National Institute of Health Grant DA024009, DK046367 &#38; T32DA007027.

All animal care and experimental procedures were in accordance with and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Virginia Commonwealth University.
1. Preparation of Sterile Poly-D-Lysine- and Laminin-Coated Glass Coverslips in 24-Well Plates
<ol>
	<li>All procedures for step 1 are performed in sterile conditions; under a hood, and with sterile reagents. Glass coverslips and double deionized water (ddH2O) should be sterilized in advance. Preparation of plates ...

<ol>
	<li>Furness, J. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+enteric+nervous+system+and+neurogastroenterology.">The enteric nervous system and neurogastroenterology.</a> Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 9 (5), 286-294 (2012).</li><li>Gershon, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+enteric+nervous+system:+A+second+brain.">The enteric nervous system: A second brain.</a> Hosp. Pract. (Minneap). 34 (7), 31-32 (1999).</li><li>Gershon, A. A., Chen, J., Gershon, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+model+of+lytic,+latent,+and+reactivating+varicella-zoster+virus+infections+in+isolated+enteric+neurons.">A model of lytic, latent, and reactivating varicella-zoster virus infections in isolated enteric neurons.</a> J. Infect. Dis. 197, 61-65 (2008).</li><li>Wakabayashi, K., Mori, F., Tanji, K., Orimo, S., Takahashi, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Involvement+of+the+peripheral+nervous+system+in+synucleinopathies,+tauopathies+and+other+neurodegenerative+proteinopathies+of+the+brain.">Involvement of the peripheral nervous system in synucleinopathies, tauopathies and other neurodegenerative proteinopathies of the brain.</a> Acta. Neuropathol. 120 (1), 1-12 (2010).</li><li>Hirst, G. D., Holman, M. E., Spence, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two+types+of+neurones+in+the+myenteric+plexus+of+duodenum+in+the+guinea-pig.">Two types of neurones in the myenteric plexus of duodenum in the guinea-pig.</a> J. Physiol. 236 (2), 303-326 (1974).</li><li>Clerc, N., Furness, J. B., Bornstein, J. C., Kunze, W. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Correlation+of+electrophysiological+and+morphological+characteristics+of+myenteric+neurons+of+the+duodenum+in+the+guinea-pig.">Correlation of electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of myenteric neurons of the duodenum in the guinea-pig.</a> Neuroscience. 82 (3), 899-914 (1998).</li><li>Rugiero, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+whole-cell+currents+by+patch+clamp+of+guinea-pig+myenteric+neurones+in+intact+ganglia.">Analysis of whole-cell currents by patch clamp of guinea-pig myenteric neurones in intact ganglia.</a> J. Physiol. 538 (Pt. 2), 447-463 (2002).</li><li>Jessen, K. R., Saffrey, M. J., Baluk, P., Hanani, M., Burnstock, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+enteric+nervous+system+in+tissue+culture.+III.+studies+on+neuronal+survival+and+the+retention+of+biochemical+and+morphological+differentiation.">The enteric nervous system in tissue culture. III. studies on neuronal survival and the retention of biochemical and morphological differentiation.</a> Brain Res. 262 (1), 49-62 (1983).</li><li>Smith, T. H., Grider, J. R., Dewey, W. L., Akbarali, H. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphine+decreases+enteric+neuron+excitability+via+inhibition+of+sodium+channels.">Morphine decreases enteric neuron excitability via inhibition of sodium channels.</a> PLoS One. 7 (9), e45251 (2012).</li><li>Abdo, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enteric+glial+cells+protect+neurons+from+oxidative+stress+in+part+via+reduced+glutathione.">Enteric glial cells protect neurons from oxidative stress in part via reduced glutathione.</a> FASEB J. 24 (4), 1082-1094 (2010).</li><li>Aube, A. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Changes+in+enteric+neurone+phenotype+and+intestinal+functions+in+a+transgenic+mouse+model+of+enteric+glia+disruption.">Changes in enteric neurone phenotype and intestinal functions in a transgenic mouse model of enteric glia disruption.</a> Gut. 55 (5), 630-637 (2006).</li><li>Bassotti, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enteric+glial+cells+and+their+role+in+gastrointestinal+motor+abnormalities:+Introducing+the+neuro-gliopathies.">Enteric glial cells and their role in gastrointestinal motor abnormalities: Introducing the neuro-gliopathies.</a> World J. Gastroenterol. 13 (30), 4035-4041 (2007).</li><li>Neal, K. B., Parry, L. J., Bornstein, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Strain-specific+genetics,+anatomy+and+function+of+enteric+neural+serotonergic+pathways+in+inbred+mice.">Strain-specific genetics, anatomy and function of enteric neural serotonergic pathways in inbred mice.</a> J. Physiol. 587 (Pt. 3), 567-586 (2009).</li><li>Phillips, R. J., Walter, G. C., Powley, T. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Age-related+changes+in+vagal+afferents+innervating+the+gastrointestinal+tract.">Age-related changes in vagal afferents innervating the gastrointestinal tract.</a> Auton. Neurosci. 153 (1-2), 90-98 (2010).</li><li>Furness, J. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Types+of+neurons+in+the+enteric+nervous+system.">Types of neurons in the enteric nervous system.</a> J. Auton. Nerv. Syst. 81 (1-3), 87-96 (2000).</li><li>Gulbransen, B. D., Sharkey, K. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+functional+roles+for+enteric+glia+in+the+gastrointestinal+tract.">Novel functional roles for enteric glia in the gastrointestinal tract.</a> Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 9 (11), 625-632 (2012).</li><li>Pomeranz, H. D., Rothman, T. P., Chalazonitis, A., Tennyson, V. M., Gershon, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neural+crest-derived+cells+isolated+from+the+gut+by+immunoselection+develop+neuronal+and+glial+phenotypes+when+cultured+on+laminin.">Neural crest-derived cells isolated from the gut by immunoselection develop neuronal and glial phenotypes when cultured on laminin.</a> Dev. Biol. 156 (2), 341-361 (1993).</li></ol>

