Primate Resources

Center Access Criteria and Procedures

The National Primate Research Center (NPRC) facilities and resources enable NPRC staff scientists and investigators from the host institution and others across the country to collaborate on their research projects. The centers' specialized resources are intended to support investigators who receive their primary research project funding from NIH, but they also may be used by investigators who are funded by other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as by research foundations and the private sector. Together the NPRCs have more than 26,000 animals representing more than 20 species of nonhuman primates, mostly macaques.

Each NPRC has a Visiting Scientist Program that offers advanced training and research in nonhuman primate biology. Collaborative arrangements between investigators and center scientific staff are encouraged and can be developed on studies related to major human diseases, subject to the availability of resources and center staff time. Nonhuman primate blood samples, organs, and biological fluids are available through the NPRCs. The following standardized criteria and procedures have been implemented at each NPRC to facilitate utilization of center resources:

Access Criteria

• The nature and scope of the proposed research must be best conducted with nonhuman primates and be compatible with available center resources.
• The proposed research must have high scientific merit as determined by peer review.
• NIH–funded research takes precedence over research activities funded by other sources.
• Grants must contain appropriate budgets for the NPRC portion, including animal per diem costs.
• Availability of NPRC resources, including animals, space, research services and support, and special requirements—such as biosafety facilities— are also limiting factors that must be considered by the investigator.
• Because of potential contamination (e.g., viral, microbial), movement of animals into or out of the NPRC facilities is not allowed. Thus, the proposed research using live animals must use NPRC animals, and the research must be conducted at the NPRC.

Access Procedures

• An initial research proposal must be submitted by the researcher to the NPRC prior to submitting an application for funding. The director then consults with the research services, veterinary, and colony management staff members at the center to assess resource availability and project feasibility. (Note that special requests or conditions regarding animals of certain age, gender, weight, or other stipulations affect the NPRC's capability to meet the researcher's needs.)
• When resource availability and project feasibility have been established, the NPRC staff will provide budget information to the researcher regarding the center costs to be included in the formal research proposal.
• The scientific merit of the proposal must then be evaluated through the NIH peer review process or through a similar process at other agencies. However, small pilot projects with other funding sources may be considered. In the latter case, the peer review is conducted by the NPRC Research Advisory Committee.
• In addition to the scientific peer review, a protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) at both the investigator's institution and the NPRC must be in place. Protocols must also be established to address biosafety concerns.
• When the investigator has received notification of funding, the NPRC director should be advised immediately so that the resources at the center may be reserved for the funded proposal.
• Biological materials such as blood samples, organ tissues, and biological fluids can be obtained by contacting the directors and staff of the NPRCs.

All publications resulting from research conducted at or with NPRC resources must bear an appropriate acknowledgment of NCRR support.

Inquiries

For additional information about the Visiting Scientist Program and resources available at a specific center, including applying to utilize a center's resources, contact the center director or appropriate contact person listed in this directory.

California National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The California National Primate Research Center (NPRC) is a research unit of the University of California, Davis. Its mission is to provide interdisciplinary programs in biomedical research on significant human health-related problems in which nonhuman primates are the most appropriate model for the research.

Current Research

The center has a diverse program of research utilizing nonhuman primates. Research projects encompass many aspects of biology and medicine, including AIDS and other infectious diseases; reproductive issues such as those associated with conception, pregnancy, and fetal growth and development; neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease; nutritional deficiencies; pulmonary disorders such as asthma, emphysema, and other chronic obstructive lung diseases; xenotransplantation; cell- and gene-based therapies; acute and chronic stress; temperament and biobehavioral organization; social relationships; neurobiology; cognitive function; and behavioral development.

Services Provided

Research units include brain, mind, and behavior; reproductive sciences; respiratory diseases; and virology and immunology; as well as an affiliate research program, core services, and the primate services and medicine division. Research opportunities are available for investigators from national and international institutions, as well as scientists within the UC Davis research community. The NPRC is also home to the Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases under the direction of Alice Tarantal, Ph.D.

To Outside Investigators

Specimens

Organs and tissues are provided when available; other biological samples are provided on special request. Shipping, collecting, and processing costs are charged to the requestor.

To Collaborating Scientists

Scientists wishing to conduct research at the center must have their projects reviewed and approved by the center director, research advisory committee, and campus animal care review committee. The center's services are available to collaborating scientists on a fee-for-service basis. Services include:

Core Science

Endocrine Core
Immunology Core
Inhalation Exposure Core
Computational Imaging Core
Pathogen Detection Core
Behavioral Assessment Core Contact Core Directors at 530-752-0447.

Primate Medicine

Preventive medicine and epidemiologic evaluation, surgery, radiology, therapeutics, specialized medical procedures.

Diagnostic Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Services

Bacteriology, biochemistry, hematology, parasitology, pathology, virology.

Animals

Center breeding colony: cynomolgus macaque ( Macaca fascicularis ), rhesus macaque ( M. mulatta ). Center research colony: Callicebus moloch, M. mulatta, M. fascicularis .

