Unique Resources and Research Opportunities

The CNPRC is a unique animal resource with complete support services. Investigators are aided by CNPRC faculty and staff and research projects can be conducted and supervised wholly or in part by in-house personnel. Core service units and staff scientists provide consultation on experimental design and sample collection, as well as services such as assays on a recharge basis. Laboratory and testing space is available for research projects and can be assigned to investigators for specified periods of time.

• Staff Scientists are available to collaborate or consult on research in many disciplines such as behavioral biology, cognitive function, endocrinology, epidemiology, fetal development and therapy, gene therapy, immunology, neurobiology, pathology, perinatology, pulmonary function, social processes, toxicology, virology, and various other medical specialities.
  
• Four service cores provide consultation and services in the areas of endocrinology, immunology, retrovirology, respiratory function, flow cytometry, behavior assessment, and computational imaging.
  
• A colony of healthy animals is maintained by high quality management techniques.
  
• A rare colony of aged rhesus monkeys is available for research on diseases of the aged.
  
• An inhalation exposure facility, one of the largest in an academic institution, is available for short-term or chronic exposures to gaseous and aerosol pollutants.
  
• A complete ultrasound imaging program with an emphasis on reproduction and development.
  
• Time-mated animals which allow for studies at any stage of pregnancy
  
• Computerized animal records are available which include genetic data, reproduction data, health records and a complete medical history.
  
• Complete on-site diagnostic services including clinical laboratory, radiology, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, EKG and bronchoscopy. Other services are available at the Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
  
• Excellent cell and tissue culture facilities are available, including multiple investigator laboratories equipped with laminar flow biological safety cabinets for necessary containment of nonhuman primate specimens.
  
• Investigators have access to a Zeiss 10-TEM, a Zeiss Axioskop MC80, and all ancillary equipment for processing tissues, sectioning, and printing micrographs. The associated stereology laboratory enables quantitation of structures from light microscopy to EM levels of observation. A Dage VE-1000 videocamera system allows direct acquisition of images from the Zeiss Axioskop to computer for quantitative and morphometrical analysis.
  
• Tissue specimens can be collected and shipped according to investigator's needs through the biological specimen request program.
  
• Toxicologic capabilities are available which include accessing pharmacokinetics and the efficacy and toxicology of compounds in nonhuman primates.
  
• On-site training in the use of nonhuman primates in research for faculty, students, and staff, with emphasis on biosafety procedures.
  
• Trained professional and technical staff have expertise in managing collaborative studies and developing experimental and surgical models.
  
• The CNPRC has Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) capability as required by the FDA.
  
• The UC Davis campus, which includes the CNPRC and is AAALAC accredited, meeting or exceeding all federal requirements in the humane use and care of animals.
  
• A Pilot Research program that provides seed funds for scientists that are new to nonhuman primate research, or who are interested in developing a substantially new direction utilizing nonhuman primates.