51
|
Pacitti D, Privolizzi R, Bax BE. Organs to Cells and Cells to Organoids: The Evolution of in vitro Central Nervous System Modelling. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:129. [PMID: 31024259 PMCID: PMC6465581 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion synapses, the human brain is not just the most complex organ in the human body, but has also been described as "the most complex thing in the universe." The limited availability of human living brain tissue for the study of neurogenesis, neural processes and neurological disorders has resulted in more than a century-long strive from researchers worldwide to model the central nervous system (CNS) and dissect both its striking physiology and enigmatic pathophysiology. The invaluable knowledge gained with the use of animal models and post mortem human tissue remains limited to cross-species similarities and structural features, respectively. The advent of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) and 3-D organoid technologies has revolutionised the approach to the study of human brain and CNS in vitro, presenting great potential for disease modelling and translational adoption in drug screening and regenerative medicine, also contributing beneficially to clinical research. We have surveyed more than 100 years of research in CNS modelling and provide in this review an historical excursus of its evolution, from early neural tissue explants and organotypic cultures, to 2-D patient-derived cell monolayers, to the latest development of 3-D cerebral organoids. We have generated a comprehensive summary of CNS modelling techniques and approaches, protocol refinements throughout the course of decades and developments in the study of specific neuropathologies. Current limitations and caveats such as clonal variation, developmental stage, validation of pluripotency and chromosomal stability, functional assessment, reproducibility, accuracy and scalability of these models are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Pacitti
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- College of Medicine and Health, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Riccardo Privolizzi
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bridget E. Bax
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Bridget E. Bax,
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Yang C, Li X, Li S, Chai X, Guan L, Qiao L, Li H, Lin J. Organotypic slice culture based on in ovo electroporation for chicken embryonic central nervous system. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:1813-1826. [PMID: 30565384 PMCID: PMC6378233 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Organotypic slice culture is a living cell research technique which blends features of both in vivo and in vitro techniques. While organotypic brain slice culture techniques have been well established in rodents, there are few reports on the study of organotypic slice culture, especially of the central nervous system (CNS), in chicken embryos. We established a combined in ovo electroporation and organotypic slice culture method to study exogenous genes functions in the CNS during chicken embryo development. We performed in ovo electroporation in the spinal cord or optic tectum prior to slice culture. When embryonic development reached a specific stage, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive embryos were selected and fluorescent expression sites were cut under stereo fluorescence microscopy. Selected tissues were embedded in 4% agar. Tissues were sectioned on a vibratory microtome and 300 μm thick sections were mounted on a membrane of millicell cell culture insert. The insert was placed in a 30-mm culture dish and 1 ml of slice culture media was added. We show that during serum-free medium culture, the slice loses its original structure and propensity to be strictly regulated, which are the characteristics of the CNS. However, after adding serum, the histological structure of cultured-tissue slices was able to be well maintained and neuronal axons were significantly longer than that those of serum-free medium cultured-tissue slices. As the structure of a complete single neuron can be observed from a slice culture, this is a suitable way of studying single neuronal dynamics. As such, we present an effective method to study axon formation and migration of single neurons in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciqing Yang
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shuanqing Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xuejun Chai
- Department of Anatomy, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lihong Guan
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Han Li
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, University Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang, China.,College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Dulla CG, Janigro D, Jiruska P, Raimondo JV, Ikeda A, Lin CCK, Goodkin HP, Galanopoulou AS, Bernard C, de Curtis M. How do we use in vitro models to understand epileptiform and ictal activity? A report of the TASK1-WG4 group of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force. Epilepsia Open 2018; 3:460-473. [PMID: 30525115 PMCID: PMC6276782 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro brain tissue preparations allow the convenient and affordable study of brain networks and have allowed us to garner molecular, cellular, and electrophysiologic insights into brain function with a detail not achievable in vivo. Preparations from both rodent and human postsurgical tissue have been utilized to generate in vitro electrical activity similar to electrographic activity seen in patients with epilepsy. A great deal of knowledge about how brain networks generate various forms of epileptiform activity has been gained, but due to the multiple in vitro models and manipulations used, there is a need for a standardization across studies. Here, we describe epileptiform patterns generated using in vitro brain preparations, focusing on issues and best practices pertaining to recording, reporting, and interpretation of the electrophysiologic patterns observed. We also discuss criteria for defining in vitro seizure‐like patterns (i.e., ictal) and interictal discharges. Unifying terminologies and definitions are proposed. We suggest a set of best practices for reporting in vitro studies to favor both efficient across‐lab comparisons and translation to in vivo models and human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris G Dulla
- Department of Neuroscience Tufts University School of Medicine Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Damir Janigro
- Flocel Inc. and Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Ohio U.S.A
| | - Premysl Jiruska
- Department of Developmental Epileptology Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czechia
| | - Joseph V Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Institute Department of Human Biology Faculty of Health Sciences University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Akio Ikeda
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto Japan
| | - Chou-Ching K Lin
- Department of Neurology National Cheng Kung University Hospital College of Medicine National Cheng Kung University Tainan Taiwan
| | - Howard P Goodkin
- The Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia U.S.A
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Einstein/Montefiore Epilepsy Center Montefiore Medical Center Bronx New York U.S.A
| | | | - Marco de Curtis
- Epilepsy Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milano Italy
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Drexler B, Seeger T, Worek F, Thiermann H, Antkowiak B, Grasshoff C. Midazolam is effective to reduce cortical network activity in organotypic cultures during severe cholinergic overstimulation with soman. Toxicol Lett 2018; 297:19-23. [PMID: 30165091 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Intoxication with organophosphorus compounds can result in life-threatening organ dysfunction and refractory seizures. Sedation or hypnosis is essential to facilitate mechanical ventilation and control seizure activity. The range of indications for midazolam includes both hypnosis and seizure control. Since benzodiazepines cause sedation and hypnosis by dampening neuronal activity of the cerebral cortex, we investigated the drug's effect on action potential firing of cortical neurons in brain slices. Extensive cholinergic overstimulation was induced by increasing acetylcholine levels and simultaneously treating the slices with soman to block acetylcholinesterase activity. At control conditions midazolam reduced discharge rates (median/95% confidence interval) from 8.8 (7.0-10.5) Hz (in the absence of midazolam) to 2.2 (1.4-2.9) Hz (10 μM midazolam) and 1.6 (0.9-2.2) Hz (20 μM midazolam). Without midazolam, cholinergic overstimulation significantly enhanced neuronal activity to 13.1 (11.0-15.2) Hz. Midazolam attenuated firing rates during cholinergic overstimulation to 6.5 (4.8-8.2) Hz (10 μM midazolam) and 4.1 (3.3-6.0) Hz (20 μM midazolam), respectively. Thus, high cholinergic tone attenuated the drug's efficacy only moderately. These results suggest that midazolam is worth being tested as a promising drug to induce sedation and hypnosis in patients suffering from severe organophosphorous intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Drexler
- Experimental Anesthesiology Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Seeger
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Franz Worek
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Bernd Antkowiak
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Christian Grasshoff