Animals Used
This protocol has been optimized for Swiss Webster mice. However, this method is easily adaptable to other small-sized mammals such as rats and to other strains of mice. We have successfully performed preliminary isolations with C57 mice and &mu;-opioid receptor knock-outs. However, it is also possible that other strains of mice may be problematic due to morphological variations in the GI tract. Furthermore, there are known differences between mouse strains (C57Bl/6 vs. Balb/c) in th...

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is vast network of nerves and glia that runs the entire length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The ENS functionally controls all aspects of digestion, including peristalsis, fluid absorption/secretion, sensation of stimuli, etc (for review see 1). It contains over 500 million neurons, more than found in the spinal cord, and contains every neurotransmitter class found in the brain. Furthermore, the ENS is unique in that it can function reflexively without input from the central nervous system 2. Understanding of the ENS is crucial, not only to understand its normal physiological role, but to understand its involvement in a variety of neuropathies which can be congenital (Hirschsprung's disease), acquired (Chagas), secondary to disease states (diabetic gastroparesis), drug-induced (Opioid bowel syndrome), or due to injury (postoperative ileus) 1. In addition, enteric neurons can be a reservoir for viral infection (varicella zoster)3. Because of its similarities to the brain and the high levels of serotonin in the gut, medications aimed at treating central nervous system defects often have unwanted side effects on the ENS 2. It is also noteworthy that many neuropathies such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease show similar cellular changes in the enteric neurons long before their appearance in central neurons, making the ENS an accessible model to study the pathogenesis of these diseases 4. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the ENS is a necessity in understanding disease states and preventing/predicting pharmacological side effects.
The neurons of the ENS have been traditionally studied in the guinea pig using wholemount preparations 5-7 or cultured neurons 8. Despite the ease at which neurons can be studied in this large animal, this model has many limitations including lack of genetically modified strains, lack of reagents specific to this species, and the high cost associated with ordering and housing these subjects. The development of a murine enteric nervous system model has the unique advantage of various knock out systems, a vast array of other established methodologies that can be used in conjunction with the cell culture technique, and the ability to provide a validation for the guinea pig model.
The ENS is comprised of three plexi that run the length of the gastrointestinal tract: the outer myenteric plexus (between the longitudinal and circular muscle) which is mainly responsible for the peristaltic actions of the gut, as well as the submucosal and mucosal plexi, (found under and within the mucosa, respectively) which largely controls fluid absorption/secretion and the detection of stimuli 1. This method begins with the isolation of the longitudinal muscle/ myenteric plexus (LMMP) preparation by peeling off the outer muscle layer of the GI tract. This dramatically cuts down on contamination issues that arise when the mucosal layer is involved in the isolation. As a result, this process is ideal for the study of neuronal control of motility rather than secretory actions of the ENS.
The method presented here results in a mixed culture of enteric neurons and glia. At least two different types of neurons are present based on previous electrophysiological and immunocytochemical observations 9. The presence of glia is highly advantageous, as they are not only an important cell type to study in their own right, but they contribute to the survival of the enteric neurons 10 and maintain native receptor expression on the neuronal cell surface 11. Furthermore, deficiencies of enteric glia may lead to abnormal gastrointestinal motility disease states, coined 'neuro-gliopathies' 12. Therefore, the ENS culture presented here results in several cell types that are ripe for investigation.
The advantages to this methodology are ease of isolation, inexpensive tool requirements, and a short time to master the technique by experienced lab personnel. Limitations of the methodology include low overall cell yield from high tissue volumes and the exclusion of ENS neurons from mucosal and submucosal plexi. This procedure will be highly advantageous to scholars specializing in electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, single-cell PCR, and other methodologies.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="676">
	<colgroup>
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;"></td>
			<td style="width:171px;"></td>
			<td style="width:137px;"></td>
			<td style="width:79px;">Reagents</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Fisherbrand Coverglass for Growth Cover Glasses (12 mm diameter)</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">12-545-82</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">Poly-D-lysine</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">P6407- 5 mg</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">24-well cell culture plate</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">CELLTREAT</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">229124</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">Laminin</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">BD Biosciences</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">354 232</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="64">
			<td height="64" style="height:64px;width:291px;">ddH2O</td>
			<td style="width:171px;"> </td>
			<td style="width:137px;"> </td>
			<td style="width:79px;">Can prepare in lab </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">15 ml Sterile Centrifuge Tube</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Greiner Bio-one</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">188261</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">50 ml Sterile Centrifuge Tube</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Greiner Bio-one</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">227261</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">NaCl</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher BioReagents</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">BP358-212</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW 58.44</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">KCl</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher BioReagents</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">BP366-500</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW 74.55</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="26">
