Generation of Functional Mouse Hippocampal Neurons
Francesco Tomassoni-Ardori1, Zhenyi Hong1, Gianluca Fulgenzi1
1Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, United States.
Bio-Protocol
|September 28, 2020
Summary
This study details a protocol for primary mouse hippocampal neuron culture, essential for studying neuronal development and function. The method yields pure, differentiated neurons within a week for reliable in vitro research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Primary cultures of mouse hippocampal neurons are crucial in vitro models.
- These models facilitate research into neuronal development, morphology, and synaptic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed, step-by-step protocol for generating primary mouse hippocampal neurons.
- To establish a reliable method for obtaining pure, differentiated neurons for various experimental applications.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of embryonic mouse hippocampi (E17.5/E18.5).
- Neuronal isolation and subsequent cell culture.
- Assessment of culture purity and differentiation, including calcium imaging.
Main Results:
- The protocol yields pure and differentiated hippocampal neurons.
- Neurons are ready for experimentation in less than one week.
- Neuronal activity can be reliably assessed via calcium imaging.
Conclusions:
- This protocol offers a robust method for preparing primary mouse hippocampal neuron cultures.
- The generated cultures serve as a valuable resource for diverse neuroscience research.
- The technique ensures a consistent supply of high-quality neurons for in vitro studies.
