
Hematopoietic Progenitor Analysis (Human UCB)	$42.79**	$53.48**
IVIS imaging	$65	$81.82
IVIS data analysis	$65	$81.82
IVIS training	$65	$81.82
Irradiation “late” fee if >15 minutes late (with no written notice in advance)	$43.51/hour + additional 10% for each subsequent occurrence
** This is for estimation purposes only. Acutal billed cost will include all needed supplies + actual effort

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Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon
Comprehensive Cancer Center

In Vivo Therapeutics Core

Immunocompetent and immunodeficient breeding colonies

Pharmacological investigations

Cellular therapies

IVT fees

#ResearchCuresCancer

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In Vivo Therapeutics Core

Immunocompetent and immunodeficient breeding colonies

Pharmacological investigations

In vitro toxicity testing

In vivo dose range finding

In vivo tumor growth kinetics

In vivo drug efficacy/tumor xenograft model

Cellular therapies

IVT fees

#ResearchCuresCancer

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Additional links and resources