Abstract: An in vitro population of human brain endothelial cells (hBECs) expressing claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1 and GLUT-1 and expressing one or more of FZD7, WNT7A, WNT7B, APCDD1, STRA6 and ZO-3 is provided. A blood brain barrier (BBB) comprising the hBECs and use of the BBB for analyzing permeability characteristics of a test agent are provided.

Abstract: An in vitro population of human brain endothelial cells (hBECs) expressing claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1 and GLUT-1 and expressing one or more of FZD7, WNT7A, WNT7B, APCDD1, STRA6 and ZO-3 is provided. A blood brain barrier (BBB) comprising the hBECs and use of the BBB for analyzing permeability characteristics of a test agent are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neuroimplant. The neuroimplant comprises biocompatible polymer fibres; the polymer fibres are grouped in a parallel arrangement, and the group of fibres is flexible. The present invention also relates to the use of the neuroimplant to facilitate the repair of damaged brain tissue.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method and apparatus suitable for use in studying cell membrane related activities. Activities of interest include patch-clamp related studies of networks of cells on a solid substrate. Cells are grown, preferably in a patterned manner, on a substrate having microholes therein. Seals between the cells and the microholes are formed. Each microhole is attached to a channel. In many cases only one hole will be attached to a single channel, allowing examination of effects of a stimulus at a number of different points in a network of one or more cell types. This may be interest, for example, to those wishing to study interactions between neurons or neuromuscular junctions.