- Experimental Anesthesiology Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Lossi L, Merighi A. The Use of ex Vivo Rodent Platforms in Neuroscience Translational Research With Attention to the 3Rs Philosophy. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:164. [PMID: 30073174 PMCID: PMC6060265 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—are at the basis of most advanced national and supranational (EU) regulations on animal experimentation and welfare. In the perspective to reduce and refine the use of these animals in translational research, we here discuss the use of rodent acute and organotypically cultured central nervous system slices. We describe novel applications of these ex vivo platforms in medium-throughput screening of neuroactive molecules of potential pharmacological interest, with particular attention to more recent developments that permit to fully exploit the potential of direct genetic engineering of organotypic cultures using transfection techniques. We then describe the perspectives for expanding the use ex vivo platforms in neuroscience studies under the 3Rs philosophy using the following approaches: (1) Use of co-cultures of two brain regions physiologically connected to each other (source-target) to analyze axon regeneration and reconstruction of circuitries; (2) Microinjection or co-cultures of primary cells and/or cell lines releasing one or more neuroactive molecules to screen their physiological and/or pharmacological effects onto neuronal survival and slice circuitry. Microinjected or co-cultured cells are ideally made fluorescent after transfection with a plasmid construct encoding green or red fluorescent protein under the control of a general promoter such as hCMV; (3) Use of “sniffer” cells sensing the release of biologically active molecules from organotypic cultures by means of fluorescent probes. These cells can be prepared with activatable green fluorescent protein, a unique chromophore that remains in a “dark” state because its maturation is inhibited, and can be made fluorescent (de-quenched) if specific cellular enzymes, such as proteases or kinases, are activated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lossi
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adalberto Merighi
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Mendes ND, Fernandes A, Almeida GM, Santos LE, Selles MC, Lyra E Silva NM, Machado CM, Horta-Júnior JAC, Louzada PR, De Felice FG, Alves-Leon S, Marcondes J, Assirati JA, Matias CM, Klein WL, Garcia-Cairasco N, Ferreira ST, Neder L, Sebollela A. Free-floating adult human brain-derived slice cultures as a model to study the neuronal impact of Alzheimer's disease-associated Aβ oligomers. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 307:203-209. [PMID: 29859877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slice cultures have been prepared from several organs. With respect to the brain, advantages of slice cultures over dissociated cell cultures include maintenance of the cytoarchitecture and neuronal connectivity. Slice cultures from adult human brain have been reported and constitute a promising method to study neurological diseases. Despite this potential, few studies have characterized in detail cell survival and function along time in short-term, free-floating cultures. NEW METHOD We used tissue from adult human brain cortex from patients undergoing temporal lobectomy to prepare 200 μm-thick slices. Along the period in culture, we evaluated neuronal survival, histological modifications, and neurotransmitter release. The toxicity of Alzheimer's-associated Aβ oligomers (AβOs) to cultured slices was also analyzed. RESULTS Neurons in human brain slices remain viable and neurochemically active for at least four days in vitro, which allowed detection of binding of AβOs. We further found that slices exposed to AβOs presented elevated levels of hyperphosphorylated Tau, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Although slice cultures from adult human brain have been previously prepared, this is the first report to analyze cell viability and neuronal activity in short-term free-floating cultures as a function of days in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Once surgical tissue is available, the current protocol is easy to perform and produces functional slices from adult human brain. These slice cultures may represent a preferred model for translational studies of neurodegenerative disorders when long term culturing in not required, as in investigations on AβO neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niele D Mendes
- Dept. Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Dept. Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Artur Fernandes
- Dept. Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Dept. Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Glaucia M Almeida
- Dept. Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis E Santos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Selles
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - N M Lyra E Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carla M Machado
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, SP, Brazil
| | - José A C Horta-Júnior
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo R Louzada
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Soniza Alves-Leon
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge Marcondes
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Alberto Assirati
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School Clinical Hospital, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio M Matias
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School Clinical Hospital, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - William L Klein
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, IL, USA
| | | | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciano Neder
- Dept. Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano Sebollela
- Dept. Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Herrera-Marschitz M, Perez-Lobos R, Lespay-Rebolledo C, Tapia-Bustos A, Casanova-Ortiz E, Morales P, Valdes JL, Bustamante D, Cassels BK. Targeting Sentinel Proteins and Extrasynaptic Glutamate Receptors: a Therapeutic Strategy for Preventing the Effects Elicited by Perinatal Asphyxia? Neurotox Res 2018; 33:461-473. [PMID: 28844085 PMCID: PMC5766721 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is a relevant cause of death at the time of labour, and when survival is stabilised, associated with short- and long-term developmental disabilities, requiring inordinate care by health systems and families. Its prevalence is high (1 to 10/1000 live births) worldwide. At present, there are few therapeutic options, apart from hypothermia, that regrettably provides only limited protection if applied shortly after the insult.PA implies a primary and a secondary insult. The primary insult relates to the lack of oxygen, and the secondary one to the oxidative stress triggered by re-oxygenation, formation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (RNS) species, and overactivation of glutamate receptors and mitochondrial deficiencies. PA induces overactivation of a number of sentinel proteins, including hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the genome-protecting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Upon activation, PARP-1 consumes high amounts of ATP at a time when this metabolite is scarce, worsening in turn the energy crisis elicited by asphyxia. The energy crisis also impairs ATP-dependent transport, including glutamate re-uptake by astroglia. Nicotinamide, a PARP-1 inhibitor, protects against the metabolic cascade elicited by the primary stage, avoiding NAD+ exhaustion and the energetic crisis. Upon re-oxygenation, however, oxidative stress leads to nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit p65, overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, and glutamate-excitotoxicity, due to impairment of glial-glutamate transport, extracellular glutamate overflow, and overactivation of NMDA receptors, mainly of the extrasynaptic type. This leads to calcium influx, mitochondrial impairment, and inactivation of antioxidant enzymes, increasing further the activity of pro-oxidant enzymes, thereby making the surviving neonate vulnerable to recurrent metabolic insults whenever oxidative stress is involved. Here, we discuss evidence showing that (i) inhibition of PARP-1 overactivation by nicotinamide and (ii) inhibition of extrasynaptic NMDA receptor overactivation by memantine can prevent the short- and long-term consequences of PA. These hypotheses have been evaluated in a rat preclinical model of PA, aiming to identify the metabolic cascades responsible for the long-term consequences induced by the insult, also assessing postnatal vulnerability to recurrent oxidative insults. Thus, we present and discuss evidence demonstrating that PA induces long-term changes in metabolic pathways related to energy and oxidative stress, priming vulnerability of cells with both the neuronal and the glial phenotype. The effects induced by PA are region dependent, the substantia nigra being particularly prone to cell death. The issue of short- and long-term consequences of PA provides a framework for addressing a fundamental issue referred to plasticity of the CNS, since the perinatal insult triggers a domino-like sequence of events making the developing individual vulnerable to recurrent adverse conditions, decreasing his/her coping repertoire because of a relevant insult occurring at birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Herrera-Marschitz
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
| | - Ronald Perez-Lobos
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Tecnologia Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, PO Box 8370146, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolyne Lespay-Rebolledo
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Tapia-Bustos
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
| | - Emmanuel Casanova-Ortiz
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Morales
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Diego Bustamante
- Programme of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia, PO Box 8389100, 1027 Santiago, Chile
| | - Bruce K. Cassels
