This research holds tremendous promise for advancing treatments against neurodegenerative disorders. The rapid brain autopsy program, one important focus of this work, was developed last year by UNMC as a possible mechanism for procuring the three types of brain cells used in UNMC s research into neurodestructive diseases such as Alzheimer s disease and AIDS-related dementia. For the cells obtained from a rapid brain autopsy to be suitable for research, the autopsy must be performed within two hours of a person s death. Astrocytes, microglia and neurons make up the three types of cells needed for UNMC s research into neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocytes and microglia are the support cells for neurons and constitute the brain tissue.
Neurons are the most critical cells for brain function.
They work to receive and send out electrical signals throughout the body and are instrumental for normal thinking and motor function. Dr. Gendelman s research team has been successful in obtaining astrocytes and microglia from rapid autopsies. Only a handful of institutions in the world have ever been able to successfully isolate cells from rapid autopsies, and no institution has been able to recover mature neurons from the rapid autopsy procedure. It is a great testament to the support of UNMC and the citizens of Nebraska for our research. Sen. Javits was a strong advocate for support of research in a wide variety of disorders of the brain and nervous system.