Facts about the Quebec Brain Bank
- Almost 1000 brain tissue samples distributed annually
- Collaborations in Quebec, Canada and internationally
- The use of the Brain Bank samples resulted in 25 scientific articles and 19 scientific presentations between 2004 and 2006
- A unique resource for research on neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases
A very active resource
The Quebec Brain Bank, an administrative entity comprised of the Sam Lal Douglas Institute Brain Bank and the Quebec Suicide Brain Bank, has more than 2000 human brain specimens. Established in 1980, it is the oldest brain bank in Canada and represents one of the two largest reserves of autopsied brains in the country. It regularly receives brain tissue, which makes it one of the rare banks of its kind in the country that is still operational.
An invaluable tool for advancing research
The study of brain tissue is essential for researchers as they strive to understand mental and neurological disorders. The greater their access to brain tissue, the greater their chance of discovering the causes of these disorders and developing effective treatments for disorders such as: Alzheimer's disease, Depression, Schizophrenia.
The mission of the Brain Bank is to contribute to increasing scientific and medical knowledge to:
- improve our understanding of nervous system disorder
- enhance our ability to treat, heal and even prevent them
Its mandate is to provide the scientific community with valuable brain tissue samples of the highest quality, preserved under optimal conditions.
The Quebec Brain Bank's creation was made possible thanks to a major investment from the Douglas Institute Foundation. Today, the Bank is still subsidized by the Foundation as well as by the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) and donations from the public. An important part of its activities are maintained thanks to an agreement with the Bureau du coroner du Québec.
Research specialization: Suicide
With the support of the Bureau du Coroner du Québec, the McGill Group for Suicide Studies (MGSS) founded the Quebec Suicide Brain Bank (QSBB). This unique resource allows researchers to study the biological factors associated with mood disorders and suicide. The research performed on brain tissue contributes to the development of intervention and prevention programs for people suffering from distress and who are at suicidal risk.
Functioning
Both banks are under the same roof and employ personnel who are qualified to handle human tissue samples, protect donor rights, and ensure that its operations reflect the highest possible standards.
The banks' director and co-director develop operational rules and procedures, and modes of finance necessary for specimen preservation, in collaboration with the Douglas institute, its Research Centre and with the approval of its Research Ethics Committee.
Team
Naguib Mechawar, PhD, director
Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD ,co-director of the BCSQ
Danielle Cécyre, coordinator
Sophie Cabot, clinical coordinator, Quebec Suicide Brain Bank (QSBB)
Marie-Martine Beaulieu, clinical coordinator, Quebec Suicide Brain Bank (QSBB)
Maâmar Bouchouka, research technician
Josée Prud'homme, research assistant
Isabelle Rahman, research assistant – Recruitment (QSBB)
Sophia Rinaldis, research assistant – Recruitment (QSBB)
Contact
Quebec Brain Bank
Douglas Institute
6875 LaSalle Boulevard
Montreal, (Quebec) H4H 1R3
Sam Lal Douglas Institute Brain Bank
Tel.: 514-761-6131, ask for the Brain Bank
Fax: 514-888-4479
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Quebec Suicide Brain Bank
Tel.: 1-866-256-6888, ask for Quebec Suicide Brain Bank.
