Die Autoren bedanken sich bei Mayumi Sakuraba und Rebecca Foehring für hervorragende technische Unterstützung danken. Darüber hinaus möchten wir Drs danken. Rodrigo Andrade für die Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung der organotypischen Kultur und biolistischen Transfektion Protokolle und Dr. Jeanne Nerbonne für die Bereitstellung von cDNA-Konstrukte für die Transfektion. NS044163 aus NINDS (zu RCF): Diese Arbeit wurde vom NIH gefördert.

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V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+plasticity+of+spontaneous+activity+and+Up+states+in+cortical+organotypic+slices.">Development and plasticity of spontaneous activity and Up states in cortical organotypic slices.</a> J Neurosci. 27, 5915-5925 (2007).</li><li>Malin, S. A., Nerbonne, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Delayed+rectifier+K++currents,+IK,+are+encoded+by+Kv2+alpha-subunits+and+regulate+tonic+firing+in+mammalian+sympathetic+neurons.">Delayed rectifier K+ currents, IK, are encoded by Kv2 alpha-subunits and regulate tonic firing in mammalian sympathetic neurons.</a> J Neurosci. 22, 10094-10105 (2002).</li><li>O'Brien, J. A., Holt, M., Whiteside, G., Lummis, S. C., Hastings, M. 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K., Andrade, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=SKCa+channels+mediate+the+medium+but+not+the+slow+calcium-activated+afterhyperpolarization+in+cortical+neurons.">SKCa channels mediate the medium but not the slow calcium-activated afterhyperpolarization in cortical neurons.</a> J Neurosci. 24, 3537-3542 (2004).</li><li>Walker, P. D., Andrade, R., Quinn, J. P., Bannon, M. 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Keine Interessenskonflikte erklärt.

Wir haben die Untersuchung der Expression und funktionelle Rolle von spannungsabhängigen Kaliumkanälen in pyramidalen Neuronen von Ratten Neokortex (4, 9-11). Wegen des Fehlens von spezifischen pharmakologischen Wirkstoffen für diese Kanäle, verwenden wir einen genetischen Ansatz zur Manipulation Kanal Ausdruck (1,14,15,17-19). Wir verwenden eine organotypischen Kultur Vorbereitung (2,3; 5-8; 12,13,15-22). Aus dem Ansatz der Stoppini et al (16) modifiziert, um Zellmorphologie und der laminaren Must...

Chirurgie / Transfektion / Kultur: <ol><li> Brain-Slicer: Campden Vibroslice # MA572 World Precision Instruments, Sarasota, FL, USA </li><li> Gene Gun System: Bio-Rad Helios # 165-2431 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, 1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, CA 94547) <ul><li> Enthält: Gene gun, Helium Schlauchleitung mit Regler, Schläuche prep Station (# 165-2418), Spritze Kit, Tefzel Schläuche, Rohrschneider, Optimierung Kit (# 165-2424), Rohrschneider </li><li> Bio-Rad Helium Regulator (# 165-2413) </li><li> Einweg-Lieferungen für Helios von Bio-Rad: <ul><li> 1,6 um Gold-Mikropartikel: # 165-2264 </li><li> Tefzel Tubing: # 165-2441 </li></ul></li></ul></li><li> Incubator: Forma Scientific Modell # 3110 (Thermo-Scientific: (866) 984-3766). </li></ol> Media: <ol><li> Pferd Serum: Hyclone Spender equine # SH 30074. (HyClone, 925 West-Süd 1800, Logan, UT 84321) </li><li> HMEM (Minimal Essential Media plus HBSS und HEPES, ohne Glutamin: Lonza BioWhittaker Catalog # 12-137f): GIBCO / Invitrogen, (800) 955 bis 6288, Option 1. </li><li> HBSS (GIBCO Hanks Salzlösung, # 24020-117): GIBCO / Invitrogen, (800) 955 bis 6288, Option 1. </li><li> MEM (GIBCO minimal essential medium, # 12360-038), GIBCO / Invitrogen, (800) 955 bis 6288, Option 1. </li><li> 250 mL Millipore 0,2 um-Filter: # SC6PU02RE </li><li> Plastic Transferpipetten: Fisher # 13-711-20. </li><li> 50 ml Millipore Steriflip 0,22 um Filter (# SCGP00525) </li></ol> Artikel 6-8 von Tieren, Fisher Scientific, 1241 Botschafter Blvd, PO Box 14989, St. Louis, MO 63132. Aufnahme: <ol><li> Pipet Glas: Harvard GC150TF-10: Harvard Apparatus, 84 Oktober Hill Road, Holliston, Massachusetts 01746 </li><li> Sutter P-87 horizontalen Elektrode puller: Sutter Instrument Company, One Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 </li><li> Axon Instruments Multiclamp 700B Verstärker: Molecular Devices, Inc. 1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1136 </li><li> PClamp 10 Daten Erfassungs-Software: Molecular Devices, Inc., 1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1136 </li><li> Sutter Instrument Company, One Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949: lectrode Position wird mit Sutter ROE-200 Manipulatoren und PC-200-Controller gesteuert. </li><li> Mikroskop: Olympus BX-50WI aufrechten Mikroskop mit IR-DIC-Optik </li><li> IR-empfindliche Kamera OLY-150 (Olympus) oder DAGE-MTI (DAGE-MTI, 01 Nord Roeske Avenue, New York City, IN 46360). </li></ol>

