Neurotoxicity Evaluation by Ex Vivo Human Peripheral Sensory Neurons

To assist in testing the potential neurotoxicity of compounds or drugs on the peripheral sensory neurons (PSNs) and evaluating their impact on sensory neurons, Creative Biolabs offers neurotoxicity evaluation services using ex vivo human PSNs.

What are PSNs.?

PSNs are a type of neurons located in the peripheral nervous system. These neurons have sensory endings (sensory receptors) in the skin and other tissues, which receive sensory information and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted through nerve fibers to the spinal cord and the brain. Once the sensory information reaches the spinal cord, it can continue to be relayed to the brain, giving rise to various sensory and perceptual experiences such as touch, pain, temperature, pressure, and proprioception.

The part that peripheral neurons play in tumor pain circuits. Fig 1. The role of peripheral neurons in tumor pain circuits.¹

What is an Ex Vivo Human PSN Model?

The ex vivo human PSN model refers to the process of obtaining PSN tissue (often from nerve ganglia, such as the dorsal root ganglia - DRG) from the human body and culturing and maintaining it in an external environment. This model is used for research purposes to study neurotoxicity, neurobiology, sensory conduction, and other physiological and pathological processes related to sensory neurons.

Tissue Collection

PSN tissue is collected from the human body, typically including DRGNs or other sensory nerve tissues.

Neuron Isolation

The collected nerve tissue undergoes enzymatic digestion and other treatments to isolate individual sensory neuron cells.

Neuron Culture

The isolated sensory neuron cells are placed in a culture medium containing appropriate nutrients and growth factors to support their growth and survival.

Experimental Studies

Various experimental techniques are employed, including cell permeability tests, cell viability assays, calcium imaging, electrophysiological tests, cell morphology imaging, neurotransmitter analysis, gene expression analysis, and protein expression analysis.

Sensitization of PSNs in TME causes local neuropeptide release. Fig 2. Sensitization of peripheral sensory neurons (PSNs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) leads to the localized release of neuropeptides.¹

Advantages of Ex Vivo Human PSN Model in Neurotoxicity Evaluation

Proximity to Physiological Conditions

Authentic human neuronal cells closely mimic physiological conditions, enabling a more accurate reflection of neurotoxic responses within the human body.

Reduction in Animal Testing

Using ex vivo models avoid ethical and animal welfare concerns associated with animal experiments, while also reducing experimental costs and time.

Tissue Specificity

PSNs are closely involved in sensory information transmission, making them more suitable for assessing potential neurotoxicity of compounds.

Precise Control

Ex vivo neuron models allow precise control of experimental conditions, enabling evaluation of multiple parameters and providing detailed neurotoxicity information.

High-Throughput Screening

The ex vivo neuron model can be combined with high-throughput screening techniques, facilitating simultaneous testing of numerous compounds and expediting neurotoxicity assessment and drug screening processes.

As a professional biotechnology company, Creative Biolabs boasts a team of experts with extensive experience and expertise, ensuring high-quality experimental design and neurotoxicity evaluation. The accurate and reliable results obtained allow clients to gain comprehensive insights into the impact of compounds on neurotoxicity. Contact us immediately if you have any inquiries. Additionally, we offer other experimental models closely resembling human physiological conditions for your selection.

3D Microtissue Model

Brain Organoid

3D Neuronal Spheroids

Reference

Mardelle, Ugo et al. "From pain to tumor immunity: influence of peripheral sensory neurons in cancer." Frontiers in immunology. 15 (2024): 1335387. Distribution under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

Research Model

3D Biology Based Biomarker Discovery

3D Biology Based Drug Discovery and Development

3D Biology Based Toxicity Evaluation

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