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Jorfi M, D'Avanzo C, Kim DY, Irimia D. Three-Dimensional Models of the Human Brain Development and Diseases. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:10.1002/adhm.201700723. [PMID: 28845922 PMCID: PMC5762251 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the human brain pathophysiology remains one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Neurological disorders represent a significant proportion of diseases burden; however, the complexity of the brain physiology makes it challenging to model its diseases. Simple in vitro models have been very useful for precise measurements in controled conditions. However, existing models are limited in their ability to replicate complex interactions between various cells in the brain. Studying human brain requires sophisticated models to reconstitute the tangled architecture and functions of brain cells. Recently, advances in the development of three-dimensional (3D) brain cell culture models have begun to recapitulate various aspects of the human brain physiology in vitro and replicate basic disease processes of Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and microcephaly. In this review, we discuss the progress, advantages, limitations, and future directions of 3D cell culture systems for modeling the human brain development and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Jorfi
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Carla D'Avanzo
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| | - Daniel Irimia
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Boakye PA, Schmidt EKA, Rancic V, Kerr B, Ballanyi K, Smith PA. Characterization of Superficial Dorsal Horn Neurons from "Tamamaki" Mice and Stability of their GAD67-EGFP Phenotype in Defined-Medium Organotypic Culture. Neuroscience 2017; 372:126-140. [PMID: 29294339 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Defined medium organotypic cultures (DMOTC) containing spinal dorsal horn neurons are especially useful in studying the etiology and pharmacology of chronic pain. We made whole-cell recordings from neurons in acutely isolated mouse spinal cord slices or from those maintained in DMOTC for up to 6 weeks. In acute slices, neurons in the substantia gelatinosa exhibited 7 different firing patterns in response to 800-ms depolarizing current commands; delay (irregular), delay (tonic), tonic, regular firing, phasic, initial bursting and single spiking. Initial bursting and regular firing neurons are not found in rat substantia gelatinosa. In acute slices from "Tamamaki" mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) promotor, tonic, phasic and regular firing neurons exhibited the strongest GABAergic (GAD67-EGFP+) phenotype. Delay (tonic) and delay (irregular) neurons almost never expressed GAD67 (GAD67-EGFP-) and are likely glutamatergic. All seven phenotypes were preserved in mouse spinal cord neurons in DMOTC prepared from e12 embryos and the GAD67-EGFP+ phenotype continued to associate with phasic and regular firing neurons. Only 3 out of 51 GAD67-EGFP+ neurons exhibited a delay (tonic) firing pattern. Modifications to the mouse genome thus continue to be expressed when embryonic neurons develop in vitro in DMOTC. However, analysis of the amplitude and interevent interval of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) indicated substantial re-arrangement of synaptic connections within the cultures. Despite this, the characteristics and age-dependence of asynchronous oscillatory activity, as monitored by multiphoton Ca2+ imaging, were similar in acute slices and in DMOTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Boakye
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada
| | - Emma K A Schmidt
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada
| | - Vladimir Rancic
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada
| | - Bradley Kerr
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada
| | - Klaus Ballanyi
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada
| | - Peter A Smith
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Fixman BB, Babcock IW, Minamide LS, Shaw AE, Oliveira da Silva MI, Runyan AM, Maloney MT, Field JJ, Bamburg JR. Modified Roller Tube Method for Precisely Localized and Repetitive Intermittent Imaging During Long-term Culture of Brain Slices in an Enclosed System. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29364208 DOI: 10.3791/56436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultured rodent brain slices are useful for studying the cellular and molecular behavior of neurons and glia in an environment that maintains many of their normal in vivo interactions. Slices obtained from a variety of transgenic mouse lines or use of viral vectors for expression of fluorescently tagged proteins or reporters in wild type brain slices allow for high-resolution imaging by fluorescence microscopy. Although several methods have been developed for imaging brain slices, combining slice culture with the ability to perform repetitive high-resolution imaging of specific cells in live slices over long time periods has posed problems. This is especially true when viral vectors are used for expression of exogenous proteins since this is best done in a closed system to protect users and prevent cross contamination. Simple modifications made to the roller tube brain slice culture method that allow for repetitive high-resolution imaging of slices over many weeks in an enclosed system are reported. Culturing slices on photoetched coverslips permits the use of fiducial marks to rapidly and precisely reposition the stage to image the identical field over time before and after different treatments. Examples are shown for the use of this method combined with specific neuronal staining and expression to observe changes in hippocampal slice architecture, viral-mediated neuronal expression of fluorescent proteins, and the development of cofilin pathology, which was previously observed in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in response to slice treatment with oligomers of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Fixman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University
| | - Isaac W Babcock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University
| | - Laurie S Minamide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University
| | - Alisa E Shaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University
| | - Marina I Oliveira da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigaçãoe Inovação em Saúde, ICBAS, Universidade do Porto
| | - Avery M Runyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University
| | - Michael T Maloney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University; Denali Therapeutics
| | - Jeffrey J Field
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University
| | - James R Bamburg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University;
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Cilz NI, Porter JE, Lei S. A protocol for preparation and transfection of rat entorhinal cortex organotypic cultures for electrophysiological whole-cell recordings. MethodsX 2017; 4:360-371. [PMID: 29071214 PMCID: PMC5651549 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how neuromodulators influence synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability within the entorhinal cortex (EC) is critical to furthering our understanding of the molecular and cellular aspects of this region. Organotypic cultures can provide a cost-effective means to employ selective molecular biological strategies in elucidating cellular mechanisms of neuromodulation in the EC. We therefore adapted our acute slice model for organotypic culture applications and optimized a protocol for the preparation and biolistic transfection of cultured horizontal EC slices. Here, we present our detailed protocol for culturing EC slices. Using an n-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG)-containing cutting solution, we obtain healthy EC slice cultures for electrophysiological recordings. We also present our protocol for the preparation of "bullets" carrying one or more constructs and demonstrate successful transfection of EC slices. We build upon previous methods and highlight specific aspects in our method that greatly improved the quality of our results. We validate our methods using immunohistochemical, imaging, and electrophysiological techniques. The novelty of this method is that it provides a description of culturing and transfection of EC neurons for specifically addressing their functionality. This method will enable researchers interested in entorhinal function to quickly adopt a similar slice culture transfection system for their own investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saobo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Effects of neural stem cell media on hypoxic injury in rat hippocampal slice cultures. Brain Res 2017; 1677:20-25. [PMID: 28941572 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries cause serious neurological sequelae, yet there is currently no effective treatment for them. We hypothesized that neurotrophic factors released into the medium by stem cells could supply hypoxia-damaged organotypic hippocampal slice cultures with regenerative abilities. We prepared organotypic slice cultures of the hippocampus of 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats based on the modified Stoppini method; slices were cultured for 14days in vitro using either Gahwiler's medium (G-medium) or stem cell-conditioned medium (S-medium) as culture medium. At day 14 in vitro, hippocampal slice cultures were exposed to 95% N2 and 5% CO2 for 3h to induce hypoxic damage, the extent of which was then measured using propidium iodide fluorescence and immunohistochemistry images. We performed dot blotting to estimate neurotrophic/growth factor levels in the G- and S-media. Organotypic hippocampal slices cultured using S-medium after hypoxic injury were significantly less damaged than those cultured using G-medium. GLUT1, NGF, GDNF, VEGF, GCSF, and IGF2 levels were higher in S-medium than in G-medium, whereas FGF1, HIF, and MCP3 levels were not significantly different between media. In conclusion, we found that stem cell-conditioned medium had a neuroprotective effect against hypoxic injury, and that, of the various neurotrophic factors in S-medium, NGF, GDNF, and VEGF can contribute to neuroprotection.