whole cell recording from an organotypic slice preparation of neocortex

Wir haben die Untersuchung der Expression und funktionelle Rolle von spannungsabhängigen Kaliumkanälen in pyramidalen Neuronen von Ratten Neocortex. Wegen des Fehlens von spezifischen pharmakologischen Wirkstoffen für diese Kanäle, haben wir einen genetischen Ansatz zur Manipulation Kanal Ausdruck übernommen. Wir verwenden ein organotypischen Kultur Vorbereitung (16), um Zellmorphologie und der laminaren Muster der Hirnrinde zu halten. Wir in der Regel zu isolieren akuten neokortikalen Scheiben an postnatalen Tag 8-10 und halten die Scheiben in der Kultur für 3-7 Tage. Dies erlaubt uns, Neuronen in einem ähnlichen Alter wie in unserer Arbeit mit akuter Scheiben Studie und minimiert die Entwicklung von üppigen exzitatorischen Verbindungen in die Scheibe. Wir erfassen von visuell identifizierten Pyramidenneuronen in den Schichten II / III oder V mit Infrarot-Beleuchtung (IR-) und Differential-Interferenz-Kontrast-Mikroskopie (DIC) mit ganzen Zelle Patch-Clamp-in Strom-oder Spannungs-Klemme. Wir verwenden biolistischen (Gene gun) Transfektion von Wildtyp-oder mutierte Kaliumkanal DNA, um die Expression der Kanäle, um ihre Funktion zu untersuchen manipulieren. Die transfizierten Zellen werden leicht durch Epifluoreszenzmikroskopie nach Co-Transfektion mit cDNA für das grün fluoreszierende Protein (GFP) identifiziert. Wir vergleichen Aufnahmen von transfizierten Zellen zu benachbarten, nicht transfizierten Neuronen in der gleichen Schicht aus dem gleichen Stück.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Whole Cell Recording from an Organotypic Slice Preparation of Neocortex at JoVE.com

Whole Cell Recording from an Organotypic Slice Preparation of Neocortex

Dies ist ein Protokoll zu erstellen und Aufrechterhaltung eines Neokortex Scheibe Vorbereitung in organotypischen Kultur zum Zwecke der Herstellung elektrischer Aufnahmen von pyramidalen Neuronen.

Whole Cell Aufnahme von einem organotypischen Vorbereitung der Neocortex

We have been studying the expression and functional roles of voltage-gated potassium channels in pyramidal neurons from rat neocortex.  Because of the ...

whole-cell-recording-from-an-organotypic-slice-preparation

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

14.1K Aufrufe.  University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dies ist ein Protokoll zu erstellen und Aufrechterhaltung eines Neokortex Scheibe Vorbereitung in organotypischen Kultur zum Zwecke der Herstellung elektrischer Aufnahmen von pyramidalen Neuronen.

Serie: Whole Cell Recording from an Organotypic Slice Preparation of Neocortex

The Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Culture Model for Examining Neuronal Injury

Organotypic hippocampal slice culture is an in vitro method to examine mechanisms of neuronal injury in which the basic architecture and composition of the hippocampus is relatively preserved 1. The organotypic culture system allows for the examination of neuronal, astrocytic and microglial effects, but as an ex vivo preparation, does not address effects of blood flow, or recruitment of peripheral inflammatory cells. To that end, this culture method is frequently used to examine excitotoxic and hypoxic injury to pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, but has also been used to examine the inflammatory response. Herein we describe the methods for generating hippocampal slice cultures from postnatal rodent brain, administering toxic stimuli to induce neuronal injury, and assaying and quantifying hippocampal neuronal death.

