We are currently recruiting brain samples of your animal models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders to investigate the brain pH and lactate levels.

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 psychiatric-related conditions using animal models. To date, we have analyzed brain pH and lactate levels on more than 30 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. As control, those without behavioral phenotypes are also applicated.

There is no charge for the analysis. All what are required are just preparation and shipment of fresh-frozen brains (N≧6 per group, preferably).


Participation in the project
Visit our website (Call for Collaborative Research) for details.

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