The Comparative Transplantation Laboratory has been active in the development of immunosuppressive and immunoregulatory agents since 1965 when Dr. I.M "Gary" Gourley studied the effects of azathioprine in a canine model of renal allograft transplantation. Since then, we have played a significant role in the research and development of a number of novel drugs. This research was performed here at UC Davis and in collaboration with Dr. Randall E. Morris in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University. Cyclosporine, mizoribine, mycophenolic acid, rapamycin, FK506, and leflunomide are just a few of the molecules that we have tested in cell culture and animal models. A few years ago, FK506(Prograf, tacrolimus) took a prominent role as a primary immunosuppressive agent in human transplant protocols. Just recently, leflunomide (Arava), rapamycin (sirolimus, Rapamune), and mycophenolic acid (Mycophenolate) have become approved for use in human medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the control of allograft rejection. We continue to test analogs of leflunomide and the HMG coenzymeA inhibitors as treatments for the prevention of primary rejection and the control of chronic allograft rejection.

  To implement our studies we have had to develop cell culture techniques, drug assay techniques and various animal models of both acute and chronic rejection. We have performed transplantation experiments using hearts and skin in mice; hearts, skin, kidneys, functional whole limbs, tracheas and blood vessels in rats; musculocutaneous flaps and kidneys in cats; kidneys in dogs; and musculocutaneous flaps, kidneys, hearts, and blood vessels in primates. We have successfully cultured both isolated T and B cells, T and B cells in a whole blood assay, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. We have the capability of measuring various drugs via HPLC, HPLC-MS, and ELISA.

  In addition to transplantation experiments, we have also had significant experience in the use of peptide growth factors for the control of immune deficiency diseases and to promote wound healing, and in the use of leflunomide to control immune mediated diseases in the dog.

  In addition to basic research we have performed many clinical studies using naturally occurring models of both human and animal disease. These included studies in organ transplantation, the use of peptide growth factors for wound healing, and the use of leflunomide for the control of immune mediated and inflammatory diseases in the dog. Both our basic and clinical research findings have been published in internationally, peer-reviewed, journals and presented at many national and international meetings.

  In short, we have the capability of taking a molecule from the bench to the clinic in a variety of models. In addition to new agents, we can use our models to test new applications for "old"drugs. We also have the ability to expand our models to test other therapeutic possibilities; for example, rodent models of autoimmune disease or cancer. We meet all the requirements to perform FDA level clinical trials, and have previously conducted such trials.

  Our laboratory offers a cell culture/drug assay laboratory and a fully equipped surgical/microsurgical facility. We currently have two faculty, two technicians and 3 residents working in the laboratory. In addition, we are affiliated with the entire University of California, Davis, system and Stanford University. We are associated with the State of California and University Clinical Laboratories, the State of California Toxicology Laboratory, and the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. We have the ability to coordinate research in all species both in the laboratory and the clinics. The School of Veterinary Medicine has specialty programs in Companion Animal Health, Equine Health, Food Animal Health, Exotic and Zoo Animal Health Aquatic Medicine and Comparative Pathology. We can also study diseases across species. We have a very active and internationally recognized program in cancer research in the Medical School and the Veterinary School.