Normal Aging Brain Collection Amsterdam (NABCA): A comprehensive collection of postmortem high-field imaging, neuropathological and morphometric datasets of non-neurological controls

Laura E Jonkman, Yvon Galis-de Graaf, Marjolein Bulk, Eliane Kaaij, Petra J W Pouwels, Frederik Barkhof, Annemieke J M Rozemuller, Louise van der Weerd, Jeroen J G Geurts, Wilma D J van de Berg

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Abstract

Well-characterized, high-quality brain tissue of non-neurological control subjects is a prerequisite to study the healthy aging brain, and can serve as a control for the study of neurological disorders. The Normal Aging Brain Collection Amsterdam (NABCA) provides a comprehensive collection of post-mortem (ultra-)high-field MRI (3Tesla and 7 Tesla) and neuropathological datasets of non-neurological controls. By providing MRI within the pipeline, NABCA uniquely stimulates translational neurosciences; from molecular and morphometric tissue studies to the clinical setting. We describe our pipeline, including a description of our on-call autopsy team, donor selection, in situ and ex vivo post-mortem MRI protocols, brain dissection and neuropathological diagnosis. A demographic, radiological and pathological overview of five selected cases on all these aspects is provided. Additionally, information is given on data management, data and tissue application procedures, including review by a scientific advisory board, and setting up a material transfer agreement before distribution of tissue. Finally, we focus on future prospects, which includes laying the foundation for a unique platform for neuroanatomical, histopathological and neuro-radiological education, of professionals, students and the general (lay) audience.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101698
JournalNeuroImage: Clinical
Volume22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2019

Keywords

  • Brain banking
  • MRI
  • Neuropathology
  • Non-neurological controls

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