Collapse
|
63
|
Grabiec U, Hohmann T, Hammer N, Dehghani F. Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures As a Model to Study Neuroprotection and Invasiveness of Tumor Cells. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28872113 DOI: 10.3791/55359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC), the morphological and functional characteristics of both neurons and glial cells are well preserved. This model is suitable for addressing different research questions that involve studies on neuroprotection, electrophysiological experiments on neurons, neuronal networks or tumor invasion. The hippocampal architecture and neuronal activity in multisynaptic circuits are well conserved in OHSC, even though the slicing procedure itself initially lesions and leads to formation of a glial scar. The scar formation alters presumably the mechanical properties and diffusive behavior of small molecules, etc. Slices allow the monitoring of time dependent processes after brain injury without animal surgery, and studies on interactions between various brain-derived cell types, namely astrocytes, microglia and neurons under both physiological and pathological conditions. An ambivalent aspect of this model is the absence of blood flow and immune blood cells. During the progression of the neuronal injury, migrating immune cells from the blood play an important role. As those cells are missing in slices, the intrinsic processes in the culture may be observed without external interference. Moreover, in OHSC the composition of the medium-external environment is precisely controlled. A further advantage of this method is the lower number of sacrificed animals compared to standard preparations. Several OHSC can be obtained from one animal making simultaneous studies with multiple treatments in one animal possible. For these reasons, OHSC are well suited to analyze the effects of new protective therapeutics after tissue damage or during tumor invasion. The protocol presented here describes a preparation method of OHSC that allows generating highly reproducible, well preserved slices that can be used for a variety of experimental research, like neuroprotection or tumor invasion studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg;
| | - Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
| | | | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Forsberg D, Thonabulsombat C, Jäderstad J, Jäderstad LM, Olivius P, Herlenius E. Functional Stem Cell Integration into Neural Networks Assessed by Organotypic Slice Cultures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 42:2D.13.1-2D.13.30. [PMID: 28806855 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Re-formation or preservation of functional, electrically active neural networks has been proffered as one of the goals of stem cell-mediated neural therapeutics. A primary issue for a cell therapy approach is the formation of functional contacts between the implanted cells and the host tissue. Therefore, it is of fundamental interest to establish protocols that allow us to delineate a detailed time course of grafted stem cell survival, migration, differentiation, integration, and functional interaction with the host. One option for in vitro studies is to examine the integration of exogenous stem cells into an existing active neural network in ex vivo organotypic cultures. Organotypic cultures leave the structural integrity essentially intact while still allowing the microenvironment to be carefully controlled. This allows detailed studies over time of cellular responses and cell-cell interactions, which are not readily performed in vivo. This unit describes procedures for using organotypic slice cultures as ex vivo model systems for studying neural stem cell and embryonic stem cell engraftment and communication with CNS host tissue. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Forsberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charoensri Thonabulsombat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Hearing and Communication Research, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Johan Jäderstad
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Maria Jäderstad
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petri Olivius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Hearing and Communication Research, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric Herlenius
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Models of progressive neurological dysfunction originating early in life. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 155:2-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
66
|
Doussau F, Dupont JL, Neel D, Schneider A, Poulain B, Bossu JL. Organotypic cultures of cerebellar slices as a model to investigate demyelinating disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1011-1022. [PMID: 28712329 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1356285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Demyelinating disorders, characterized by a chronic or episodic destruction of the myelin sheath, are a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults in western countries. Studying the complex mechanisms involved in axon myelination, demyelination and remyelination requires an experimental model preserving the neuronal networks and neuro-glial interactions. Organotypic cerebellar slice cultures appear to be the best alternative to in vivo experiments and the most commonly used model for investigating etiology or novel therapeutic strategies in multiple sclerosis. Areas covered: This review gives an overview of slice culture techniques and focuses on the use of organotypic cerebellar slice cultures on semi-permeable membranes for studying many aspects of axon myelination and cerebellar functions. Expert opinion: Cerebellar slice cultures are probably the easiest way to faithfully reproduce all stages of axon myelination/demyelination/remyelination in a three-dimensional neuronal network. However, in the cerebellum, neurological disability in multiple sclerosis also results from channelopathies which induce changes in Purkinje cell excitability. Cerebellar cultures offer easy access to electrophysiological approaches which are largely untapped and we believe that these cultures might be of great interest when studying changes in neuronal excitability, axonal conduction or synaptic properties that likely occur during multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Doussau
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jean-Luc Dupont
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Dorine Neel
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Aline Schneider
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Bernard Poulain
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Jean Louis Bossu
- a Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212 , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Protective Effect of Quercetin against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC-12) Cells. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22071122. [PMID: 28684704 PMCID: PMC6152301 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many kinds of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found ubiquitously in fruits and vegetables, and has antioxidative activity. However, the underlying mechanism of the antioxidative effect of quercetin in neurodegenerative diseases has not been well explored. Here, we investigated the antioxidative effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of quercetin on PC-12 cells. We found that PC-12 cells pretreated with quercetin exhibited an increased cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release when exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The significantly-alleviated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipoperoxidation of the cell membrane of PC-12 cells induced by H2O2 were observed in the quercetin pretreated group. Furthermore, quercetin pretreatment markedly reduced the apoptosis of PC-12 cells and hippocampal neurons. The inductions of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in PC-12 cells exposed to H2O2 were significantly reduced by preatment with quercetin. In addition, quercetin pretreatment significantly increased Bcl-2 expression, and reduced Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and p53 expressions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that quercetin exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in PC-12 cells. Our findings suggested that quercetin may be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases induced by oxidative stress.
