[Effects of lithium on primary cultured cerebrocortical neurons of rat]
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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Bilaminar Co-culture of Primary Rat Cortical Neurons and Glia
Published on: November 12, 2011
Fang Yang1, Ji-sheng Li, Feng Yang
1Military Preventive Medical Institute, Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, China.
Objective:
To explore the neuroprotection and the impact on brain development of lithium, the effects of lithium salt on the growth and survival of primary cultured cerebrocortical neurons were studied.
Methods:
The technique of primary cultured cerebrocortical neurons of newborn rats with serum-free medium was established, and the growth and survival of neurons treated with different doses of lithium chloride (0.625, 1.250, 2.500, 5.000, 10.000 mmol/L) were observed. The length of neuronal synapse, cell viability by MTT reduction assay were also measured.
Results:
The neurons were brighter, germinated rapidly, the neuronal synapse lengthened markedly, and the neurons viability was also better after treated with lithium chloride. Among the five doses, 5.000 mmol/L had the best effect [(53.80 +/- 5.84) micro m, P < 0.01].
Conclusion:
Lithium chloride can promote the growth and survival of neurons.
