Pharmacokinetic comparisons of tail-bleeding with cannula- or retro-orbital bleeding techniques in rats using six marketed drugs.

Introduction: The evaluation of drug disposition properties of chemical entities in drug discovery research typically involves the conduct of pharmacokinetic studies in rodents that requires blood sampling over several time points, preferably without disrupting the physiological status of the animals. Several blood withdrawal methods have been employed throughout the industry, yet these methods have not been comprehensively evaluated with regard to their effects on pharmacokinetic profiles of the drug investigated to recommend best practices.

Methods: In this paper, the pharmacokinetics of six marketed drugs from four distinct therapeutic classes were compared using tail-vein, femoral-artery cannula-, and retro-orbital sinus bleeding techniques.