Collapse
|
68
|
Andres RH, Ducray AD, Pérez-Bouza A, Schlattner U, Huber AW, Krebs SH, Seiler RW, Wallimann T, Widmer HR. Creatine Supplementation Improves Dopaminergic Cell Survival and Protects against MPP+ Toxicity in an Organotypic Tissue Culture System. Cell Transplant 2017; 14:537-50. [PMID: 16355565 DOI: 10.3727/000000005783982756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy using mesencephalic precursor cells is an experimental approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). A significant problem associated with this procedure is the poor survival of grafted neurons. Impaired energy metabolism is considered to contribute to neuronal cell death after transplantation. Creatine is a substrate for mitochondrial and cytosolic creatine kinases (CK) and buffers cellular ATP resources. Furthermore, elevated cellular creatine levels facilitate metabolic channeling and show anti-apoptotic properties. Exogenous creatine supplementation therefore might offer a tool for improvement of dopaminergic neuron survival. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of creatine on cell survival of rat embryonic day 14 (E14) ventral mesencephalic neurons grown as organotypic free-floating roller tube (FFRT) cultures. We found that the brain-specific isoform of CK (BB-CK) and the ubiquitous mitochondrial isoform (uMt-CK) are expressed at high levels in FFRT cultures and colocalize with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) cells. Exposure of these cultures to creatine induced an increase in the content of the BB-CK isotype. Creatine (5 mM) administration starting at day in vitro (DIV) 7 resulted in a significant increase (+35%) in TH-ir cell density at DIV21. In addition, we observed that creatine treatment provided neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced TH-ir cell loss in the FFRT culture system, resulting in a significantly higher density (+19%) of TH-ir neurons in creatine-treated cultures compared to corresponding controls. The decrease of TH-ir neurons in the MPP+-treated group corresponded with an increase in immunoreactivity for active caspase-3, an effect that was not seen in the group receiving creatine supplementation. In conclusion, our data imply that creatine administration is beneficial for the survival of TH-ir neurons encountering harmful conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Andres
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Berne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
69
|
Differential depression of neuronal network activity by midazolam and its main metabolite 1-hydroxymidazolam in cultured neocortical slices. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3503. [PMID: 28615640 PMCID: PMC5471240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03154-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The benzodiazepine midazolam is widely used in critical care medicine. Midazolam has a clinically active metabolite, 1-hydroxymidazolam. The contribution of 1-hydroxymidazolam to the effects of midazolam is controversial. The aim of the current study was to compare the actions of midazolam and 1-hydroxymidazolam on network activity of cortical neurons. Midazolam depressed neuronal activity at a low concentration of 5 nM. When midazolam concentration was increased, it depressed neuronal discharge rates in a biphasic manner. In comparison, 1-hydroxymidazolam did not depress the cortical network activity at low nanomolar concentrations. Higher concentrations of 1-hydroxymidazolam consistently inhibited neuronal activity. Moreover, midazolam shortened cortical up states at low, but not at high concentrations, while the opposite effect was observed with 1-hydroxymidazolam. The network depressant action of midazolam at low concentrations was absent in slices from GABAA receptor α1(H101R)mutant mice. The α1(H101R)mutation renders α1-subunit containing GABAA receptors insensitive towards benzodiazepines. This GABAA receptor subtype is thought to mediate sedation. As midazolam is more potent than its metabolite 1-hydroxymidazolam, the major clinical effects are thus likely caused by midazolam itself. However, 1-hydroxymidazolam could add to the effects of midazolam, especially after the application of high doses of midazolam, and in case of impaired drug metabolism.
Collapse
|
70
|
Joost S, Kobayashi K, Wree A, Haas SJP. Optimisation of murine organotypic slice culture preparation for a novel sagittal-frontal co-culture system. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 285:49-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
71
|
Paci P, Gabriele S, Ris L. A new method allowing long-term potentiation recordings in hippocampal organotypic slices. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00692. [PMID: 28523233 PMCID: PMC5434196 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippocampal organotypic slices are used to improve the understanding of synaptic plasticity mechanisms because they allow longer term studies compared to acute slices. However, it is more delicate to keep cultures alive in the recording system outside in vitro conditions. Experiments from the organotypic cultures are common but the handling of slices is rarely described in the literature, even though tissue preservation is crucial. Instruments are sometimes required to extract the slices from the culture inserts but this approach is delicate and can lead to damage, given how strongly the slices are attached to the insert. METHODS A new configuration is proposed to secure the transfer of slices from the incubator to the recording chamber through an adaptor piece that can be designed for any model of chamber and/or insert. The adaptor is a Plexiglas ring in which a culture insert containing the slice can be easily introduced and stabilized. This system allows slices to be placed in the interface for electrophysiological investigations without having to detach them from the insert. That way, no damage is caused and the recording system can safely hold the slices, maintaining them close to culture conditions. RESULTS In addition to the description of the adaptation system, slices were characterized. Their viability was validated and microglial expression was observed. According to the experimental conditions, neuroprotective ramified microgliocytes are present. Dendritic spines studies were also performed to determine neuronal network maturity in culture. Moreover, SKF 83822 hydrobromide and three trains of 100 pulses at 100 Hz with a 10-min inter-train interval are suggested to induce long-term potentiation and to record an increase of fEPSP amplitude and slope. CONCLUSION This paper provides detailed information on the preparation and characterization of hippocampal organotypic slices, a new recording configuration more suitable for cultures, and a long-term potentiation protocol combining SKF and trains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Paci
- Neuroscience Unit Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology University of Mons - UMONS Mons Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology & Soft Matter Group Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory Research Institute for Biosciences University of Mons - UMONS Mons Belgium
| | - Laurence Ris
- Neuroscience Unit Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology University of Mons - UMONS Mons Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Azzarelli R, Oleari R, Lettieri A, Andre' V, Cariboni A. In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Techniques to Study Neuronal Migration in the Developing Cerebral Cortex. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7050048. [PMID: 28448448 PMCID: PMC5447930 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7050048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal migration is a fundamental biological process that underlies proper brain development and neuronal circuit formation. In the developing cerebral cortex, distinct neuronal populations, producing excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitters, are generated in different germinative areas and migrate along various routes to reach their final positions within the cortex. Different technical approaches and experimental models have been adopted to study the mechanisms regulating neuronal migration in the cortex. In this review, we will discuss the most common in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo techniques to visualize and study cortical neuronal migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Azzarelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK.
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Valentina Andre'
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy.
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Sousa C, Biber K, Michelucci A. Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Microglia: A Unique Immune Cell Population. Front Immunol 2017; 8:198. [PMID: 28303137 PMCID: PMC5332364 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are essential for the development and function of the adult brain. Microglia arise from erythro-myeloid precursors in the yolk sac and populate the brain rudiment early during development. Unlike monocytes that are constantly renewed from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells throughout life, resident microglia in the healthy brain persist during adulthood via constant self-renewal. Their ontogeny, together with the absence of turnover from the periphery and the singular environment of the central nervous system, make microglia a unique cell population. Supporting this notion, recent genome-wide transcriptional studies revealed specific gene expression profiles clearly distinct from other brain and peripheral immune cells. Here, we highlight the breakthrough studies that, over the last decades, helped elucidate microglial cell identity, ontogeny, and function. We describe the main techniques that have been used for this task and outline the crucial milestones that have been achieved to reach our actual knowledge of microglia. Furthermore, we give an overview of the “microgliome” that is currently emerging thanks to the constant progress in the modern profiling techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Sousa
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Knut Biber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Molecular Psychiatry, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Michelucci
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Superresolution imaging reveals activity-dependent plasticity of axon morphology linked to changes in action potential conduction velocity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:1401-1406. [PMID: 28115721 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1607541114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Axons convey information to nearby and distant cells, and the time it takes for action potentials (APs) to reach their targets governs the timing of information transfer in neural circuits. In the unmyelinated axons of hippocampus, the conduction speed of APs depends crucially on axon diameters, which vary widely. However, it is not known whether axon diameters are dynamic and regulated by activity-dependent mechanisms. Using time-lapse superresolution microscopy in brain slices, we report that axons grow wider after high-frequency AP firing: synaptic boutons undergo a rapid enlargement, which is mostly transient, whereas axon shafts show a more delayed and progressive increase in diameter. Simulations of AP propagation incorporating these morphological dynamics predicted bidirectional effects on AP conduction speed. The predictions were confirmed by electrophysiological experiments, revealing a phase of slowed down AP conduction, which is linked to the transient enlargement of the synaptic boutons, followed by a sustained increase in conduction speed that accompanies the axon shaft widening induced by high-frequency AP firing. Taken together, our study outlines a morphological plasticity mechanism for dynamically fine-tuning AP conduction velocity, which potentially has wide implications for the temporal transfer of information in the brain.
