Inside a Neuron - Ex Vivo Evaluation of Cerebral and Cerebellar Neuronal Activity.

Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia60 enrolled

Overview

Understanding the functioning of human neurons has always been a key element, especially with regard to the translation of the inputs they receive into actions that determine human behavior. However, the vast majority of studies have been performed in animal models due to the difficulty in maintaining neuronal functions ex vivo. Recently, techniques have been illustrated that allow us to obtain slices of brain tissue removed during neurosurgical interventions. The patch-clamp and HD-MEA (high density - microelectrodes array) techniques, used until now for animal samples, can allow us to study the functioning of the neural cells that make up these slices. Furthermore, the exploration of the functioning of the aforementioned cells in pathological conditions can open the field for further therapeutic perspectives.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Human Neural Cells Functioning

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * patients with a brain/cerebellum primary or secondary tumor for whom at least partial resection has been planned. Exclusion Criteria: * patients with a brain/cerebellum primary or secondary tumor for whom a biopsy has been planned

Locations (1)

Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Primary endpoint

Intrinsic and extrinsic properties of brain and cerebellum neurons in "health" condition. In particular, following element will be measured: * cell membrane capacity and resistance; * Sodium and Potassium currents; * cell firing frequency.

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 years.

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary endpoint

Intrinsic and extrinsic properties of brain and cerebellum neurons in "pathological" condition. In particular, following element will be measured: * cell membrane capacity and resistance; * Sodium and Potassium currents; - cell firing frequency.