The organoptypic hippocampal slice culture model is an in vitro model used to examine neuronal injury in a variety of paradigms. In this article, we describe the methods for generating slice cultures and quantifying neuronal injury.

Die Organotypische hippokampalen Slice-Kultur-Modell für die Prüfung neuronaler Schädigung

Organotypic hippocampal slice culture is an in vitro method to examine mechanisms of neuronal injury in which the basic architecture and composition of ...

Forschung

Neurowissenschaften

Organotypic Slice Culture of GFP-expressing Mouse Embryos for Real-time Imaging of Peripheral Nerve Outgrowth

For many purposes, the cultivation of mouse embryos ex vivo as organotypic slices is desirable. For example, we employ a transgenic mouse line (tauGFP) in which the enhanced version of the green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is exclusively expressed in all neurons of the developing central and peripheral nervous system1, allowing the possibility to both film the innervation of the forelimb and to manipulate this process with pharmacological and genetic techniques2. The most critical parameter in the successful cultivation of such slice cultures is the method by which the slices are prepared. After extensive testing of a variety of methods, we have found that a vibratome is the best possible device to slice the embryos such that they routinely result in a culture that demonstrates viability over a period of several days, and most importantly, develops in an age-specific manner. For mid-gestation embryos, this includes the normal outgrowth of spinal nerves from the spinal cord and the dorsal root ganglia to their targets in the periphery and the proper determination of skeletal and muscle tissue. 
In this work, we present a method for processing whole embryos of embryonic day (E) E10 to E12 into 300 - 400 micrometer slices for cultivation in a standard tissue culture incubator, which can be studied for up to two days after slice preparation. Critical for the success of this approach is the use of a vibratome to slice each agarose-embedded embryo. This is followed by the cultivation of the slices upon Millicell culture membrane inserts placed upon a small volume of medium, resulting in an interface culture technique. One litter with an average of 7 embryos routinely produces at least 14 slices (2-3 slices of the forelimb region per embryo), which varies slightly due to the age of the embryos as well as to the thickness of the slices. About 80% of the cultured slices show nerve outgrowth, which can be measured througout the culturing period2. Representative results using the tauGFP mouse line are demonstrated.

We present a method to prepare organotypic slices of mid-gestation mouse embryos for the cultivation and time-lapse imaging of peripheral nerve outgrowth.

Organotypischen Kultur der GFP-exprimierenden Maus Embryonen für Real-time Imaging der peripheren Nerven Outgrowth

For many purposes, the cultivation of mouse embryos ex vivo as organotypic slices is desirable. For example, we employ a transgenic mouse line (tauGFP) in ...

Slice Preparation, Organotypic Tissue Culturing and Luciferase Recording of Clock Gene Activity in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

A central circadian (~24 hr) clock coordinating daily rhythms in physiology and behavior resides in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) located in the anterior hypothalamus. The clock is directly synchronized by light via the retina and optic nerve. Circadian oscillations are generated by interacting negative feedback loops of a number of so called "clock genes" and their protein products, including the Period (Per) genes. The core clock is also dependent on membrane depolarization, calcium and cAMP 1. The SCN shows daily oscillations in clock gene expression, metabolic activity and spontaneous electrical activity. Remarkably, this endogenous cyclic activity persists in adult tissue slices of the SCN 2-4. In this way, the biological clock can easily be studied in vitro, allowing molecular, electrophysiological and metabolic investigations of the pacemaker function.
The SCN is a small, well-defined bilateral structure located right above the optic chiasm 5. In the rat it contains ~8.000 neurons in each nucleus and has dimensions of approximately 947 &mu;m (length, rostrocaudal axis) x 424 &mu;m (width) x 390 &mu;m (height) 6. To dissect out the SCN it is necessary to cut a brain slice at the specific level of the brain where the SCN can be identified. Here, we describe the dissecting and slicing procedure of the SCN, which is similar for mouse and rat brains. Further, we show how to culture the dissected tissue organotypically on a membrane 7, a technique developed for SCN tissue culture by Yamazaki et al. 8. Finally, we demonstrate how transgenic tissue can be used for measuring expression of clock genes/proteins using dynamic luciferase reporter technology, a method that originally was used for circadian measurements by Geusz et al. 9. We here use SCN tissues from the transgenic knock-in PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE mice produced by Yoo et al. 10. The mice contain a fusion protein of PERIOD (PER) 2 and the firefly enzyme LUCIFERASE. When PER2 is translated in the presence of the substrate for luciferase, i.e. luciferin, the PER2 expression can be monitored as bioluminescence when luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin. The number of emitted photons positively correlates to the amount of produced PER2 protein, and the bioluminescence rhythms match the PER2 protein rhythm in vivo 10. In this way the cyclic variation in PER2 expression can be continuously monitored real time during many days. The protocol we follow for tissue culturing and real-time bioluminescence recording has been thoroughly described by Yamazaki and Takahashi 11.