Contact Information

California National Primate Research Center
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616

Web site: www.cnprc.ucdavis.edu

Grant No.: P51 RR000169

Center Director and Contact
Dallas M. Hyde, Ph.D.
530-752-0420; Fax: 530-754-6228
E-mail: dmhyde@ucdavis.edu

Additional Contact
Jenny Short
530-752-7169

Principal Investigator
Barry M. Klein, Ph.D.

The center is located on a 300-acre tract three miles from the main campus of the University of California, Davis. The university administers the center and provides its academic setting.

New England National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The New England National Primate Research Center support studies of HIV/SIV/AIDS, oncogenic herpesviruses, other infectious diseases, behavioral biology, neurodegenerative diseases, neurochemistry, brain imaging, and neuropharmacology.

Current Research

Use of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) as a model for AIDS in rhesus monkeys, host and viral determinants of AIDS pathogenesis, strategies for vaccine development, immune-based therapeutic strategies, pathogenesis of opportunistic infections. Elucidation of spontaneous diseases of nonhuman primates and development of new models for comparable human diseases. Neurobiology and behavioral pharmacology of cocaine abuse with emphasis on mechanisms of action, behavioral effects, and treatment. Use of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model for Parkinson's disease, to develop imaging agents for chronic neurologic disorders, to monitor disease progression and effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. Drug discovery and development for central nervous system disorders.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Specimens

Tissue specimens, organs, blood, skeletal structures, viral specimens, etc. Animals for approved research projects are provided from breeding colonies or other sources as required. Costs are normally assumed by the individual requesting the specimens.

To Collaborating Scientists

Scientists wishing to conduct research at the center must have projects reviewed and approved by the center's animal allocation committee. A brochure explaining the collaborative research program is available from the center. Most services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. They include veterinary services, animals and animal care, surgical and radiographic services, timed mating, biocontainment, pathology services, and professional and technical expertise.

Animals

Colonies of rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ), cynomolgus macaque ( M. fascicularis ), common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus ), and squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus ). Other species can be obtained. Animals with exceptional characteristics (specific-pathogen-free, timed pregnancy, surgically altered, etc.) can be made available if needed.

Contact Information

New England National Primate Research Center
One Pine Hill Drive
P.O. Box 9102
Southborough, MA 01772-9102

Web site: www.hms.harvard.edu/nerprc

Grant No.: P51 RR000168

Center Director and Contact
Ronald C. Desrosiers, Ph.D.
508-624-8002; Fax: 508-460-0612
E-mail: ronald_desrosiers@hms.harvard.edu

Additional Contact
James T. Wortham, M.P.A.
508-624-8003
E-mail: james_wortham@hms.harvard.edu

Principal Investigator
Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D.

The center is located on 135 acres in Southborough, Massachusetts, about 30 miles from Boston. Harvard Medical School administers the center and provides its academic setting.

Oregon National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Oregon National Primate Research Center supports studies in the reproductive sciences, neuroscience, pathobiology, and immunology.

Current Research

Control of folliculogenesis and the corpus luteum, factors that control sperm motility and maturation, hormonal control of parturition, steroid receptors in primate reproductive tract and brain tissues, implantation, in vitro fertilization, and embryonic stem cells. Neurological processes in regeneration of neural tissue, interactions between neural and immune systems, factors controlling differentiation and growth of neurons and glia, degenerative diseases, developmental neurobiology, and control of reproduction and of food intake. Pathobiology and immunology, human and animal models related to AIDS and other viral infections.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Tissue specimens, organs, etc., when available. Costs are normally assumed by the requestor.

To Collaborating Scientists

Scientists wishing to conduct research must have their projects approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the research advisory subcommittee. Most services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. They include:

Medical Services

Physiological data, surgery, ultrasound, DEXA scanning.

Colony Operations

Primates, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, rats, rabbits.

Pathology

Necropsies, tissue distribution, consultation.

Microscopy and Image Analysis Services

Confocal microscopy and stereology.

Data Processing

Comprehensive animal information system, consultation and support on statistical processing, extensive radioimmunoassay support.

Library

8,300 books, 15,250 bound journals, 200 journal subscriptions, MEDLARS searching services, PriMed database, Internet.

Endocrine Services Laboratory

Steroid and protein hormone radioimmunoassays.

Medical Illustrations and Photography

Animals

Japanese macaque ( Macaca fuscata ), rhesus macaque ( M. mulatta ), pigtailed macaque ( M. nemestrina ); includes an outdoor troop of about 300 M. fuscata and a colony of 3,800 M. mulatta .

Molecular Biology Core

DNA synthesis and sequencing, cDNA probes, real-time PCR, consultation.

Cell Culture Core

Maintenance of cell lines, media preparation.

Morphology Core

Tissue embedding and sectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies Core

Procedures related to in vitro fertilization, nuclear transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, culture media, gamete preservation.

