Extracellular recordings measure the electrical activity of neurons without entering the cells, detecting action potentials or field potentials from single neurons or networks. This technique is widely used to study synaptic function, neuronal firing, and network dynamics in brain slices, cultured neurons, or in vivo.

Protocols: Drug-Response Curves | Input-Ouput Curves | Paired-pulse Facilitation | Long-term Potentiation and Depression

Molecular assays are used to analyze gene and protein expression, signaling pathways, and molecular interactions within cells and tissues. These techniques provide quantitative and mechanistic insights into the cellular processes underlying brain function, disease, and drug action.

Assays: Western-blot | Immunoprecipitation | Protein concentration | Plasmid transfection | Viral transduction | RT-qPCR | DNA and RNA extraction | Genotyping

Patch-clamp recordings allow direct measurement of the electrical activity of individual neurons by forming a high-resistance seal with the cell membrane. This technique can record action potentials, synaptic currents, and ion channel activity, providing precise insight into neuronal function and synaptic mechanisms. Patch-clamp is widely used in brain slices, cultured neurons, and isolated cells to study cellular electrophysiology at the single-cell level.

Protocols: Drug-Response activity | Membrane resistance | Basal Transmission | Voltage-dependent activity

Cell cultures involve growing cells in controlled in vitro conditions, allowing researchers to study cellular behavior, physiology, and responses to drugs or other treatments. They provide a flexible and reproducible model system for experiments in neuroscience, pharmacology, and molecular biology.

In vitro models: SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line (WT, APP751 variant) | H4 human neuroglioma cell line (WT, APP751 variant) | CHME3 human microglia cell line | HEK293 cell line | OVCAR3 adenocarcinoma cell line | Escherichia coli | Primary cortical and hippocampal neuronal cultures | Primary microglia cultures | Acute hippocampal slices

Rodent behavioural studies are used to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and motor functions in experimental models. These assays provide essential insights into how genetic, pharmacological, or environmental factors influence brain function and behaviour, supporting the understanding of neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic effects.

Protocols: Open-Field Test | Novel-Object Recognition Test (short- and long-term memory) | Novel-Object Location Test | Elevated-Plus Maze Test | Y-maze Test (Spontaneous Alternations) | Sucrose Preference Test | Marble Burying Test | Forced-Swim Test | Morris Water Maze Test ! Barnes Maze Test

Models: Kainate-induced epileptic rat model | 5xFAD Alzheimer’s disease mouse model | Mecp2 knockout Rett Syndrome mouse model

Drug administration routes refer to the methods used to deliver compounds into experimental animals or cells, such as oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous. Choosing the appropriate route ensures optimal absorption, bioavailability, and effect, allowing accurate assessment of pharmacological actions.

Protocols: Intraperitoneal | Oral Gavage | Intravenous (tail-vein and retro-orbital)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membrane-bound particles released by cells that carry proteins, RNAs, and signaling molecules, playing key roles in intercellular communication. Synaptosomes are isolated nerve terminals that preserve presynaptic and postsynaptic structures, allowing the study of synaptic function, neurotransmitter release, and molecular signaling in vitro.

Protocols: Isolation of large and small extracellular vesicles from cell conditioned media by differential ultracentrifugation | Tissue-derived EVs by Iodixanol gradient ultracentrifugation | ExoQuick | Percoll gradient

Immunofluorescence uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to visualize specific proteins or cellular structures, while calcium imaging monitors real-time intracellular calcium dynamics to track neuronal or cellular activity. Together, these techniques provide spatial and functional insights into cellular processes.

Protocols: Immunocytochemistry | Immunohistochemistry | Drug-response | Assess calcium concentration

Radiolabeled assays use radioactive isotopes to track molecules such as ligands, neurotransmitters, or drugs. They allow precise measurement of binding, uptake, and metabolic activity, providing key insights into molecular and cellular processes.

Protocols: [3H] Glutamate release | GABA and Glutamate uptake

Biological sample collection and processing involve obtaining and preparing tissues, fluids, or cells for experimental analysis. Proper handling ensures sample integrity, reproducibility, and reliable results across molecular, cellular, and biochemical assays.

Protocols: [MICE/RAT] Organ collection (Brain, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Adipose tissue, Testis, Ovaries, Pancreas, Thymus, Spleen and Lungs) | Brain dissection (Hippocampus, Cortex, Striatum, Brainstem, Cerebellum, PFC) | Blood collection by cardiac puncture | CSF collection;
[HUMAN] Processing of CSF, Plasma, Serum, Cell-free DNA, PAXgene RNA, Urine samples