Hi Ralph, from one of our biosafety specialists.
Larry
__________________________

Hi Larry,

Mouse microsomes are generally used for drug metabolism studies prior to going into in vivo work. Most companies collect and pool a number of mice so that they can provide standard samples in large batches. My review of a handful of companies indicates they don't specifically test for any mouse pathogens, but it is unlikely that these animal colonies contain known biohazards, as infection could alter the microsome composition and drug testing.

If the lab specifically works with mouse microsomes, there is no human BBP risk, but general precautions would include gloves, lab coat, using O-ring or screw top tubes for any cell sonication or breakdown, and possibly the use of a BSC, though I don't think we would require this, as this would be considered BSL1 work. If they were doing drug metabolism testing, there would be additional concerns relating to the drugs and any chemicals used in the process as well.

Best,
Susan

Susan E. Vleck, Ph.D.
Biosafety & Biosecurity Specialist
Stanford University

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**med.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Stuart, Ralph
Sent: Thursday, April 7, 2016 12:08 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Mouse liver microsomes in the chemistry lab

A faculty member asks me this question:
===
I had spoken with you earlier about wanting to do some work with liver microsomes. We are opting to work with mouse liver microsomes, since it would reason that they are safer than working with human liver microsomes (even if the organelles come certified as free of viruses, etc). However, I find little information about the safety of mouse liver microsomes... do you had any suggestions on where to find such information?
===
The SDSs I find for this product pretty much say "no data available" across the board; I wonder if other Chemical Hygiene Officers have addressed this question? This is another good example of biosafety reaching into the chemical lab and am interested to know whether the group this process is better treated according to Prudent Practices or BMBL safety processes.

Thanks for any information on this.

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Keene State College

ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu

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