Pharmacological Testing in Experimental Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Studying the underlying biological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and their response to drugs is essential for the development of new therapies. The Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Group specialises in developing new cognitive-behavioural strategies and psychopharmacological treatments targeting these disorders. It therefore offers its collaboration in pre-competitive innovation and research projects aimed at developing new drugs to improve the clinical manifestations and progression of neuropsychiatric disorders
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
The testing and validation of therapeutic tools are essential for scientific and technical professionals (pharmacists, physicians, psychologists, biologists and biotechnologists) whose aim is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders. To this end, the Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Group offers the following technology:
Animal models for the assessment of motor activity
- Open field test and behavioural assessment through video-based image analysis
- Neurological impairment assessment test
Assessment of stress response
- Restraint stress
- Animal models of anxiety
- Light–dark box
- Elevated plus maze
- Social interaction
Animal models of depression
- Forced swim test
- Tail suspension test
- Novelty-suppressed feeding
- Chronic mild stress model
Animal models of psychosis
- Prepulse inhibition
Animal models for cognitive assessment
- Step-down test
- Object recognition
Animal models of dependence/addiction
- Conditioned place preference
- Voluntary ethanol consumption (two-bottle choice test)
- Ethanol binge-drinking models
- Ethanol self-administration
- Animal models of impulsivity
- Delayed reinforcement task
- Novelty seeking
Surgical techniques
- Stereotaxic surgery in rats and mice
- Implantation of osmotic mini-pumps
Biochemical and Molecular Biology Techniques
- Radioactive in situ hybridisation
- Binding and autoradiography techniques
- Immunohistochemistry techniques
- Western blot
- PCR genotyping
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
The Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Group offers a comprehensive platform for the multidisciplinary testing and validation of drugs targeting neuropsychiatric disorders, ranging from animal models of locomotor and behavioural activity to biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS
The group has state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, as well as specialised scientific and technical staff.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
Fully operational. The group has the infrastructure, validated animal models and technical expertise required to initiate collaborative projects with companies and research organisations immediately.
APPLICATION SECTORS
- Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Industry.
- Neuroscience Research Institutes.
- Preclinical Testing Companies (CROs).
- Nutraceutical and Functional Food Sector for Mental Wellbeing.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jorge Manzanares Robles – Institute of Neurosciences