Electrophysiology Core

Provides electrophysiology recordings from neurons in brain slices, from cells in tissue explants, and from cultured cells that can be used to determine experimentally induced changes in the electrical properties of cells.

Contact Information

Oregon National Primate Research Center
505 N.W. 185th Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97006

Web site: onprc.ohsu.edu

Grant No.: P51 RR000163

Center Director and Contact
Nancy L. Haigwood, Ph.D.
503-690-5500; Fax: 503-690-5569
E-mail: HaigwooN@ohsu.edu

Additional Contact
P. Michael Conn, Ph.D.
503-690-5297; Fax: 503-690-5569
E-mail: connm@ohsu.edu

Principal Investigator
Joseph Robertson, M.D.

The center is located on the 247-acre Oregon Health Sciences University West campus 12 miles from downtown Portland. OHSU administers the center and provides its academic setting.

Southwest National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Southwest National Primate Research Center (NPRC) supports studies of nonhuman primate models of human diseases, including common chronic diseases and infectious diseases and the effects that genetics and the environment have on physiological processes and disease susceptibility.

Current Research

Genetics

Genetic and environmental bases for susceptibility to atherosclerosis, hypertension, osteoporosis, obesity, and infectious diseases; construction of baboon and rhesus gene maps; genomic screening for disease-related genes; genetic management strategies for research colonies; development of new genetic analytic strategies and software.

Infectious Diseases

AIDS; hepatitis B, C, and E; herpes B and other herpesviruses; Chagas disease; emerging viral diseases; fundamental research and vaccine; and drug testing.

Neonatal Diseases

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and chronic lung disease of infancy.

Physiology

Control of ingestive behavior, dietary effects on blood pressure, brain imaging, lipid metabolism, gene therapy.

Pathobiology

Spontaneous diseases and experimental models of diseases.

Behavior

Impact of enrichment strategies on behavior and well-being, genetic and endocrine effects on maternal behavior.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

The NPRC encourages the use of its resources by investigators from the national and international biomedical research communities. The NPRC is also available for collaborative research initiatives involving center staff and outside investigators. In general, expenses are assumed by the initiating investigator, and collaborative research efforts are covered by grants acquired collaboratively.

Specimens

Banked serum, tissue, and DNA samples; fresh blood, serum, plasma, tissues, and organs.

Animals

Baboon ( Papio ) species, chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ), rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ), miscellaneous primate species, as required for specific research purposes.

Veterinary Technical Services

Timed pregnancies, tether, radiography, sonography, endoscopy, experimental surgery, experimental diets, nursery, behavioral assessment.

Pathology

Necropsies, clinical chemistry, hematology, histology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology.

Data Services

Colony database system, genetic analysis software, genetic typing services.

Contact Information

Southwest National Primate Research Center
Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research
Post Office Box 760549
San Antonio, TX 78245-0549

Web site: www.snprc.org

Grant No.: P51 RR013986

Center Director
John L. VandeBerg, Ph.D.
E-mail: jlv@darwin.sfbr.org

Principal Investigator
John C. Kerr, J.D.

The center is located on the 397-acre campus of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, approximately 12 miles from downtown San Antonio and 7 miles from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The Southwest Foundation administers the center.

Tulane National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Tulane National Primate Research Center is heavily focused on infectious disease research and also has a significant program in gene therapy that capitalizes on a unique colony of macaques with Krabbe disease.

Current Research

The major areas of infectious disease research at the Center are currently AIDS, Lyme disease, and biodefense-related agents, with additional programs involving tuberculosis, microsporidiosis, and malaria. The AIDS-related research is quite diverse, covering pathogenesis, vaccine development, microbicides, and the origins of AIDS. These are multidisciplinary studies involving investigators in numerous Divisions at the TNPRC and collaborators outside the Center. The gene therapy program involves both traditional viral-vector-mediated gene transfer as well as nonhuman primate mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells. For more information, visit: www.tnprc.tulane.edu

Services Provided - To Outside Invetigators

Specimens: Tissue specimens, blood, and other bodily fluids are provided when available. Collection, processing, and shipping costs are normally assumed by the requestor.

Services Provided - To Collaborating Scientists

The TNPRC provides highly integrated clinical and laboratory support for studies using nonhuman primates. This includes a full-time staff of clinical veterinarians and technicians and core services commonly used for infectious disease and gene therapy research including: 1) Diagnostic Parasitology; 2) Vector-Borne Diseases (maintains arthropods that are important for the study of vector-borne diseases); 3) DNA Microarray and Gene Expression; 4) Anatomic Pathology; 5) Clinical Pathology; 6) Molecular Pathology; 7) Confocal Microscopy and Image Analysis; 8) Flow Cytometry; 9) Cellular Immunology; 10) Virus Characterization, Isolation, and Production; 11) Pathogen Detection and Quantification; 12) Infectious Disease Aerobiology; 13) Genetics and Genome Banking; 14) Vector Development and Production; and 15) Nonhuman Primate Stem Cell Production. For more information, visit www.tnprc.tulane.edu/research_resou.html.

