Characterizing neurotrophic factor-induced synaptic growth in primary mouse neuronal cultures

Neurotrophic factors and their signaling cascades play important roles in synaptic growth, which can be investigated in cultured primary neurons to better control the concentrations and timing of neurotrophic factor treatment. Here, we provide a protocol detailing the preparation of cultured primary mouse neurons and the neurotrophic factor treatment. We then describe electrophysiological recording of synaptic transmission, immunocytochemistry of AMPA receptor expression, and imaging analysis of dendritic spines. This platform enables characterization of synaptic growth at functional and morphological levels. For complete details on the use and execution of this profile, please refer to Zhou et al. (2021).