Working Together to combat Neurodegenerative disorders
Neurodegenerative diseases are marked by the loss of neurons within the brain and/or spinal cord, which impairs the function of the brain and central nervous system (CNS). It represents one of the greatest drug development challenges of all time with most neurodegenerative disorders having no real cure and little therapeutic advances over the last 30 years. As drug developers continue to advance science in this field, it is imperative that preclinical partners offer innovative approaches to combat the CNS drug development challenge.
Our CNS research services provide a multifaceted approach for the assessment of neurological diseases. Our facilities are fitted with equipment and technologies for preclinical and translational studies, and our staff is highly trained in various, clinically-relevant services to enhance study results including histology/IHC , biomarker analysis, behavioral assessments and electrophysiology capabilities.
Neurodegenerative Models
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Multiple Sclerosis (EAE models)
Due to the clinical and pathological similarities of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), EAE is a model for the study of human demyelinating disease. Both EAE and MS are characterized by a relapsing-remitting disease course with subsequent progressive disability.
MD Biosciences is an experienced research partner with strength in designing pharmacology efficacy studies for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) demyelination disorders.
Click here to review Models offered:
- MOG-EAE
- PLP-EAE
- MBP-EAE
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Parkinson's disease (PD) Models
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is typically an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Pathologically, PD is characterized by the profound and specific loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain. The cardinal symptoms of PD include bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability.
MD Biosciences offers the 6OHDA and the acute MPTP model for the study of Parkinson's disease.
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Neurodegeneration as a result of Ischemic stroke
There are a number of well-characterized, ischemic stroke models used to study ischemic stroke injury and mechanisms of cell damage. Focal ischemia (MCAo) models are used to mimic human stroke, however the global ischemia (4VO) model is highly relevant in clinical conditions, such as cardiac arrest.
Assessments
Selecting assessments that reveal the mechanisms of disease and therapeutic potential of compounds.
Clinical Score
Clinical score is a hallmark assessment added to just about every disease model. Clinical score provides important information, but may not provide the whole story. MD Biosciences supplements clinical score data with additional assessments that provide insight into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease.
Data example from the MOG-EAE model.
Behavior Assessments
Neurological diseases often result in a combination of motor and cognitive deficits. Thus, behavioral assessments in conjunction with physiological readouts offer a broader understanding of the basic biological mechanism of disease and cognitive impairment, highly relevant to therapeutic developments.
Click here to learn about relevant behavior assessments.
Water maze data example from a Stroke ischemic model.
Enhancing our understanding of CNS Disorders
Electrophysiology enhances our understanding of neurological and pain indications. As one of the few laboratories in the world with these EP measurement capabilities, we can measure nerve regeneration, degeneration and protection in response to various treatments in non-clinical animal models.
Click here to learn more about electrophysiology capabilities
Electrophysiology data from the MOG-EAE model
IHC/Histology
Histological and biomarker assessments for neuronal changes and hallmarks of disease that can't be identified in standard clinical score or behavior measures.
Click here to learn more about our IHC/histology capabilities.
Example thionine staining of coronal brain sections.