Animals

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of both Indian and Chinese origin are available. Other species can be obtained. Most of the rhesus macaques are specific-pathogen free (B virus, SIV, SRV, and STLV1 negative).

Contact Information

Tulane National Primate Research Center
18703 Three Rivers Road
Covington, LA 70433

Web site: www.tnprc.tulane.edu

Grant No.: P51 RR000164

Center Director and Contact
Andrew A. Lackner, D.V.M., Ph.D., Dipl. A.C.V.P.
985-871-6201; Fax: 985-871-6569
E-mail: info@tpc.tulane.edu

Additional Contact
Mike W. Aertker, M.S.E., M.B.A.
985-871-6200
E-mail: aertker@tulane.edu

Principal Investigator
Benjamin P. Sachs, M.B., B.S., DPH, FACOG

The Center is part of the Tulane University Health Sciences Center along with the School of Medicine and School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine and is located on 500 acres near Covington, Louisiana, 35 miles from the main campus.

Washington National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Washington National Primate Research Center is committed to facilitation of nonhuman primate-related research through collaborative efforts of core and affiliate scientists. Current biomedical research projects emphasize neurological sciences, animal models, AIDS, virology, immunogenetics, cardiovascular function, developmental biology, and endocrinology and metabolism.

Current Research

Core Staff

Primate neuroscience, neural control of limb movement, vestibular and oculomotor interactions, neural mechanisms of vision, molecular structure of neuronal membranes, animal model development, virology, viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, therapeutic evaluation, genetic regulation of B cell function, primate major histocompatibility complex, viral translation, intracellular signaling, transplantation, gene therapy, and immunology.

Affiliated Staff

Neurological Sciences

Structure and development of monkey visual cortex, auditory physiology, retinal development, basal ganglia function.

Animal Models

AIDS model systems, enteric pathogens, antiviral drugs, reproductive health, venereal disease, chlamydia, chancroid, fetal alcohol syndrome, parkinsonism, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, systemic candidiasis.

Cardiovascular Disease and Function

Arterial smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis, evaluating blood compatibility of biomaterials, fetal hemoglobin synthesis.

Developmental Biology

Hyaline membrane disease, respiratory distress syndrome, visual development, effect of epileptic drugs on development, cognitive development.

Endocrinology and Metabolism Research

Reproductive physiology, regulation of glucagon, role of somatostatin in physiology and control of somatostatin secretion, methanol effects, methylmercury effects, parenteral nutrition, bone loss and gain, diabetes endocrine research.

Transplantation and Prosthesis Development

Bone marrow transplantation, neurotransplantation, cochlear prosthetics, arterial graft development, stem cell transplantation, pancreatic transplantation.

Services Provided

Affiliate Scientists/Outside Investigators

The NPRC is committed to providing complete access to center resources for the research community to facilitate all aspects of nonhuman primate-related research. The center provides substantial assistance for collaborative research projects based at the center, including scientific and technical assistance with protocol development, grant submission, data collection and interpretation, and manuscript preparation. A computer database of more than 80,000 bibliographic records (1985 to present) of scientific literature on nonhuman primates is available for lease on PC-compatible computer systems. This database includes full citation and indexing information.

Primate Information Center

Develops indexes of comprehensive, worldwide bibliographic information regarding biomedical research on nonhuman primates. Provides published and custom bibliographies.

Primate Resource Referral Service
(formerly Primate Supply Information Clearinghouse)

Provides communication links—by telephone and through semimonthly publication of the New Listings Bulletin —between U.S. scientists in need of primates or tissues and institutions that can meet their needs. A registry of primate colonies and special services is being developed. This service is further described elsewhere in this Directory, and
at pin.primate.wisc.edu/idp/idp/entry/463

Tissue Distribution Program (TDP)

Provides samples of blood and all major tissues, either fresh, fixed, or frozen for shipment to investigators throughout the United States.

Pathology

Provides complete pathology services including gross necropsy, biopsy, histologic evaluation, special diagnostic staining, and immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies.

Scientific Illustration and Editing

Neurohistology

Immunologic Typing

Primate Colony Division

Primate health care, surgical procedures, imaging facilities, genetic characterization, clinical laboratory, round-the-clock nursery care, computerized genealogic and clinical records, psychological well-being, preventive medicine.

Biostructure Technology Laboratory

Bioengineering

Instrumentation development, computer programming.

Animals

Cynomolgus macaque ( Macaca fascicularis ), rhesus monkey ( M. mulatta ), pigtailed macaque ( M. nemestrina ), yellow baboon ( Papio cynocephalus ).

Collections

A broad variety of collections are archived encompassing developmental and physiologic data for the nonhuman primate.