The procedure of preparing slices containing the adult mouse hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and a rapid way to culture the SCN tissue in organotypic culture condition, are reported. Further, the measurement of oscillatory clock gene protein expression using dynamic luciferase reporter technology is described.

Slice-Vorbereitung, Organotypische Gewebekulturen und Luciferase Aufzeichnung von Clock Gen-Aktivität in den Nucleus suprachiasmaticus

A central circadian (~24 hr) clock coordinating daily rhythms in physiology and behavior resides in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) located in the ...

Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures

The hippocampus, a component of the limbic system, plays important roles in long-term memory and spatial navigation 1. Hippocampal neurons can modify the strength of their connections after brief periods of strong activation. This phenomenon, known as long-term potentiation (LTP) can last for hours or days and has become the best candidate mechanism for learning and memory 2. In addition, the well defined anatomy and connectivity of the hippocampus 3 has made it a classical model system to study synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity4.
As our understanding of the physiology of hippocampal synapses grew and molecular players became identified, a need to manipulate synaptic proteins became imperative. Organotypic hippocampal cultures offer the possibility for easy gene manipulation and precise pharmacological intervention but maintain synaptic organization that is critical to understanding synapse function in a more naturalistic context than routine culture dissociated neurons methods.
Here we present a method to prepare and culture hippocampal slices that can be easily adapted to other brain regions. This method allows easy access to the slices for genetic manipulation using different approaches like viral infection 5,6 or biolistics 7. In addition, slices can be easily recovered for biochemical assays 8, or transferred to microscopes for imaging 9 or electrophysiological experiments 10.

We describe a method to prepare organotypic hippocampal slices that can be easily adapted to other brain regions. Brain slices are laid on porous membranes and culture media is allowed to form an interface. This method preserves the gross architecture of the hippocampus for up to 2 weeks in culture.

Organotypischen hippokampalen Slice-Kulturen

The hippocampus, a component of the limbic system, plays important roles in long-term memory and spatial navigation 1. Hippocampal neurons can modify the ...

The Analysis of Purkinje Cell Dendritic Morphology in Organotypic Slice Cultures

Purkinje cells are an attractive model system for studying dendritic development, because they have an impressive dendritic tree which is strictly oriented in the sagittal plane and develops mostly in the postnatal period in small rodents 3. Furthermore, several antibodies are available which selectively and intensively label Purkinje cells including all processes, with anti-Calbindin D28K being the most widely used. For viewing of dendrites in living cells, mice expressing EGFP selectively in Purkinje cells 11 are available through Jackson labs. Organotypic cerebellar slice cultures cells allow easy experimental manipulation of Purkinje cell dendritic development because most of the dendritic expansion of the Purkinje cell dendritic tree is actually taking place during the culture period 4. We present here a short, reliable and easy protocol for viewing and analyzing the dendritic morphology of Purkinje cells grown in organotypic cerebellar slice cultures. For many purposes, a quantitative evaluation of the Purkinje cell dendritic tree is desirable. We focus here on two parameters, dendritic tree size and branch point numbers, which can be rapidly and easily determined from anti-calbindin stained cerebellar slice cultures. These two parameters yield a reliable and sensitive measure of changes of the Purkinje cell dendritic tree. Using the example of treatments with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) we demonstrate how differences in the dendritic development are visualized and quantitatively assessed. The combination of the presence of an extensive dendritic tree, selective and intense immunostaining methods, organotypic slice cultures which cover the period of dendritic growth and a mouse model with Purkinje cell specific EGFP expression make Purkinje cells a powerful model system for revealing the mechanisms of dendritic development.

We present a protocol that permits to view and to quantitatively asses the morphology of the dendritic tree of individual Purkinje cells grown in organotypic cerebellar slice cultures. This protocol is intended to promote studies on the mechanisms of Purkinje cell dendritic development.

Die Analyse von Purkinje Zelle Dendritische Morphologie in organotypischen Kulturen

Purkinje cells are an attractive model system for studying dendritic development, because they have an impressive dendritic tree which is strictly ...

