en
Contact Us

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders specimen

What are neurological diseases?

Neurological disorders refer to conditions that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They can result from damage to the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, or from problems with the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Examples of neurological diseases include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.

These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms, including problems with movement, sensation, memory, behavior, and overall functioning. They are typically difficult to study, as direct treatments and observations have physical or physiological limitations.

What types of samples are used in neurological disorder research?

In neurological disorder research, a variety of sample types are used, including:

 


Blood samples

Blood samples can be taken to measure levels of certain proteins or markers that may be indicative of a neurological disorder.



Skin or nerve biopsies

Biopsies can be taken from the skin or nerve tissue to study the structure and function of nerve cells and other components of the nervous system.



Cerebrospinal fluid samples

Samples of cerebrospinal fluid can be taken to measure markers for certain neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.



Brain imaging scans

Scans such as MRI or CT scans can provide detailed images of the brain that can be used to diagnose or track the progression of a neurological disorder.



Autopsy tissues

Tissue samples taken from a person who has died can be used to study the effects of a neurological disorder on the brain and other tissues.

 

Patient-derived cells

In some cases, cells can be obtained from patients with a neurological disorder to study the disease in a laboratory setting.

 All these sample types are used to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurological disorders, develop new diagnostic tools and treatments, and ultimately improve the quality of life for people affected by these conditions.

Samples blood Labtoo 200-1

Available types of neurological diseases biological samples

  • Tissues
    • Fresh tissues
    • Frozen tissues (OCT and FF)
    • FFPE tissues
    • Healthy tissues
  • Blood derivatives
    • Whole blood
    • PBMC
    • Plasma
    • Serum
    • Leukapheresis
  • Biofluids
    • Urine
    • Stool/Feces
    • Saliva
  • Samples images from scans
Our service identifies sample sources able to prepare and transfer a sample collection for any given project. Just ask our team to discuss your project!

Types of Collections

  • Retrospective: we can look into existing biobank collections 
  • Prospective: we can set up clinical collection specific to a given project

Experimental models used in neurological disorder R&D

There are several research and development experimental models for neurological disorders, including:

Cell culture models: This involves growing cells in a laboratory setting to study the effects of drugs, toxins, and genetic changes on cell function and survival.

Animal models: This involves using animals, such as mice and rats, to study the development and progression of neurological diseases. Researchers can induce the disease in animals through genetic modification or through the administration of drugs or toxins.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models: This involves reprogramming human cells to a stem cell-like state and then differentiating them into specific cell types, such as neurons or glia. These models allow for the study of the effects of genetic mutations and drug treatments on human cells.

In vitro slice models: This involves preparing thin slices of brain tissue from animals or humans and maintaining them in a dish for observation and experimentation.

Organoids: This involves growing three-dimensional structures from stem cells that mimic the organization and function of specific tissues or organs.

These experimental models provide a valuable tool for researchers to study the mechanisms of neurological diseases and test potential treatments. The results from these models can then be translated to human clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of treatments for neurological diseases.

 

R&D mecanism Labtoo 200-1

Typical deliverables

  • Feasibility of availability of samples or experimental services
  • Regulatory aspects (transfer authorizations, export authorizations, ethics committee agreement)
  • Contracting
  • Samples shipment in appropriate conditions
  • Clinical data or results
  • Other services (i.e. Nucleic acid extraction, quality control)

 

Capture d’écran 2020-10-16 à 10.57.43

Get started with your neurological diseases research request

Please answer the fields below to be contacted by our team of scientists

Our team will handle your neurological disorders R&D procurement from the beginning to the end

Perform a feasibility study by looking for existing samples already in collections & ready to be transferred

Set up a clinical biological collection and preparing contracts with sources

Assist the material transfer from the source to the lab, including treatments, QA or shipping, as needed

Some examples of neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are very complex to study and quite diverse. As a non-exhaustive list, neurological disorders include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, Bell's Palsy, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury (TBI), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
 
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia and usually affects older people. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease usually start out as mild forgetfulness but eventually progress to severe memory loss, difficulty communicating, and a decline in the ability to perform daily activities. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and current treatments focus on managing symptoms.
 
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle control. It is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Common symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement, balance problems, and difficulties with coordination. As the disease progresses, patients may also experience issues with speech and swallowing, as well as depression and cognitive decline. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
 
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It typically begins in mid-life and affects movement, cognition, and behavior. The most common symptoms include uncontrolled movements (chorea), problems with coordination, and difficulties with thinking and memory. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience depression, anxiety, and changes in personality. Huntington's disease is caused by a genetic mutation and is passed down from parent to child. There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.