Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a groundbreaking machine that can keep a pig brain alive outside of its body for up to five hours. This new system utilizes a super-smart artificial pump to isolate the brain from the rest of the body and take care of its blood supply. By mimicking real circulation, the device can adjust the composition and flow of blood, including variables such as blood pressure, volume, temperature, oxygenation, and nutrients. This is made possible through a computerized algorithm that monitors various factors like blood pressure, flow, and pulsatility.
The researchers conducted their study using the brains of domestic farm pigs. Once connected to the machine, brain activity was continuously monitored using electrocorticography and brain depth electrode recordings. Remarkably, there was minimal change in brain activity and other measurements during the five hours that the brain was isolated from the rest of the animal’s body.
Dr. Juan Pascual, a study author and Professor of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Physiology at UT Southwestern, explained that this innovative method allows researchers to study the brain independently of the body. It opens up new possibilities for answering physiological questions that were previously unexplored.
One of the key advantages of this device is its potential to investigate how specific aspects of the brain function without interference from the body. For example, studying the effects of low blood sugar on the brain can be challenging in typical animal models because the body can compensate by altering metabolism, which in turn affects the brain. However, with this machine, researchers can isolate the brain and eliminate any compensatory mechanisms.
The scientists have already utilized their system to gain insights into the impact of low blood sugar on the brain. Additionally, they are exploring the device’s potential as a cardiopulmonary bypass system, similar to a “heart-lung machine” used during cardiac surgery and transplantation. Dr. Pascual revealed that they have patented this device to further test its effectiveness for this purpose.
While this team of researchers is not the first to experiment with isolating brains from bodies, their work represents a significant advancement in the field. Previous studies have isolated the heads of dogs and monkeys, but this new machine offers more sophisticated capabilities and opens up exciting possibilities for future research.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, marks a significant milestone in understanding brain function and physiology. As scientists continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, who knows where this field of study will lead? The concept of a “brain in a vat,” once considered purely science fiction, may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed.
