A sheep model for continuous intrathecal infusion of test substances.

Pharmaceutical research and new drug development rely extensively on animal research. The development of novel agents for intrathecal administration requires preclinical studies of toxic effects in an animal model. We have developed a nonrodent animal model for this purpose. Our sheep model: 1 Is an animal whose neural axis is similar to the human 2 Allows for the percutaneous placement of intrathecal catheters 3 Has minimal possibilities of infection because the infusion system is totally implanted 4 Provides continuous infusion of the test agent 5 Generates behavioral, motor, neurological and histopathological information so that safety guidelines can be established prior to preclinical studies.