To date in order to test toxic effects of chemicals on the maturing central nervous system of fetuses rats are used. Pregnant rats are exposed to the substance, followed by the examination of alternations in the nervous system in dams and offspring. Now the working group led by Dr. Daniel Gilbert and Prof. Oliver Friedrich is researching how this animal test method could be replaced by an in vitro method.

For this purpose human stem cells should be used. The scientists let them develop into nerve cells. Then the cell culture is exposed to the test substance. The tests can take place in microtiter plates thus working simultaneously with a high number of cells. Thereafter vitality, growth and branching behavior as well as the formation of channels in the neurons are investigated providing information on harmful effects of the substance.

Source: http://www.innovations-report.de/
For more information call Dr. Daniel Gilbert under
+ 49 (0) 9131 - 85-23286

eMail: daniel.gilbert[at]mbt.uni-erlangen.de