Midbrain Slice Culture as an Ex Vivo Analysis Platform for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor system. PD is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular protein aggregates, Lewy bodies, and Lewy neurites, composed primarily of the protein α-synuclein. Thus, PD is classified as the most common synucleinopathy. The motor symptoms of the disease result from the death of cells in the region of the midbrain, leading to a dopamine deficit. While the cause of PD is unknown, it is believed to involve both inherited and environmental factors. PD has been extensively studied using in vitro and in vivo models; however, some discrepancy is observed in these results. In order to analyze progressive neurodegenerative disease, experimental platform amenable to continuous observation and experimental manipulation is required. In this chapter, we provide a practical method to slice and cultivate the midbrain tissue as an ex vivo experimental model.