In-vitro Models

For the various indications of CNS diseases there are known models for brain slice cultures that consist of a pretreatment of these cultures with substances producing similar effects to those observed in animal models and with human beings. These in-vitro models were tested by our partners at the University of Rostock and are adapted to primary neuronal networks on microelectrodes arrays.

Epilepsy

Stimulation of neuronal networks with bicuculline induces activity patterns that are referred to as epileptiform states, e.g. seizures. Since bicuculline binds to the GABA-A receptor, this model is in particular suitable for anticonvulsive substances that also bind to the GABA-A receptor. In our studies we examined several antiepileptics, AED's - antiepileptic drugs, with this model.

Schizophrenia

The stimulation with phencyclidine ("Angel Dust") is used as a possible in-vitro model for schizophrenia. A related in-vitro model based on the stimulation with ketamine was studied by us.

The cultivation of the neuronal cell cultures over the entire life cycle from primary dissoceated cell cultures to adult, several months old cells creates completely new possibilities for the development of novel in-vitro models, for drug screening that facilitate the study of relevant functional mechanisms.

Inquire for further models, e.g. chemical kindling or the possibility to cultivate and test neuronal networks of knock out mice in respect to other cns drugs.