Simultaneous Whole-cell Recordings from Photoreceptors and Second-order Neurons in an Amphibian Retinal Slice Preparation

One of the central tasks in retinal neuroscience is to understand the circuitry of retinal neurons and how those connections are responsible for shaping the signals transmitted to the brain. Photons are detected in the retina by rod and cone photoreceptors, which convert that energy into an electrical signal, transmitting it to other retinal neurons, where it is processed and communicated to central targets in the brain via the optic nerve. Important early insights into retinal circuitry and visual processing came from the histological studies of Cajal1,2 and, later, from electrophysiological recordings of the spiking activity of retinal ganglion cells - the output cells of the retina3,4.
A detailed understanding of visual processing in the retina requires an understanding of the signaling at each step in the pathway from photoreceptor to retinal ganglion cell. However, many retinal cell types are buried deep in the tissue and therefore relatively inaccessible for electrophysiological recording. This limitation can be overcome by working with vertical slices, in which cells residing within each of the retinal layers are clearly visible and accessible for electrophysiological recording.
Here, we describe a method for making vertical sections of retinas from larval tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum). While this preparation was originally developed for recordings with sharp microelectrodes5,6, we describe a method for dual whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from photoreceptors and second-order horizontal and bipolar cells in which we manipulate the photoreceptor's membrane potential while simultaneously recording post-synaptic responses in horizontal or bipolar cells. The photoreceptors of the tiger salamander are considerably larger than those of mammalian species, making this an ideal preparation in which to undertake this technically challenging experimental approach. These experiments are described with an eye toward probing the signaling properties of the synaptic ribbon - a specialized synaptic structure found in a only a handful of neurons, including rod and cone photoreceptors, that is well suited for maintaining a high rate of tonic neurotransmitter release7,8 - and how it contributes to the unique signaling properties of this first retinal synapse.

We describe the preparation of thin retinal slices from aquatic tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and explain how we use these slices to study synaptic processing in the retina by obtaining dual whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from photoreceptors and second-order horizontal and bipolar cells.

Gleichzeitige Ganzzellableitungen von Photorezeptoren und Neuronen zweiter Ordnung in eine Amphibie Retinal Scheibe Vorbereitung

One of the central tasks in retinal neuroscience  is to understand the circuitry of retinal neurons and how those connections are  responsible for shaping ...

Organotypic Slice Cultures to Study Oligodendrocyte Dynamics and Myelination

NG2 expressing cells (polydendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells) are the fourth major glial cell population in the central nervous system. During embryonic and postnatal development they actively proliferate and generate myelinating oligodendrocytes. These cells have commonly been studied in primary dissociated cultures, neuron cocultures, and in fixed tissue. Using newly available transgenic mouse lines slice culture systems can be used to investigate proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in both gray and white matter regions of the forebrain and cerebellum. Slice cultures are prepared from early postnatal mice and are kept in culture for up to 1 month. These slices can be imaged multiple times over the culture period to investigate cellular behavior and interactions. This method allows visualization of NG2 cell division and the steps leading to oligodendrocyte differentiation while enabling detailed analysis of region-dependent NG2 cell and oligodendrocyte functional heterogeneity. This is a powerful technique that can be used to investigate the intrinsic and extrinsic signals influencing these cells over time in a cellular environment that closely resembles that found in vivo.

A technique to study NG2 cells and oligodendrocytes using a slice culture system of the forebrain and cerebellum is described. This method allows examination of the dynamics of proliferation and differentiation of cells within the oligodendrocyte lineage where the extracellular environment can be easily manipulated while maintaining tissue cytoarchitecture.

Organotypischen Kulturen zu Oligodendrozyten Dynamik und Myelinisierung Studieren

NG2 expressing cells (polydendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells) are the fourth major glial cell population in the central nervous system. During ...