Contact Information

Washington National Primate Research Center
University of Washington
I-421 Health Sciences
Box 357330
Seattle, WA 98195-7330

Web site: www.wanprc.org/WaNPRC

Grant No.: P51 RR000166

Center Director and Contact
David M. Anderson, D.V.M.
206-543-1430; Fax: 206-616-6771
E-mail: directorsoffice@bart.rprc.washington.edu

Tissue Distribution
206-543-6999
E-mail: necropsy@bart.NPRC.washington.edu

Principal Investigator
Sidney D. Nelson, Ph.D.

The center is located in the Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center of the University of Washington and at the Western Facility Annex in Seattle.

Wisconsin National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The WNPRC’s mission is to increase our understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC:

• Helps discover treatments, preventions and cures for human disease.
• Generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems.
• Facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources and training to scientists worldwide.
• Collects primate information and disseminates to the research community and to the public.

2008 Quick Facts:

• Personnel: The WNPRC supports research by more than 250 core and affiliate scientists from the UW-Madison, across the U.S. and around the world. Many graduate students and post-doctoral trainees also conduct research through the Center.
• Funding: $91 million including core and affiliate scientists’ total funding. Of that, $38.5 million supporting subprojects using Primate Center resources. Of that, $4.2 million in non-federal funding, primarily foundations and industry.
• Colony: 1,411 animals: 1,106 rhesus macaques, 260 common marmosets, 45 cynomolgus macaques.
• Publications: 119 published and in press journal articles citing the WNPRC.

Current Research

The WNPRC supports three areas of major emphasis and a diverse affiliate program.

Aging and Metabolic Diseases

• Effects of caloric restriction on aging
• Obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Osteoporosis
• Ocular aging (glaucoma, presbyopia)
• Neurodegeneration
• Gene expression profiling
• Parkinson's Disease

Immunogenetics and Virology

• Simian immunodeficiency virus
• HIV vaccines
• Simian immunodeficiency virus
• MHC-defined animals
• Cytotoxic T-cells
• Molecular MHC analysis

Reproduction and Development

• Embryonic stem cell biology
• Fertility regulation
• Embryonic differentiation
• Maternal-fetal health
• Reproductive neuroendocrinology
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Endometriosis
• Reproductive tract gene therapy

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Researchers interested in conducting research through the WNPRC and using one of the below services or resources should first contact our Centralized Protocol Implementation Unit (CPI).
 

CPI integrates and utilizes research service and animal service personnel and their talents to make research programs function in a precise and efficient manner. This integration serves as a gateway for the use of the NPRC and all its service units in research projects for both local and extramural principal investigators.
 

Research Services:

• Assay Services
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Virology

Research Resources:

• Aging Resource
• Stem Cell Resource

Animal Services:

• Behavioral Management Unit
• Colony Management Unit
• Compliance and Training Unit
• Veterinary Services Unit
• Pathology Services (tissue specimens, organs, other biological materials.)

To Collaborating Scientists

The center actively encourages researchers from the Midwest region and as well as national and international to use its facilities and services and to conduct collaborative studies. Scientists wishing to conduct research must have their projects reviewed and approved by the center director and advisory committees and have independent funding to cover costs. Most of the center's services are available on a fee-for-service basis.

Contact Information

Wisconsin National Primate Research Center
1220 Capitol Court
Madison, WI 53715-1299

Web site: www.primate.wisc.edu

Grant No.: P51 RR000167

Center Director and Contact
Joseph W. Kemnitz, Ph.D.
608-263-3500; Fax: 608-265-2067
E-mail: kemnitz@primate.wisc.edu

Additional Contacts
Jordana Lenon
Public Information and Outreach
608-263-7024
jlenon@primate.wisc.edu

Ray Hamel, M.L.S.
Library and Information Services
608-263-3512
E-mail: hamel@primate.wisc.edu
refdesk@primate.wisc.edu

Principal Investigator
Martin T. Cadwallader, Ph.D.

The center has approximately 120,000 square feet of laboratory, animal, office, and related support space on and near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The UW-Madison Graduate School provides center’s administrative support and academic setting.

Yerkes National Primate Research Center

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Yerkes National Primate Research Center conducts biomedical and biobehavioral research to improve the health and well-being of human and nonhuman primates.

Current Research

Microbiology and Immunology

Primate models for research on AIDS pathogenesis, treatment, and vaccines; and for other infectious diseases including malaria.

Neuroscience

Molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies of drugs of abuse, especially cocaine; cognitive neuroscience and brain function.

Psychobiology

Endocrine and behavioral studies of primates living in complex social groups.

Visual Science

Developmental studies of visual function.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Research proposals by investigators from other institutions are encouraged. Proposals should be submitted for review by the research advisory committee to ensure that resources are available. All proposals are reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Services available to outside investigators at approved rates include veterinary medicine, pathology, and biomedical engineering.

Animals

Rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ), pigtailed macaque ( M. nemestrina ), cynomolgus macaque ( M. fascicularis ), sooty mangabey ( Cercocebus atys ), baboon ( Papio ) species, squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus ), chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ), tufted brown capuchins ( Cebus apella ).

