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Parkinson’s DiseaseAutism Spectrum DisorderDepression
NeuroscienceBioModels has extensive experience with a variety of animal models that capture critical mechanisms of neurological disorders. Assess your test articles in established preclinical models of Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer Disease, depression, anxiety, fatigue and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a range of behavioral assessments coupled with histological and/or molecular endpoints.
Assess your experimental materials for efficacy and mechanism of action in BioModels’ established Parkinson’s Disease model. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in motor dysfunction. BioModels’ Parkinson’s Disease model captures a spectrum of disease phenotypes, including behavioral and histological endpoints.
We offer diverse experimental endpoints, such as:
Assess your novel therapeutics for efficacy in BioModels’ established autism spectrum disorder model. Autism is characterized by impairments in social and communication skills and is diagnosed early in childhood development. BioModels’ autism model allows you to evaluate deficits in social behaviors including social approach, social interaction and abnormal ultrasonic vocalizations.
The BioModels team is experienced with the BTBR autism model which is available with experimental endpoints, such as:
Assess your novel therapeutics for efficacy in BioModels’ established depression models. Major depression is a debilitating mental illness, symptoms can include listlessness, feeling hopeless, thoughts of death or suicide, and anhedonia. BioModels’ depression models allow you to screen potential antidepressant therapies.
The BioModels team is experienced with the forced swim test and tail suspension test which are available with experimental endpoints, such as:
Study Models
The MPTP model of Parkinson’s Disease is among the most widely used in the indication. Pathologically, it presents with dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra with associated depletion of striatal neuron terminals/dopamine levels. Additionally, the model may present with some behavioral deficits. Rotarod trials are employed to evaluate motor dysfunction; diseased animals demonstrate reduced latencies to fall from the rod.
Animals are evaluated for motor dysfunction via rotarod assessment.
Samples are assessed for dopaminergic neuron loss by tyrosine hydroxylase staining of the substantia nigra.
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Study Models
BioModels offers a BTBR autism model. Autism spectrum disorder is modeled using BTBR mice which display several symptoms of autism including reduced social interactions, and abnormal vocalizations. These unique behavioral phenotypes of the BTBR mouse represent possible analogs to social and communication deficits presented in the human condition. BioModels has validated an index of sociability in BTBR mice using the three chambered social approach test. This model is well-published and translatable to social and communication deficits presented in the human condition.
Mice are free to explore 3 chambers: one with a confined mouse (stranger), one with a novel object (center), and one empty, as a measure of social preference. (** p<0.01, **** p<0.0001; compared to stranger)
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Study Models
The forced swim test, also known as the Porsolt test, is a well-published and widely used method for screening antidepressant compounds. In this model, rodents are placed in a cylindrical tank filled with water and the time spent immobile versus struggling is measured. Immobility is thought to be an index of a depressive-like state which can be reduced by antidepressant treatment.
Mice or rats are placed in an inescapable chamber filled with water and time spent immobile is measured. (**p<0.01; compared to saline)
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The tail suspension test is similar to the forced swim test, but instead of using water, rodents are hung by their tails. The time spent immobile is measured as an index of a depressive-like state which can be reduced by antidepressant treatment.
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