Preservation of integrative function in a perfused guinea pig brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• Maintaining mammalian brain function ex vivo via artificial perfusion is challenging.
• Preserving complex neuronal activity, including electroencephalograms (EEG) and programmed motor output, has been particularly difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first successful preservation of normal function in a complete mammalian brain motor network during in situ perfusion.
• To demonstrate sustained, complex neural activity and motor output in a perfused brain preparation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized guinea pig brain, rostral spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system perfused in situ with an artificial blood substitute (perfluorotributylamine, FC-43).
• Maintained normothermic conditions and enhanced survival with HEPES buffer in the perfusion medium.
• Recorded electroencephalograms (EEG) and phrenic nerve activity to assess neural function.

Main Results:

• Achieved a normal electroencephalogram (EEG) duration of up to 8 hours.
• Recorded spontaneous respiratory motor output with normal waveform and pattern from the phrenic nerve for an average of 6 hours.
• Demonstrated appropriate responses of respiratory motor output to various stimuli, including blood gas levels, temperature, and electrical stimulation.

Conclusions:

• This perfused mammalian brain preparation represents a significant advance in preserving neural function.
• The model allows for studying cellular electrophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology in intact, functioning neural networks.
• Offers new possibilities for understanding complex brain activity and developing therapeutic interventions.