Organotypic Brain Slice Models

Along with over a decade of rich experience in providing excellent custom services for neuroscience research, Creative Biolabs has developed novel organotypic brain slice models for our clients all over the world.

Introduction of Organotypic Brain Slice Models

In vitro cell culture is the essential method for the research of toxic or protective chemicals. However, isolated cells do not reflect the nature of the organism due to the lack of contact with other cells. In this case, organotypic cultures preserve the structure of the original tissue to better mimic in vivo conditions. Organotypic brain slice models represent a physiologically relevant three-dimensional model of the brain to support all cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). Derived from neurodegenerative disease related brain areas, our models allow a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and can be served as bridging technologies for the discovery of novel targets and therapeutic strategies.

Technologies for Organotypic Brain Slice Models Preparation

• Organotypic tissue slices in the anterior eye chamber
• Roller tube technique
• Semipermeable membrane technique

Fig.1 Organotypic brain slices are prepared from whole postnatal or adult brains. (Humpel, 2015)

Advantages of Organotypic Brain Slice Models

• The preserved three-dimensional tissue makes it anatomically intact and representative of the area from which they are derived.
• The development of cells and synapses in organotypic brain slice models mimics the development of the brain in vivo.
• Can be used as an alternative to some in vivo experiments to reduce reliance on laboratory animals.
• Techniques that are often difficult to perform in vivo can be applied in organotypic brain slice models.

Applications of Organotypic Brain Slice Models

The organotypic brain slice models present more possibilities for the study of various types of brain cells in vitro. The common applications include repeated multi-electrophysiological recordings and stimulations, neuroprotective molecules testing, gene transfer techniques, long-term live imaging, and retrograde tracing using fluorescent dyes. Our organotypic brain slice models can be analyzed using all neurobiological techniques, such as ELISA, HPLC, and RT-PCR. What's more, the organotypic brain slice models are also a mature model for neurotoxicology screening. In recent years, a three-dimensional human neural cell culture model of Alzheimer's disease has been established.

It should be noted, however, that these models have some limitations in the study of neurodegenerative proteinopathies. And because the intact blood-brain barrier cannot be simulated, further pre-clinical trials are needed when developing drugs that act on the brain.

Creative Biolabs is always dedicated to assisting our clients with the most satisfactory neuroscience research related services. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Humpel, C. Organotypic brain slice cultures: A review. Neuroscience. 2015, 305: 86-98.