Service Cores

Brain imaging, DNA microarray, molecular pathology, virology, and radioimmunoassay.

Contact Information

Yerkes National Primate Research Center
Emory University
954 North Gatewood Road, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30322

Web site: www.yerkes.emory.edu

Grant No.: P51 RR000165

Center Director and Contact
Stuart Zola, Ph.D.
404-727-7707; Fax: 404-727-0623
E-mail: szola@rmy.emory.edu

Principal Investigator
Michael M. E. Johns, M.D.

Center facilities include the Main Station on 25 acres of the Emory University campus in Atlanta and the 117-acre Field Station for psychobiology research in nearby Lawrenceville.

Baboon Research Resources

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Baboon Research Resource conducts multidisciplinary studies on captive baboons and provides a resource of laboratory-born and laboratory-reared baboons for NIH-sponsored research programs. Additional objectives are to: maintain and provide available research facilities accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International; serve as a ready source of baboons ( Papio spp. ) of mixed ages and sex for use in biomedical and behavioral sciences; and provide professional staff necessary to support investigators' research needs.

Current Research

Current research activities involve characterizing the endogenous microorganisms of the conventional research baboon, improving methods for production of baboons in a captive environment, developing a specific-pathogen-free colony of baboons, developing vaccines, and testing genetic diversity among the baboon breeding population.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

The mission of the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) Baboon Research Resource is to support biomedical and behavioral research requiring the baboon as the animal model. The resource supports research investigators at the OUHSC and also serves as a national resource by supporting numerous investigators located at institutions across the United States. This resource enables NIH-funded investigators to purchase baboons for their research programs, subcontract with the resource to conduct the study on location at the OUHSC, or lease the baboons for conducting their studies and then return the baboons to the breeding colony. Together with the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the resource continues to further develop and improve the usefulness of the baboon as an animal model.

To Collaborating Scientists

Individuals interested in collaborative studies must provide a protocol to the principal investigator of the Baboon Research Resource. Approval of collaborative projects depends on the relevance of the proposed project to the objectives of the Baboon Research Resource, with preference given to NIH-funded studies. Complete animal husbandry, veterinary medical care, technical assistance, and pathology services are available to investigators who have approval from the principal investigator to use resource colony animals.

Animals

Adult, infant, and juvenile baboons are available.

Contact Information

Baboon Research Resources
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Division of Animal Resources
940 S. L. Young Boulevard, BMSB 203
Oklahoma City, OK 73190

Grant No.: P40 RR012317

Principal Investigator and Contact
Gary L. White, D.V.M., M.M.S.
405-271-5185; Fax: 405-271-2660
E-mail: gary-white@ouhsc.edu

Additional Contact
Richard W. Eberle, Ph.D.
405-744-8169; Fax: 405-744-5275
E-mail: reberle@okstate.edu

Caribbean Primate Research Center Program

Research Emphasis/Objectives

Cayo Santiago

Short- and long-term studies of social and sexual behavior, population genetics, demography, reproductive biology, psychopharmacology, functional morphological and spontaneous diseases (arthritis, osteoporosis, adult-onset macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, obesity, hypertension), and parasitoses of rhesus monkeys maintained under seminatural conditions. Colony size: 900.

Sabana Seca Field Station

Headquarters of the Caribbean Primate Research Center (CPRC), specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rhesus breeding colony and biomedical research on spontaneous diseases (see above), reproductive biology and embryology, social behavior, endocrinology, medical genetics, vaccine development, and husbandry of Cayo Santiago-derived rhesus macaques maintained under a variety of housing configurations (individual cages, pens, and large corrals). Colony size: 800.

Laboratory for Primate Morphology and Genetics (formerly known as CPRC museum)

Anthropological and biomedical osteological research on 2,500 complete skeletons from 10 species of nonhuman primates, including more than 1,000 from Cayo Santiago rhesus monkeys of known identity, age, sex, matriline, and parity, and 175 skeletons from patas monkeys.

Virology Laboratories

Research on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV, as a model for AIDS in rhesus monkeys) and on strategies for the development of vaccines against SIV and dengue viruses. This BL2/3 fully equipped laboratory also supports the SPF grants by performing serological testing of herpes, STLV-1, SRV, and SIV in rhesus macaques.

Services Provided

To Collaborating Scientists

CPRC welcomes collaborative research with established behavioral and biomedical investigators and encourages the use of its animal and osteological resources for dissertation research. Investigators are charged modest use fees for access to the animals, computerized database, and office space. All proposals receive rigorous peer review and are judged on scientific merit, feasibility, and potential overlap with ongoing studies. Protocols using live monkeys must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the home institution, as well as the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus IACUC.

