BioMaths Colloquium - 02/03/2017

BioMaths Colloquium Series - 2016/17

02 March 2017 - 3pm Maths Seminar Room

(room 224 Talbot Building 2nd floor)

Towards a 3D distribution model of drugs in the brain

Dr Vivi Rottschäfer

(Mathematisch Instituut,Leiden University, Netherlands) 

Our BioMaths Colloquium Series for the winter term continues with a seminar by Dr Vivi Rottschäfer from the Mathematisch Instituut at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Vivi is a mathematician and Associate Professor in the research group Analysis and Dynamical Systems. Her interests are in dynamical systems and partial differential equations with the aim to find novel applications in pharmacology and ecology. Examples include pattern evolution and how phase separation can explain self-organised spatial patterns in ecology.

Abstract

Development of drugs with adequate action on the brain is highly challenging. Quantitative understanding is needed on the highly complex processes that govern the concentration-profile of a drug, such as transport of the drug from blood to brain and subsequent distribution to the target site. Existing models for prediction of drug distribution and effect consist of systems of ordinary differential equations  to describe the pharmacokinetics of drugs in multiple physiological brain compartments. However, it is important to also take into account local brain distribution, as target expression in the brain can substantially differ between different  regions in the brain.

On the way towards a 3D spatial drug distribution model of the brain, we first developed a 2D model that gives more detailed insight into the change of drug concentration in the brain in both time and space. The model consists of  a system of a partial differential equation and ordinary differential equations  that describe the concentration of free drug in the brain  and the concentrations of free and bound receptors on the surface of the brain cells. In this model we integrate both the drug distribution and target interaction kinetics, to ultimately improve the prediction of drug action in the brain. 

The discussions will continue over biscuits and tea/coffee after the seminar. 

Hope to see many of you!