The Nonhuman Primate Brain Bank at BPRC
Understanding the human brain - its structure, function, and complex biological mechanisms - is a great scientific challenge. At Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), we recognize the valuable role nonhuman primates play in advancing brain science and understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. That is why we have established the Non Human Primate Brain Bank (NHPBB) - a unique and carefully managed resource dedicated to supporting neuroscience research in both fundamental and translational domains.
| For further information on how to request tissue, contribute data, or collaborate, please contact us at [email protected] |
The NHPBB is a specialized repository that collects, preserves, and distributes brain tissue from nonhuman primates - primarily macaques. Animals are not euthanized for the purpose of the brain bank. Instead, tissues are collected post-mortem, under strictly controlled and approved conditions, ensuring that no unnecessary harm is done. This approach holds animal welfare to the highest standard while maximizing the scientific value of each individual.
Why a nonhuman primate brain bank?
Human brain banks have long been essential for studying neurological diseases and brain aging. However, they also present several limitations. For example, it is often difficult to obtain high-quality brain tissue from healthy, age-matched control individuals. Many human donors have underlying medical conditions, unknown environmental exposures, or incomplete health histories. In contrast, brain tissue from nonhuman primates in a controlled environment allows us to study well-documented, disease-free brains across the lifespan.
Nonhuman primates, particularly macaques, are biologically and anatomically close to humans. Their long lifespan, complex behavior, and naturally occurring age-related changes make them especially valuable for studying healthy brain aging as well as our understanding of early neurodegeneration and susceptibility for neurodegenerative diseases. By maintaining detailed records on each animal such as age, health status and medical history we ensure that the material is scientifically valuable and ethically traceable.
The brains are processed using standardized methods that preserve tissue integrity for a wide range of modern techniques. These include histology, molecular biology, e.g. transcriptomics, proteomics, and imaging approaches like post mortem MRI. We preserve anatomically dissected regions of interest similar to human brain banking protocols, and additionally whole brains or hemispheres depending on the research need.
Purpose and Scientific Value
The primary goal of the NHPBB is to accelerate and improve research in neuroscience, particularly in areas where nonhuman primate models provide insights that cannot be obtained from rodent studies or in vitro models alone.
Moreover, the NHPBB supports the *3Rs principle* (Replace, Reduce, Refine) by maximizing the scientific output from each animal. Instead of requiring new studies with live animals, researchers can use archived brain tissue to test hypotheses, validate biomarkers, or refine techniques - ultimately reducing the number of animals needed for future research.
Who Can Use the Brain Bank?
The NHPBB is open to qualified researchers and institutions, both within the Netherlands and internationally. Whether you are studying brain architecture or investigating the progression of neurodegenerative disease, our brain bank can help with your research. Each application for tissue is carefully reviewed by an internal scientific committee, ensuring that requests align with ethical standards, scientific quality, and responsible use of material.
BPRC encourages collaboration and data sharing. Users of NHPBB samples are asked to share their findings with the research community by publishing their results.
Looking Forward
The Nonhuman Primate Brain Bank is more than a collection of tissue – it is an essential repository with ethical responsibility, and a shared goal to better understand the brain. By providing open, structured access to rare and invaluable primate brain specimens, BPRC hopes to foster scientific discoveries that benefit both human and animal health.
