OPTIMIZED INSECT-BASED EX VIVO MODEL FOR TESTING BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PENETRATION AND METHOD FOR EXPOSING INSECT BRAIN TO CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

摘要

There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different chemical compounds. The method comprises the steps: • Optionally anesthetizing the insect • Fixing the head of the insect • Dissecting out the brain of the insect head thereby removing the brain from its cuticle • Optinally removing the neural lamella of the brain • Treating the brain with a solution of the chemical compound • Washing anf homogenising or ultra sound disintegrating the brain • Determining the concentration of the chemical compound in the homogenised brain material and • Calculating the penetration of the chemical compound through the blood-brain barrier The concentration of the chemical compound is determined by LC/MS and the chemical compound can be a CNS drug.