Call for Collaborative Research
Brain pH project
Project Overview
Decreased pH in the postmortem brain has been observed in particular psychiatric disorders, but it remains controversial whether this phenomenon is a primary feature of these diseases or is just a result of confounding factors. In our recent study on mouse models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorders, we indicated the possibility that a decrease in brain pH, along with an increase in lactate levels, is the underlying pathophysiology of these psychiatric disorders, rather than a mere artifact (Hagihara et al., Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018).
We launched a research project named Brain pH project, aiming to improve our understanding of a prevalence of brain pH changes especially in animal models of neuropsychiatric-related condition, including Schizophrenia, Major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease. To date, we have analyzed brain pH and lactate levels on more than 40 strains of mice/rats. In this project, we measure brain pH and levels of its-related metabolites in various kinds of genetically modified mice, drug-administered mice/rats, and mice/rats with other experimental manipulations. We are planning to explore more lines. We welcome any established animal model of disorders and mouse/rat lines showing any behavioral phenotypes. The mice/rats without any behavioral phenotype are also welcomed.
All what are required are just preparation and shipment of fresh-frozen brains (N≧6 per group, preferably).
Procedures
The outline of procedures is as follows. Ask us for the details. cgbb@fujita-hu.ac.jp
Animals and Samples
Blind study
We conduct pH measurements in a blind manner: Upon sampling, user researchers are supposed to randomize the animals regarding genotype, and collect brain samples into tubes labeled with serial numbers. User researchers are asked to provide the genotype information and the corresponding serial numbers for the following statistical analyses, after the measurements.
Brain sampling procedures
Contact
Joint Usage / Research Center for Genes, Brain and Behavior
Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University
1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, JAPAN
cgbb@fujita-hu.ac.jp
Decreased pH in the postmortem brain has been observed in particular psychiatric disorders, but it remains controversial whether this phenomenon is a primary feature of these diseases or is just a result of confounding factors. In our recent study on mouse models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorders, we indicated the possibility that a decrease in brain pH, along with an increase in lactate levels, is the underlying pathophysiology of these psychiatric disorders, rather than a mere artifact (Hagihara et al., Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018).
We launched a research project named Brain pH project, aiming to improve our understanding of a prevalence of brain pH changes especially in animal models of neuropsychiatric-related condition, including Schizophrenia, Major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease. To date, we have analyzed brain pH and lactate levels on more than 40 strains of mice/rats. In this project, we measure brain pH and levels of its-related metabolites in various kinds of genetically modified mice, drug-administered mice/rats, and mice/rats with other experimental manipulations. We are planning to explore more lines. We welcome any established animal model of disorders and mouse/rat lines showing any behavioral phenotypes. The mice/rats without any behavioral phenotype are also welcomed.
All what are required are just preparation and shipment of fresh-frozen brains (N≧6 per group, preferably).
Procedures
The outline of procedures is as follows. Ask us for the details. cgbb@fujita-hu.ac.jp
Animals and Samples
- Animals: Mouse and rat. For genetically engineered animals, mutants and their wild-type littermates should be used.
- Number of animals: ≧6 per group (identical genetic background, littermate), preferably.
- Sex of animals: All males, all females, or balanced among groups if mixed.
- Samples: Fresh-frozen whole brain.
Blind study
We conduct pH measurements in a blind manner: Upon sampling, user researchers are supposed to randomize the animals regarding genotype, and collect brain samples into tubes labeled with serial numbers. User researchers are asked to provide the genotype information and the corresponding serial numbers for the following statistical analyses, after the measurements.
Brain sampling procedures
- Sacrifice mouse/rat by cervical dislocation followed by decapitation, and remove whole brain from the skull. Do not immerse the brain in any buffer solutions or water.
- Cut the brain along the longitudinal fissure of the cerebrum.
- Collect the left and right hemispheres into a tube that can be tightly capped like Cryotube and seal the caps with Parafilm (to minimize the effect of carbon dioxide from dry ice on the tissue pH during transportation.).
- Snap freeze in liquid N2, and store at -80C until the shipment.
- Transport the frozen brain on dry ice.
Contact
Joint Usage / Research Center for Genes, Brain and Behavior
Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University
1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, JAPAN
cgbb@fujita-hu.ac.jp