Contact Information

Caribbean Primate Research Center Program
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
P.O. Box 1053
Sabana Seca, PR 00952-1053

Web site: ucm.rcm.upr.edu/cprc.html

Grant No.: P40 RR003640

Principal Investigator and Contact
Edmundo N. Kraiselburd, Ph.D.
787-764-4325; Fax: 787-764-4325
E-mail: ekraiselburd@rcm.upr.edu

Mailing Address
Unit of Comparative Medicine
Office B-315
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Medical Sciences Campus
P.O. Box 365067
San Juan, PR 00936-5067

Development of a Specific-Pathogen-Free Baboon Colony

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The baboon has long been used in biomedical research and for certain applications has considerable advantages over other primate species. Despite their widespread use in research, there is currently an acute shortage of baboons available for use. As is well appreciated for macaques, viruses constituting the normal flora of research animals can have a considerable effect on research results and their validity. Baboons are known to harbor analogs of many of the herpesviruses and retroviruses known to infect humans and other primates. Despite many years of successful breeding of baboons by various institutions, no colonies of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) baboons exist that are free of even one specific virus. The center is developing the beginning of a self-sustaining colony of baboons free of all known herpesviruses, four retroviruses, and SV40.

Current Research

To accomplish this goal, the center has established—in collaboration with co-investigators and consultants—serological and PCR tests for each of the 11 target viruses. These baboon viruses include six herpesviruses (analogs of human HSV, VZV, CMV, HHV6, EBV, and HHV8), four retroviruses (simian foamy virus, SRV/D, SIV, and STLV), and SV40. Twenty-four infant baboons are being recruited into the SPF program in each of the first five years, for a final total of at least 66 SPF baboons. All infants will be repeatedly tested for each of the target viruses. At one month of age, larger social groups of 4-6 SPF animals are formed. Beginning at 2-3 years of age, SPF animals will be integrated into larger socially compatible groups. These groups will eventually mature into breeding harems of SPF animals. This approach provides infants with age-matched companions for socialization during their early period of development, minimizes opportunities for transmission of viruses to the infants from adult animals, and allows for the simultaneous elimination of many different viruses from SPF animals.

Services Provided

When the program is fully developed, the goal is to provide healthy, behaviorally normal, SPF baboons that are free of all known herpesviruses, four retroviruses, and SV40.

Contact Information

Development of a Specific-Pathogen-Free Baboon Colony
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
BMSB 203
940 S. L. Young Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73190

Grant No.: R24 RR016556

Principal Investigator
Gary L. White, D.V.M.
405-271-5185; Fax: 405-271-2660
E-mail: gary-white@ouhsc.edu

Owl Monkey Breeding and Research Resource

Research Emphasis/Objectives

Research objectives are to carry out multidisciplinary studies of reproduction in owl monkeys (Aotus spp.), to search for models relevant to human health, and to provide a resource of laboratory-born and -reared animals for NIH-sponsored research programs.

Current Research

Research projects aim to characterize factors that influence captive reproduction, with emphasis on developing methods to improve reproductive potential. Additional studies aim to optimize the usefulness of owl monkeys in malaria research. A multidisciplinary approach—including behavioral science, reproductive endocrinology, medical primatology, pathology, and genetics—is used to meet research goals.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Tissues and body fluids are available. Such specimens are provided on a priority basis to NIH-sponsored research studies that are related to the objectives of this project. Costs of packaging and shipping are negotiated on an individual basis, to be determined by the nature of the collaboration.

To Collaborating Scientists

Individuals interested in collaborative studies must provide a protocol to the principal investigator. Approval of collaborative projects depends on the relevance of the proposed project to the objectives of the ongoing research effort. Complete animal husbandry, medical care, and pathology services are available without charge to investigators who have received approval from the principal investigator to use resource colony animals.

Animals

The breeding colony currently contains approximately 300 owl monkeys of varying ages. Some offspring and reproductive culls are available.

Core Staff

Investigators conducting studies of medical primatology, reproductive endocrinology, data management, primate management and husbandry, primate behavioral psychology, veterinary pathology, and genetics are included within the research team.

Guest Investigators and Graduate Students

Guest investigators and graduate students interested in studies of factors influencing reproduction of owl monkeys and their usefulness in studies of human malaria are invited to send letters of interest. These letters will be considered based on the relevance of the applicant's interests to the ongoing research effort and the availability of resources to meet the needs of the guest investigator.

Contact Information

Owl Monkey Breeding and Research Resource
Center for Neotropical Primate Research Resources
College of Medicine
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688

Web site: www.CNPRR.org

Grant No.: R24 RR20052

Principal Investigator and Contact
Christian R. Abee, D.V.M.
251-460-6239; Fax: 251-460-7783
E-mail: cabee@mdandeerson.org

Squirrel Monkey Breeding and Research Resource

Research Emphasis/Objectives

Research objectives are to carry out multidisciplinary studies of reproduction in squirrel monkeys, to search for models relevant to human health, and to provide a resource of laboratory-born and -reared animals for NIH-sponsored research programs.