			<td height="26" style="height:26px;width:291px;">NaH2PO4 .2H2O</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Chemicals</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">S369-3</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW137.99</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="26">
			<td height="26" style="height:26px;width:291px;">MgSO4</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">M7506-500G</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW 120.4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="26">
			<td height="26" style="height:26px;width:291px;">NaHCO3</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">S6014-5KG</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW 84.01</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">glucose</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Chemicals</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">D16-1</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW 180.16</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">CaCl22H2O</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">C5080-500G</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">MW 147.02</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">F12 media</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">11330</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Quality Biological Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">110-001-101HI</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">Antibiotic/antimycotic 100x liquid</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">15240-062</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">Neurobasal A media</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">10888</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">200 mM L-glutamine</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">25030164</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Neuromics</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">PR27022</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Sharp-Pointed Dissecting Scissors</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">8940</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Dissecting Tissue Forceps</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">13-812-41</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Cotton-Tipped Applicators</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">23-400-101</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">250 ml Graduated Glass Beaker</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">FB-100-250</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">2 L Glass Erlenmyer flask</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">FB-500-2000</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Plastic rod (child&#39;s paint brush)</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Crayola</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">05 3516</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="26">
			<td height="26" style="height:26px;width:291px;">Carbogen</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Airgas</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">UN 3156</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">5% CO2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">10 ml Leur-lock Syringe</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">309604</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">21 G x 1 1/2 in. Hypodermic Needle</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">305167</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:291px;">Collagenase type 2</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Worthington</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">LS004174</td>
			<td style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="84" rowspan="2" style="height:84px;width:291px;">Bovine Serum Albumin</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:171px;">American Bioanalytical</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:137px;">AB00440</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:79px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">2 ml Microcentrifuge Eppendorf tubes</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">13-864-252</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Nitrex Mesh 500 &#181;M</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Elko Filtering Co</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">100560</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Pipette Set</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">21-377-328</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:291px;">Sharpeining Stone</td>
			<td style="width:171px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">NC9681212</td>
			<td style="width:79px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="722">
	<colgroup>
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:283px;"></td>
			<td style="width:108px;"></td>
			<td style="width:137px;"></td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:283px;">LabGard ES 425 Biological Safety Cabinet (cell culture hood)</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Nuaire</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">NU-425-400</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:283px;">10 L Shaking Waterbath</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Edvotek</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">5027</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="64">
			<td height="64" style="height:64px;width:283px;">Microcentrifuge 5417R</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Eppendorf</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">5417R</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">May use a single larger centrifuge with size adapters</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:283px;">Allegra 6 Series Centrifuge</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">366816</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:283px;">HuluMixer Sample Mixer</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Invitrogen</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">15920D</td>
			<td style="width:195px;"> </td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:283px;">AutoFlow Water Jacket CO2 Incubator</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Nuiare</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">NU-4750</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:283px;">Analytical Balance Scale</td>
			<td style="width:108px;">Mettler Toledo</td>
			<td style="width:137px;">XS104</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