Collapse
|
75
|
Hohmann T, Grabiec U, Ghadban C, Feese K, Dehghani F. The influence of biomechanical properties and cannabinoids on tumor invasion. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11:54-67. [PMID: 27149140 PMCID: PMC5308229 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1183867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids are known to have an anti-tumorous effect, but the underlying mechanisms are only sparsely understood. Mechanical characteristics of tumor cells represent a promising marker to distinguish between tumor cells and the healthy tissue. We tested the hypothesis whether cannabinoids influence the tumor cell specific mechanical and migratory properties and if these factors are a prognostic marker for the invasiveness of tumor cells. METHODS 3 different glioblastoma cell lines were treated with cannabinoids and changes of mechanical and migratory properties of single cells were measured using atomic force microscopy and time lapse imaging. The invasiveness of cell lines was determined using a co-culture model with organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. RESULTS We found that cannabinoids are capable of influencing migratory and mechanical properties in a cell line specific manner. A network analysis revealed a correlation between a "generalized stiffness" and the invasiveness for all tumor cell lines after 3 and 4 d of invasion time: r3d = -0.88 [-0.52;-0.97]; r4d = -0.90 [-0.59;-0.98]. CONCLUSIONS Here we could show that a "generalized stiffness" is a profound marker for the invasiveness of a tumor cell population in our model and thus might be of high clinical relevance for drug testing. Additionally cannabinoids were shown to be of potential use for therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Feese
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Obien MEJ, Gong W, Frey U, Bakkum DJ. CMOS-Based High-Density Microelectrode Arrays: Technology and Applications. SERIES IN BIOENGINEERING 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3957-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
77
|
Mazzone GL, Veeraraghavan P, Gonzalez-Inchauspe C, Nistri A, Uchitel OD. ASIC channel inhibition enhances excitotoxic neuronal death in an in vitro model of spinal cord injury. Neuroscience 2016; 343:398-410. [PMID: 28003157 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In the spinal cord high extracellular glutamate evokes excitotoxic damage with neuronal loss and severe locomotor impairment. During the cell dysfunction process, extracellular pH becomes acid and may activate acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) which could be important contributors to neurodegenerative pathologies. Our previous studies have shown that transient application of the glutamate analog kainate (KA) evokes delayed excitotoxic death of spinal neurons, while white matter is mainly spared. The present goal was to enquire if ASIC channels modulated KA damage in relation to locomotor network function and cell death. Mouse spinal cord slices were treated with KA (0.01 or 0.1mM) for 1h, and then washed out for 24h prior to analysis. RT-PCR results showed that KA (at 0.01mM concentration that is near-threshold for damage) increased mRNA expression of ASIC1a, ASIC1b, ASIC2 and ASIC3, an effect reversed by the ASIC inhibitor 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). A KA neurotoxic dose (0.1mM) reduced ASIC1a and ASIC2 expression. Cell viability assays demonstrated KA-induced large damage in spinal slices from mice with ASIC1a gene ablation. Likewise, immunohistochemistry indicated significant neuronal loss when KA was followed by the ASIC inhibitors DAPI or amiloride. Electrophysiological recording from ventral roots of isolated spinal cords showed that alternating oscillatory cycles were slowed down by 0.01mMKA, and intensely inhibited by subsequently applied DAPI or amiloride. Our data suggest that early rise in ASIC expression and function counteracted deleterious effects on spinal networks by raising the excitotoxicity threshold, a result with potential implications for improving neuroprotection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciela L Mazzone
- Laboratorios de Investigación aplicada en Neurociencias (LIAN) - Fundación para la Lucha conntra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia (FLENI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - Carlota Gonzalez-Inchauspe
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología molecular y Neurociencias, CONICET, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Nistri
- Neuroscience Department, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy; Spinal Person Injury Neurorehabilitation Applied Laboratory (SPINAL), Istituto di Medicina Fisica e Riabilitazione, Udine, Italy
| | - Osvaldo D Uchitel
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología molecular y Neurociencias, CONICET, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Gong W, Senčar J, Bakkum DJ, Jäckel D, Obien MEJ, Radivojevic M, Hierlemann AR. Multiple Single-Unit Long-Term Tracking on Organotypic Hippocampal Slices Using High-Density Microelectrode Arrays. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:537. [PMID: 27920665 PMCID: PMC5118563 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel system to cultivate and record from organotypic brain slices directly on high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA) was developed. This system allows for continuous recording of electrical activity of specific individual neurons at high spatial resolution while monitoring at the same time, neuronal network activity. For the first time, the electrical activity patterns of single neurons and the corresponding neuronal network in an organotypic hippocampal slice culture were studied during several consecutive weeks at daily intervals. An unsupervised iterative spike-sorting algorithm, based on PCA and k-means clustering, was developed to assign the activities to the single units. Spike-triggered average extracellular waveforms of an action potential recorded across neighboring electrodes, termed “footprints” of single-units were generated and tracked over weeks. The developed system offers the potential to study chronic impacts of drugs or genetic modifications on individual neurons in slice preparations over extended times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gong
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jure Senčar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Douglas J Bakkum
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Jäckel
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie Engelene J Obien
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milos Radivojevic
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas R Hierlemann
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Brandalise F, Carta S, Helmchen F, Lisman J, Gerber U. Dendritic NMDA spikes are necessary for timing-dependent associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13480. [PMID: 27848967 PMCID: PMC5116082 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The computational repertoire of neurons is enhanced by regenerative electrical signals initiated in dendrites. These events, referred to as dendritic spikes, can act as cell-intrinsic amplifiers of synaptic input. Among these signals, dendritic NMDA spikes are of interest in light of their correlation with synaptic LTP induction. Because it is not possible to block NMDA spikes pharmacologically while maintaining NMDA receptors available to initiate synaptic plasticity, it remains unclear whether NMDA spikes alone can trigger LTP. Here we use dendritic recordings and calcium imaging to analyse the role of NMDA spikes in associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells. We show that NMDA spikes produce regenerative branch-specific calcium transients. Decreasing the probability of NMDA spikes reduces LTP, whereas increasing their probability enhances LTP. NMDA spikes and LTP occur without back-propagating action potentials. However, action potentials can facilitate LTP induction by promoting NMDA spikes. Thus, NMDA spikes are necessary and sufficient to produce the critical postsynaptic depolarization required for associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Brandalise
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Carta
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John Lisman
- Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
| | - Urs Gerber
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Drexler B, Balk M, Antkowiak B. Synergistic Modulation of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Inhibition in Cortical Networks by Allopregnanolone and Propofol. Anesth Analg 2016; 123:877-83. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000001429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
81
|