Current Research

Characterizing factors that influence captive reproduction with emphasis on developing methods to improve reproductive potential. A multidisciplinary approach—including behavioral studies, reproductive endocrinology, medical primatology, and genetics—is ongoing

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Tissues and body fluids are available. Such specimens are provided on a priority basis to NIH-sponsored research studies that are related to the objectives of this project. Costs of packaging and shipping are negotiated on an individual basis to be determined by the nature of the collaboration.

To Collaborating Scientists

Individuals interested in collaborative studies must provide a protocol to the principal investigator. Approval of collaborative projects depends on the relevance of the proposed project to the objectives of the ongoing research effort. Complete animal husbandry, medical care, and pathology services are available without charge to investigators who have received approval from the principal investigator to use resource colony animals.

Animals

The breeding colony currently contains approximately 450 squirrel monkeys of varying ages. Some offspring and reproductive culls are available.

Core Staff

Investigators conducting studies of medical primatology, reproductive endocrinology, data management, primate management and husbandry, primate behavioral psychology, and genetics.

Guest Investigators and Graduate Students

Guest investigators and graduate students interested in studies of factors influencing reproduction of squirrel monkeys in captivity are invited to send letters of interest. These letters will be considered based on the relevance of the applicant's interests to the ongoing research effort and the availability of resources to meet the needs of the guest investigator.

Contact Information

Squirrel Monkey Breeding and Research Resource
Center for Neotropical Primate Research and Resources
College of Medicine
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688

Web site: www.cnprr.org

Grant No.: P40 RR001254

Principal Investigator and Contact
Christian R. Abee, D.V.M.
251-460-6239; Fax: 251-460-7783
E-mail: cabee@mdanderson.org

Vervet Research Colony

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The colony emphasizes development of the vervet as an alternative to the rhesus monkey for biomedical research applications. The objectives are to provide SPF animals, husbandry information, access to the pedigreed and genotyped colony for research manipulations, and access to the repository for hypothesis testing and pilot data generation.

Current Research

Current research includes assessment of: 1) genetic, neurobiological, and behavioral correlates of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis; 2) genetic, developmental, and neurobiological influences on traits related to vulnerability for psychopathology; and 3) social, endocrine, and dietary effects on pregnancy outcomes and individual development across the lifespan.

Services Provided

This resource will provide approximately 100 animals per year for biomedical research, including some selected for particular traits (e.g., old age, insulin resistance, and impulsivity) or genotypes. Individuals wishing to collaborate on site can be provided with access to the colony for phenotypic or genetic assessment or for the conduct of discrete experiments. Technical support and complete anatomic and clinical pathology services are available. There is also scientific support for statistical genetic analyses.

Contact Information

Wake Forest University Primate Center
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Blvd.
Winston-Salem NC 27157-1040

E-mail: wfupc@wfubmc.edu

Web Site: http://www.wfubmc.edu/wfupc

Grant No.: P40 RR019963

Principal Investigator and Contact
Jay R. Kaplan, Ph.D.
336-716-1522; Fax: 336-716-1515
E-mail: jkaplan@wfubmc.edu

Additional Contact
Matthew J. Jorgensen, Ph.D.
336-716-6935; Fax 336-716-1515

Alamogordo Primate Facility

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) houses chimpanzees that have been used in biomedical research, but no active, invasive research is conducted on the site.

Services Provided

The APF provides for the long-term care and husbandry of chimpanzees that have been used in biomedical research. Charles River Laboratories Inc. operates the facility under contract with the National Institutes of Health. To be used in continuing virological research, the animals must be transferred to active chimpanzee research settings.

Animals

All chimpanzees at the APF have been exposed to various microorganisms, such as hepatitis C virus and HIV. For this reason, they may be candidates for studies related to these diseases. The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) may remove infected animals from the APF to other accredited chimpanzee facilities for research purposes. Investigators interested in the chimpanzees at the APF should contact Dr. Harold Watson in NCRR's Division of Comparative Medicine to discuss research requirements. Dr. Watson can be reached at 301-435-0744.

Contact Information

Alamogordo Primate Facility
Holloman Air Force Base
Alamogordo, NM 88330

Contract

Contact
Harold Watson, Ph.D.
301-435-0744; Fax: 301-480-3819
E-mail: watsonh@mail.nih.gov

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The center maintains and provides available research facilities accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International; a ready source of chimpanzees of mixed ages and sex for use in biomedical and behavioral sciences, and also provides professional staff necessary to support investigators with their research needs.

Current Research

Vaccine development and testing; pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, preclinical safety, and efficacy studies.

Services Provided

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette-New Iberia Research Center (UL Lafayette-NIRC) is an AAALAC-International-accredited nonhuman primate research facility dedicated to the support of basic and applied biomedical and behavioral research. All proposed programs must be approved by the presenting institution and the UL Lafayette-NIRC animal care and use committees. State-of-the-art biomedical support facilities are available that include access to ultrasound, radiography with automatic processor