[Rapid method of obtaining enriched fractions of rat brain neuronal and glial cells]

Cell suspension of the rat brain was separated into fractions of neuronal and glial cells (FNC, FGC) during 7-10 minutes. The suspension was filtered in the column through a series of filters with 400-600, 200 (FNC), 132 and 100 (FGC) mu pores. The purity of the fractions obtained was analyzed by light microscopy. According to a single cell counting the purity of FNC and FGC contituted 60 and 90%, respectively. The respective figures were 97 and 90% as shown by cell weight comparison. The biochemical and morphological findings indicate a good viability of isolated cells. It has been established that of total rat brain protein (108 mg per 1 g crude tissue), the proteins of nerve cells account for about 30%. The mass ratio of neurons to glial cells is 2.5:1. This fact should be taken into consideration during studies on the functional interactions between neurons and glial cells.