Paired Whole Cell Recordings in Organotypic Hippocampal Slices

Pair recordings involve simultaneous whole cell patch clamp recordings from two synaptically connected neurons, enabling not only direct electrophysiological characterization of the synaptic connections between individual neurons, but also pharmacological manipulation of either the presynaptic or the postsynaptic neuron. When carried out in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, the probability that two neurons are synaptically connected is significantly increased. This preparation readily enables identification of cell types, and the neurons maintain their morphology and properties of synaptic function similar to that in native brain tissue. A major advantage of paired whole cell recordings is the highly precise information it can provide on the properties of synaptic transmission and plasticity that are not possible with other more crude techniques utilizing extracellular axonal stimulation. Paired whole cell recordings are often perceived as too challenging to perform. While there are challenging aspects to this technique, paired recordings can be performed by anyone trained in whole cell patch clamping provided specific hardware and methodological criteria are followed. The probability of attaining synaptically connected paired recordings significantly increases with healthy organotypic slices and stable micromanipulation allowing independent attainment of pre- and postsynaptic whole cell recordings. While CA3-CA3 pyramidal cell pairs are most widely used in the organotypic slice hippocampal preparation, this technique has also been successful in CA3-CA1 pairs and can be adapted to any neurons that are synaptically connected in the same slice preparation. In this manuscript we provide the detailed methodology and requirements for establishing this technique in any laboratory equipped for electrophysiology.

Pair recordings are simultaneous whole cell patch clamp recordings from two synaptically connected neurons, enabling precise electrophysiological and pharmacological characterization of the synapses between individual neurons. Here we describe the detailed methodology and requirements for establishing this technique in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures in any laboratory equipped for electrophysiology.

Gepaart ganze Zelle Recordings in Organotypische Hippocampus

Pair recordings involve simultaneous whole cell patch clamp recordings from two synaptically connected neurons, enabling not only direct ...

Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures As a Model to Study Neuroprotection and Invasiveness of Tumor Cells

In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC), the morphological and functional characteristics of both neurons and glial cells are well preserved. This model is suitable for addressing different research questions that involve studies on neuroprotection, electrophysiological experiments on neurons, neuronal networks or tumor invasion. The hippocampal architecture and neuronal activity in multisynaptic circuits are well conserved in OHSC, even though the slicing procedure itself initially lesions and leads to formation of a glial scar. The scar formation alters presumably the mechanical properties and diffusive behavior of small molecules, etc. Slices allow the monitoring of time dependent processes after brain injury without animal surgery, and studies on interactions between various brain-derived cell types, namely astrocytes, microglia and neurons under both physiological and pathological conditions. An ambivalent aspect of this model is the absence of blood flow and immune blood cells. During the progression of the neuronal injury, migrating immune cells from the blood play an important role. As those cells are missing in slices, the intrinsic processes in the culture may be observed without external interference. Moreover, in OHSC the composition of the medium-external environment is precisely controlled. A further advantage of this method is the lower number of sacrificed animals compared to standard preparations. Several OHSC can be obtained from one animal making simultaneous studies with multiple treatments in one animal possible. For these reasons, OHSC are well suited to analyze the effects of new protective therapeutics after tissue damage or during tumor invasion. 
The protocol presented here describes a preparation method of OHSC that allows generating highly reproducible, well preserved slices that can be used for a variety of experimental research, like neuroprotection or tumor invasion studies.

Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC) represent an in vitro model that simulates the in vivo situation very well. Here we describe a vibratome-based improved slicing protocol to obtain high quality slices for use in assessing the neuroprotective potential of novel substances or the biological behavior of tumor cells.

Organotypischen Hippocampal Slice Kulturen als Modell zur Studie Neuroprotektion und Invasivität der Tumorzellen

In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC), the morphological and functional characteristics of both neurons and glial cells are well preserved. ...

Preparation of Acute Spinal Cord Slices for Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recording in Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons

Recent whole-cell patch-clamp studies from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons have provided a large body of information about the spinal mechanisms underlying sensory transmission, nociceptive regulation, and chronic pain or itch development. Implementations of electrophysiological recordings together with morphological studies based on the utility of acute spinal cord slices have further improved our understanding of neuronal properties and the composition of local circuitry in SG. Here, we present a detailed and practical guide for the preparation of spinal cord slices and show representative whole-cell recording and morphological results. This protocol permits ideal neuronal preservation and can mimic in vivo conditions to a certain extent. In summary, the ability to obtain an in vitro preparation of spinal cord slices enables stable current- and voltage-clamp recordings and could thus facilitate detailed investigations into the intrinsic membrane properties, local circuitry and neuronal structure using diverse experimental approaches.

Here, we describe the essential steps for whole-cell patch-clamp recordings made from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in the in vitro spinal cord slice. This method allows the intrinsic membrane properties, synaptic transmission and morphological characterization of SG neurons to be studied.

Vorbereitung der akuten Rückenmark Scheiben auf Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp-Aufnahme in den Neuronen der Substantia Gelatinosa

Recent whole-cell patch-clamp studies from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons have provided a large body of information about the spinal mechanisms ...