Ex Vivo Brain Slice Assay

Ex vivo brain slice electrophysiology is a valuable tool for studying neuronal activities, including neuronal membrane properties, intrinsic excitability, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity of a synapse or neural circuit in isolation from the rest of the brain. At Creative Biolabs, we provide comprehensive ex vivo brain slice assays ensuring the viability and functionality of the tissue.

Services Available

Assays	Description	Measurement
Acute Brain Slices Assay	Brain tissue is quickly extracted from an animal, often a rodent, and sliced using a microtome. The slices are then placed in an artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) solution that mimics the brain's extracellular environment.	Synaptic transmission, neural excitability, and pharmacological responses.
Organotypic Brain Slices Assay	Organotypic slices are cultured slices of brain tissue that can be maintained for a longer period. These slices can better preserve the natural cell-cell interactions and connections present in the intact brain.	Long-term changes in neural circuits, neurodevelopment, and plasticity.
Hippocampal Slice Assay	Hippocampal slice assays are commonly used to study synaptic plasticity.	Long-term potentiation (LTP) Long-term depression (LTD)
Cortical Slice Assay	Cortical brain slices are used to study sensory processing, neural networks, and various cortical functions.	Synaptic transmission, neural excitability, and plasticity.

Examples of Common Readouts We Deliver

Our brain slice assay readouts provide valuable information about the functional properties of neurons, synaptic transmission, network activity, and the effects of various interventions. Here are some common readouts used in brain slice assays:

Measurement	Readout
Electrophysiological Recordings	Membrane Potential Action Potentials Synaptic Potentials Spike Train
Synaptic Plasticity	Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) Long-Term Depression (LTD)
Calcium Imaging	Calcium Levels
Multi-Electrode Array (MEA)	Spike Raster Plots Spike Sorting
Neuronal Firing Patterns	Spiking Patterns Firing Rates
Temporal and Spatial Analysis	Synaptic Delays Signal Propagation

General Workflow for Brain Slice Assay

Step 1 Tissue Preparation

Extract the brain quickly to preserve tissue viability.
Place the brain in oxygenated, ice-cold artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) to maintain its health.
Choose a specific brain region and block it out for slicing.

Step 2 Brain Slicing

Use a vibratome or microtome to slice the brain into thin, consistent sections (typically 200-400 micrometers thick).
Transfer the brain slices to a chamber filled with oxygenated aCSF at a controlled temperature.

Step 3 Experimental Interventions

Apply electrical stimuli to induce synaptic responses or action potentials.
Apply pharmacological agents (neurotransmitters, drugs) to modulate neuronal activity or study drug effects.
Optogenetically stimulate or inhibit neurons using light-sensitive proteins if applicable.

Step 4 Data Collection and Analysis

Record data on synaptic responses, neuronal activity, or other relevant measurements during and after interventions.
Analyze collected data using appropriate software and statistical methods to derive meaningful insights.

Creative Biolabs also offers reliable ex vivo brain slice assays that recapitulate brain features in both healthy and pathological conditions with 3D brain slices. Researchers can thus identify the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological diseases and compare the efficacy of novel drug candidates on synaptic transmission through our advanced platform.

If you want to learn more details about ex vivo brain slice assays and design your drug development programs, please don't hesitate to contact us.

For further information about ex vivo brain slice assays, please click the following links:

Case Studies

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.

Related Section

Organotypic Brain Slice Assay

Rodent Brain Slices Recording Assay

Human Brain Slices Recording Assay

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