Integrated Physiology Facility

Overview

IPF The integrated physiology facility (IPF) is designed to provide investigators the resources to establish in depth phenotyping of small animal models. The facility offers access to specialised surgical and physiological testing equipment for the investigation of various biological disciplines.

Within the School of Biomedical Sciences, we function as a collaborative learning space for both researchers and students, where experimentally induced pathologies, or therapeutic interventions can be performed and assessed using wild type and transgenic animals. The IPF is also a valuable resource for developing new physiological monitoring techniques in small animal models.

The IPF possesses several dedicated functions including:

PC2 certification
Animal housing
Small animal phenotyping
Surgical facilities and equipment
Ultrahigh resolution ultrasound imaging (Vevo 3100)
Continuous real-time assessment of metabolism, activity and physiology (TSE PhenoMaster)
Ionising radiation certification (radiolabelling)
Automated home cage behaviour and cognitive performance assessment (TSE IntelliCage)
Exercise calorimetry investigation (TSE CaloTreadmill)

Techniques and services

The IPF offers hands on training in animal procedures and assistance with data acquisition using specialised equipment.

Surgery space/s

Training and assistance with surgical techniques
Anaesthetic equipment (isoflurane vaporisers)
Surgery tools and consumables
Mini-vent ventilator
Pulse oximeter
Non-invasive BP monitoring
Surgical microscope with video capability
Stereotaxic frame and drill

Animal housing

Mouse room fitted with standard IVC cages and racks.
Dedicated environment-controlled programmable chambers for post-surgery recovery or altered light/dark cycles.
Hypoxia/Hyperoxia chamber

PC2 laboratory spaces

Biosafety cabinet and fume hoods
In vivo AAV and drug delivery
Terminal anaesthesia and tissue collection

Equipment

Resources

Animal ethics

The IPF aims to provide research support and assistance in the development of projects by offering technical information and advice on animal ethics applications where needed. Please contact the IPF Manager to discuss facility/equipment details and capabilities.
IPF teaching ethics allows training of staff and students to ensure the necessary skill and ability to undertake mouse handling procedures, techniques and the use of specialized equipment is achieved (in line with respective projects).
Prior to the commencement of work researchers must provide the IPF manager a copy of the final approved ethics application and approval certificate/s.

Contacts

Biological Resources Veterinarian

Dr Cora Lau E: c.lau1@uq.edu.au

Dr Heidi Link E: h.nilandrowe@uq.edu.au

Research Ethics and Integrity

Animal Ethics General Enquiries and Coordinator

Virginia Wakim E: animal.ethics@research.uq.edu.au

Animal Ethics Senior Manager

Jennie Levitt E: j.levitt@research.uq.edu.au

Animal Ethics Veterinary Officer

Dr Tim Biffin E: t.biffin@uq.edu.au

Acknowledgements

Clients are requested to acknowledge the Integrated Physiology Facility (IPF) in all publications generated using the facilities equipment and/or the expertise of IPF staff. Please recognise the IPF as follows:

“The authors acknowledge the facility and technical assistance of the Integrated Physiology Facility at the School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland.”

When appropriate, if authors wish to include individuals as co-author(s), they are welcome to do so. In addition, please send the reference for your paper to the facility manager.

Collaborators

Professor Wally Thomas & Dr Melissa Reichelt
Cardiovascular Consultants
E: w.thomas@uq.edu.au
E: m.reichelt@uq.edu.au

Dr Lisa Kaminskas
Pharmacokinetic Consultant
E: l.kaminskas@uq.edu.au

Dr Oliver Rawashdeh
Chronobiology and Sleep Consultant
E: o.rawashdeh@uq.edu.au

Dr Frederik Steyn
Neurodegenerative and Metabolism Consultant
E: f.steyn@uq.edu.au

Professor Trent Woodruff
Neuroinflammation Consultant
E: t.woodruff@uq.edu.au

Staff

Dr Jennifer Outhwaite – IPF Manager

Jenny obtained her PhD from the University of Queensland in developmental biology. Her PhD studies and early research career were completed under the supervision of Dr David Simmons. During this time Jenny developed a passion for understanding how genetic events integrate with external cues to coordinate cell fate determination and organ development. Jenny’s current position allows her to extrapolate on this by developing modalities to characterise the associated complex phenotypes that result from the molecular changes that contribute to health and disease. Since starting in the IPF Jenny has gained experience in energy metabolism, cardiac physiology, diagnostic ultrasound imaging and she continues to develop advanced surgical skills in small animal and transgenic mouse models.

Lauren Buckett – IPF Technical Officer (Casual)

Lauren completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science from the Australian College of Applied Psychology in 2017 before completing a Master of Biomedical Science from The University of Melbourne, where she investigated motor dysfunctions in a mouse model of Frontal Temporal Dementia. She is currently completing a PhD under the supervision of Dr Shyuan Ngo focusing on how changes in mitochondrial function and fatigue impact disease in the context of MND. Lauren has experience in several IPF instruments and associated techniques, including animal handling and procedures.

FAQs

How do I gain swipe card access to the Integrated Physiology Facility?

Entry to the IPF is organised by the manager following completion of both the SBMS building induction and a local facility induction.

For SBMS building inductions please contact:

Robyn Oram: r.oram@uq.edu.au
Tania Brooks: t.brooks1@uq.edu.au

For the IPF induction please contact:

Jennifer Outhwaite: j.outhwaite2@uq.edu.au

Who is responsible for animal welfare and maintenance in the IPF?

Facility staff look after animal welfare checks, food and water needs and cage cleaning for all IPF animals Monday through Friday.
Researchers are asked to please assist with animal welfare checks over the weekend and during holiday periods.
Researchers are required to perform daily monitoring using an appropriate score sheet for all animals that have undergone an intervention/procedure or when housed in the PhenoMaster, as per ethics requirements.

How do I book equipment?

Following the IPF induction and equipment training (varies based on requirements) researchers will be granted access and can book equipment via PPMS/RIMS.

Who do I contact in the event of equipment failures in the IPF?

Please contact the IPF Manager:

Dr Jennifer Outhwaite
j.outhwaite2@uq.edu.au
0432 607 605

Do I require ethics approval when working in the IPF?

All UQ researchers, staff and students require approval from a UQ Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) prior to commencing any animal work.

How do I access the Vevo3100 ultrasound analysis software?

The Vevo3100 ultrasound software can be found on the SBMS Voltage supercomputer. Access to Voltage is through SBMS Core Facilities: sbmscorefacilities@uq.edu.au

For software training please contact the IPF Manager:

Dr Jennifer Outhwaite: j.outhwaite2@uq.edu.au