an in-vitro preparation of isolated enteric neurons and glia from the myenteric plexus of the adult mouse

The enteric nervous system is a vast network of neurons and glia running the length of the gastrointestinal tract that functionally controls gastrointestinal motility. A procedure for the isolation and culture of a mixed population of neurons and glia from the myenteric plexus is described. The primary cultures can be maintained for over 7 days, with connections developing among the neurons and glia. The longitudinal muscle strip with the attached myenteric plexus is stripped from the underlying circular muscle of the mouse ileum or colon and subjected to enzymatic digestion. In sterile conditions, the isolated neuronal and glia population are preserved within the pellet following centrifugation and plated on coverslips. Within 24-48 hr, neurite outgrowth occurs and neurons can be identified by pan-neuronal markers. After two days in culture, isolated neurons fire action potentials as observed by patch clamp studies. Furthermore, enteric glia can also be identified by GFAP staining. A network of neurons and glia in close apposition forms within 5 - 7 days. Enteric neurons can be individually and directly studied using methods such as immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and single-cell PCR. Furthermore, this procedure can be performed in genetically modified animals. This methodology is simple to perform and inexpensive. Overall, this protocol exposes the components of the enteric nervous system in an easily manipulated manner so that we may better discover the functionality of the ENS in normal and disease states.

Immediately following isolation of LMMP-derived cells, neurons and other cell types will not be readily evident. Living, round cells of indistinct phenotype can be seen as well as tissue detritus from incompletely digested tissue fragments and connective tissue. This flotsam is of no concern and will be largely removed with the first media change in two days. Do not attempt to clean the slides before this as the healthy, viable cells will be removed as well.
After one day in culture, neurons w...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse at JoVE.com

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse

We demonstrate a cell culture protocol for the direct study of neuronal and glial components of the enteric nervous system. A neuron/glia mixed culture on coverslips is prepared from the myenteric plexus of adult mouse providing the ability to examine individual neuron and glia function by electrophysiology, immunohistochemical, etc.

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse

The enteric nervous system is a vast network of neurons and glia running the length of the gastrointestinal tract that functionally controls ...

an-vitro-preparation-isolated-enteric-neurons-glia-from-myenteric

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

26.3K vistas.  Virginia Commonwealth University. We demonstrate a cell culture protocol for the direct study of neuronal and glial components of the enteric nervous system. A neuron/glia mixed culture on coverslips is prepared from the myenteric plexus of adult mouse providing the ability to examine individual neuron and glia function by electrophysiology, immunohistochemical, etc.