Su X, Fang D, Liu Y, Ramamoorthi M, Zeitouni A, Chen W, Tran SD. Three-dimensional organotypic culture of human salivary glands: the slice culture model. Oral Dis 2016; 22:639-48. [PMID: 27214128 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A challenge in studying human salivary glands is to maintain the cells ex vivo in their three-dimensional (3D) morphology with an intact native extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. This paper established a human salivary 3D organotypic slice culture model that could maintain its physiological functions as well as allowing a direct visualization of the cells. METHODS Human salivary biopsies from six patients were embedded in agarose and submerged in cold buffer for thin (50 μm) sectioning using a vibratome. 'Salivary slices' were mechanically supported by a porous membrane insert that allowed an air-liquid interface and cultured in serum-free culture media. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, physiological functions, and gene expression were assessed during 14 days of culture. RESULTS Human salivary slices maintained cell survival (70-40%) and proliferation (6-17%) for 14 days ex vivo. The protein secretory (amylase) function decreased, but fluid (intracellular calcium mobilization) function was maintained. Acinar, ductal, and myoepithelial cell populations survived and maintained their 3D organization within the slice culture model. CONCLUSION The human salivary slice culture model kept cells alive ex vivo for 14 days as well as maintaining their 3D morphology and physiological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Su
- Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - D Fang
- Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Y Liu
- Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - M Ramamoorthi
- Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - A Zeitouni
- Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - W Chen
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - S D Tran
- Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Miura T, Yokokawa R. Tissue culture on a chip: Developmental biology applications of self-organized capillary networks in microfluidic devices. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:505-15. [PMID: 27272910 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Organ culture systems are used to elucidate the mechanisms of pattern formation in developmental biology. Various organ culture techniques have been used, but the lack of microcirculation in such cultures impedes the long-term maintenance of larger tissues. Recent advances in microfluidic devices now enable us to utilize self-organized perfusable capillary networks in organ cultures. In this review, we will overview past approaches to organ culture and current technical advances in microfluidic devices, and discuss possible applications of microfluidics towards the study of developmental biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0054, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 615-8540, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Organotypic Cultures as a Model to Study Adult Neurogenesis in CNS Disorders. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:3540568. [PMID: 27127518 PMCID: PMC4835641 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3540568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural regeneration resides in certain specific regions of adult CNS. Adult neurogenesis occurs throughout life, especially from the subgranular zone of hippocampus and the subventricular zone, and can be modulated in physiological and pathological conditions. Numerous techniques and animal models have been developed to demonstrate and observe neural regeneration but, in order to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms and to characterize multiple types of cell populations involved in the activation of neurogenesis and gliogenesis, investigators have to turn to in vitro models. Organotypic cultures best recapitulate the 3D organization of the CNS and can be explored taking advantage of many techniques. Here, we review the use of organotypic cultures as a reliable and well defined method to study the mechanisms of neurogenesis under normal and pathological conditions. As an example, we will focus on the possibilities these cultures offer to study the pathophysiology of diseases like Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia.
Collapse
|
84
|
Weimer I, Worek F, Seeger T, Thiermann H, Eckle VS, Grasshoff C, Antkowiak B. Self-regeneration of neuromuscular function following soman and VX poisoning in spinal cord-skeletal muscle cocultures. Toxicol Lett 2016; 244:149-153. [PMID: 26256036 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aside from nerve agents, various highly toxic pesticides belong to the group of organophosphorus (OP) compounds, thereby causing a large number of intoxications every year. Unfortunately, there are still shortcomings in the current treatment for OP poisoning and research on novel therapeutic options is restricted in several aspects. In this study we investigated the suitability of organotypic cocultures for pharmacological in vitro studies involving OP compounds. These slice cultures are derived from murine spinal cord and muscle tissue forming functional neuromuscular synapses, which trigger spontaneous contractions of muscle fibers. Using video microscopy to quantify muscle activity, we assessed the viability of cocultures after exposure to soman and VX, and the associated loss and recovery of neuromuscular function. Antidotal treatment was not provided. The application of nerve agents led to an almost complete loss of muscle activity. However, cell cultures regained equivalent muscular function to the control situation three and seven days after intoxication. In summary, the tested in vitro system could be a promising tool for the investigation of long term effects and therapeutic options for OP poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Weimer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Franz Worek
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Seeger
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Veit-Simon Eckle
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Grasshoff
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Antkowiak
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany; Werner-Reichardt-Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard-Karls-University, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Weimer I, Worek F, Seeger T, Thiermann H, Grasshoff C, Antkowiak B, Balk M. Anesthetic actions of thiopental remain largely unaffected during cholinergic overstimulation in cultured cortical networks. Toxicol Lett 2016; 244:129-135. [PMID: 26325215 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In case of military or terrorist use of organophosphorus (OP) compounds victims are likely to suffer from not only intoxication but physical trauma as well. Appropriate emergency care may therefore include general anesthesia to allow life-saving surgical intervention. Since there is evidence that drug potency and efficacy of several anesthetics are attenuated by high concentrations of acetylcholine in the CNS, this study was designed to evaluate the anesthetic actions of thiopental during cholinergic overstimulation. Making use of organotypic slice cultures derived from the mouse neocortex, drug effects were assessed by extracellular voltage recordings of network activity at basal cholinergic tone and during simulated cholinergic crisis (high cholinergic tone). The latter was achieved by inhibition of acetylcholinesterases via soman and an ambient acetylcholine concentration of 10μM. The induction of cholinergic crisis in vitro increased the network activity of cortical neurons significantly. Surprisingly, differences in network activity between basal and high cholinergic tone became less pronounced with rising concentrations of thiopental and drug potency and efficacy were almost equivalent. These results clearly distinguish thiopental from previously tested general anesthetics and make it a promising candidate for in vivo studies to identify suitable anesthetics for victims of OP intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Weimer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Franz Worek
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Seeger
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Grasshoff
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Antkowiak
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany; Werner-Reichardt-Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard-Karls-University, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Monika Balk
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Eberhard-Karls-University, Waldhoernlestrasse 22, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Fluidic system for long-term in vitro culturing and monitoring of organotypic brain slices. Biomed Microdevices 2016; 17:71. [PMID: 26123417 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-015-9973-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain slice preparations cultured in vitro have long been used as a simplified model for studying brain development, electrophysiology, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. In this paper an open fluidic system developed for improved long term culturing of organotypic brain slices is presented. The positive effect of continuous flow of growth medium, and thus stability of the glucose concentration and waste removal, is simulated and compared to the effect of stagnant medium that is most often used in tissue culturing. Furthermore, placement of the tissue slices in the developed device was studied by numerical simulations in order to optimize the nutrient distribution. The device was tested by culturing transverse hippocampal slices from 7 days old NMRI mice for a duration of 14 days. The slices were inspected visually and the slices cultured in the fluidic system appeared to have preserved their structure better than the control slices cultured using the standard interface method.
