[Neuropathological Autopsies in Japan: Current Scenario and Challenges]

Area of Science:

• Neuropathology
• Neuroscience research

Background:

• Autopsy-derived central nervous system (CNS) tissue is crucial for understanding neurological disorders.
• A decrease in autopsy rates limits the availability of essential human brain tissue for scientific study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of autopsy-derived brain tissue in neurological research.
• To advocate for enhanced collaboration with brain banks.
• To propose a system for proper storage, research use, and diagnostic analysis of nervous system tissues.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the role of autopsy tissue in neuroscience.
• Analysis of trends in autopsy rates and their impact on research.
• Conceptual framework development for brain bank collaboration.

Main Results:

• The study underscores the irreplaceable role of post-mortem human brain tissue in advancing treatments and understanding neurological diseases.
• Current trends indicate a significant reduction in tissue availability for critical research.

Conclusions:

• Establishing robust collaborations with brain banks is imperative.
• A systematic approach to managing autopsy-derived nervous system tissues is required to support ongoing and future research endeavors.