Benzodiazepines and beta-adrenergic binding to primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons

Characteristics of primary cultures of neurons or of astrocytes are discussed which suggest that such cultures are appropriate models for their in vivo counterparts. Advantages or disadvantages of these cultures for studies of receptor binding are: Neuronal and astrocytic binding can be studied separately. Binding can be studied to intact cells or after homogenization. Apparent binding to intact cells may include unspecific retention. This seems to be a problem for beta-adrenergic ligands but not for benzodiazepines.