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Research
One of a kind
The Brain collection is unique due to its
- size: 9479 brains
- continuity over time: The brains were collected from 1945 to 1982
- diagnostic variety: The brains were collected from people diagnosed with dementia, schizophrenia, mania and/or depression
Well documented
All 9479 brains examined were serially numbered and recorded in protocol books.
The collection has carbon copies of the detailed neuropathological responses sent from the Institute of Brain Pathology.
It will probably be possible to obtain most of the original patient records from various archives.
Well preserved
Rutine histological staining is unproblematic despite the many years of storage in formalin. These images show tissue recently processed (end of 2005) after 25 years (left) and 53 years (below), respectively, in formalin.
Specific diagnostic stains are also possible. From left: Bielschowsky stain, immunohistochemical stains for Amyloid β , and Tau protein.
Possible studies
- Modern stereological methods make determination of size and number of cells in specific brain regions possible. These quantitative analyses are required to bridge the gap between clinical studies (e.g. using brain scans) and basic neuroscientific trials using animal models and tissue cultures.
- It is possible to examine the tissue for certain kinds of mutations. This is relevant for both the understanding of the disease and family assessment.
Perspectives
- The Brain Collection contains a unique materil af substantial scientific value.
- We currently plan examinations of the hippocampus in the brains of people who were diagnosed with depression.
- Both national and international contacts have expressed their interest in the collection. We hope that collaboration with various contacts will maximise the scientific use of the collection.
June 2006, the Brain Collection became an associated member of the European network of brain banks BrainNet Europe (www.brainnet-europe.org). Furthermore, the Brain Collection is listed among international brain banks and collections.
