The MUSC Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory (“Brain Bank”) is a statewide resource for scientists involved in aging research. The Brain Bank has two components: (1) a web-based and paper-based registry that allows individuals interested in becoming donors to sign up and (2) a centralized collection center for brain tissue and related structures (including temporal bones) obtained after death for the purpose of research and to improve diagnosis. The Brain Bank accepts donations from residents of South Carolina of all ages. Donor diagnoses include Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, tauopathy, Parkinson's disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, early onset or age-related hearing loss, and other sensory disorders. Donations also are accepted from individuals with or without family histories of neurodegenerative disease and no recognizable symptoms of neurogenic disorders. 

Tissue samples are taken from brain, brainstem, cervical spinal cord and blood vessels including the carotid arteries. Fluids collected include CSF, aqueous/vitreous humors of the eye and blood. The Brain Bank also obtains temporal bones in collaboration with the MUSC Hearing Research Program to advance understanding of the mechanisms and effects of hearing loss and to improve diagnosis.

Samples of banked tissue, biomaterials and biospecimens are available to share with qualified researchers, as are tissue sections stained with various histochemical techniques.