Collapse
|
87
|
Live imaging of microtubule dynamics in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 131:107-26. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
88
|
Ehrengruber MU, Lundstrom K. Recombinant Alphavirus-Mediated Expression of Ion Channels and Receptors in the Brain. NEUROMETHODS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3064-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
89
|
Tabansky I, Stern JNH, Pfaff DW. Implications of Epigenetic Variability within a Cell Population for "Cell Type" Classification. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:342. [PMID: 26733833 PMCID: PMC4679859 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we propose a new approach to defining nerve “cell types” in reaction to recent advances in single cell analysis. Among cells previously thought to be equivalent, considerable differences in global gene expression and biased tendencies among differing developmental fates have been demonstrated within multiple lineages. The model of classifying cells into distinct types thus has to be revised to account for this intrinsic variability. A “cell type” could be a group of cells that possess similar, but not necessarily identical properties, variable within a spectrum of epigenetic adjustments that permit its developmental path toward a specific function to be achieved. Thus, the definition of a cell type is becoming more similar to the definition of a species: sharing essential properties with other members of its group, but permitting a certain amount of deviation in aspects that do not seriously impact function. This approach accommodates, even embraces the spectrum of natural variation found in various cell populations and consequently avoids the fallacy of false equivalence. For example, developing neurons will react to their microenvironments with epigenetic changes resulting in slight changes in gene expression and morphology. Addressing the new questions implied here will have significant implications for developmental neurobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inna Tabansky
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel N H Stern
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller UniversityNew York, NY, USA; Departments of Neurology and Science Education, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of MedicineHempstead, NY, USA; Department of Autoimmunity, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore-LIJ Health SystemManhasset, NY, USA
| | - Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Phillips WS, Herly M, Del Negro CA, Rekling JC. Organotypic slice cultures containing the preBötzinger complex generate respiratory-like rhythms. J Neurophysiol 2015; 115:1063-70. [PMID: 26655824 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00904.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Study of acute brain stem slice preparations in vitro has advanced our understanding of the cellular and synaptic mechanisms of respiratory rhythm generation, but their inherent limitations preclude long-term manipulation and recording experiments. In the current study, we have developed an organotypic slice culture preparation containing the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), the core inspiratory rhythm generator of the ventrolateral brain stem. We measured bilateral synchronous network oscillations, using calcium-sensitive fluorescent dyes, in both ventrolateral (presumably the preBötC) and dorsomedial regions of slice cultures at 7-43 days in vitro. These calcium oscillations appear to be driven by periodic bursts of inspiratory neuronal activity, because whole cell recordings from ventrolateral neurons in culture revealed inspiratory-like drive potentials, and no oscillatory activity was detected from glial fibrillary associated protein-expressing astrocytes in cultures. Acute slices showed a burst frequency of 10.9 ± 4.2 bursts/min, which was not different from that of brain stem slice cultures (13.7 ± 10.6 bursts/min). However, slice cocultures that include two cerebellar explants placed along the dorsolateral border of the brainstem displayed up to 193% faster burst frequency (22.4 ± 8.3 bursts/min) and higher signal amplitude (340%) compared with acute slices. We conclude that preBötC-containing slice cultures retain inspiratory-like rhythmic function and therefore may facilitate lines of experimentation that involve extended incubation (e.g., genetic transfection or chronic drug exposure) while simultaneously being amenable to imaging and electrophysiology at cellular, synaptic, and network levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiktor S Phillips
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Department of Applied Science, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
| | - Mikkel Herly
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | | | - Jens C Rekling
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Albrecht O, Klug A. Laser-guided Neuronal Tracing In Brain Explants. J Vis Exp 2015:53333. [PMID: 26649948 PMCID: PMC4692760 DOI: 10.3791/53333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a technique which combines an in vitro tracer injection protocol, which uses a series of electrical and pressure pulses to increase dye uptake through electroporation in brain explants with targeted laser illumination and matching filter goggles during the procedure. The described technique of in vitro electroporation by itself yields relatively good visual control for targetting certain areas of the brain. By combining it with laser excitation of fluorescent genetic markers and their read-out through band-passing filter goggles, which can pick up the emissions of the genetically labeled cells/nuclei and the fluorescent tracing dye, a researcher can substantially increase the accuracy of injections by finding the area of interest and controlling for the dye-spread/uptake in the injection area much more efficiently. In addition, the laser illumination technique allows to study the functionality of a given neurocircuit by providing information about the type of neurons projecting to a certain area in cases where the GFP expression is linked to the type of transmitter expressed by a subpopulation of neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otto Albrecht
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine;
| | - Achim Klug
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Pohland M, Glumm R, Stoenica L, Höltje M, Kiwit J, Ahnert-Hilger G, Strauss U, Bräuer AU, Paul F, Glumm J. Studying Axonal Outgrowth and Regeneration of the Corticospinal Tract in Organotypic Slice Cultures. J Neurotrauma 2015; 32:1465-77. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2014.3467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pohland
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Glumm
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Research Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luminita Stoenica
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Höltje
- Institute for Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kiwit
- Department of Neurosurgery, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Ahnert-Hilger
- Institute for Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf Strauss
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja U. Bräuer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Research Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Glumm
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Evolution of Network Synchronization during Early Epileptogenesis Parallels Synaptic Circuit Alterations. J Neurosci 2015; 35:9920-34. [PMID: 26156993 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4007-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In secondary epilepsy, a seizure-prone neural network evolves during the latent period between brain injury and the onset of spontaneous seizures. The nature of the evolution is largely unknown, and even its completeness at the onset of seizures has recently been challenged by measures of gradually decreasing intervals between subsequent seizures. Sequential calcium imaging of neuronal activity, in the pyramidal cell layer of mouse hippocampal in vitro preparations, during early post-traumatic epileptogenesis demonstrated rapid increases in the fraction of neurons that participate in interictal activity. This was followed by more gradual increases in the rate at which individual neurons join each developing seizure, the pairwise correlation of neuronal activities as a function of the distance separating the pair, and network-wide measures of functional connectivity. These data support the continued evolution of synaptic connectivity in epileptic networks beyond the latent period: early seizures occur when recurrent excitatory pathways are largely polysynaptic, while ongoing synaptic remodeling after the onset of epilepsy enhances intranetwork connectivity as well as the onset and spread of seizure activity.
Collapse
|
94
|
Pandamooz S, Nabiuni M, Miyan J, Ahmadiani A, Dargahi L. Organotypic Spinal Cord Culture: a Proper Platform for the Functional Screening. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4659-74. [PMID: 26310972 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent improvements in organotypic slice culturing and its accompanying technological innovations have made this biological preparation increasingly useful ex vivo experimental model. Among organotypic slice cultures obtained from various central nervous regions, spinal cord slice culture is an absorbing model that represents several unique advantages over other current in vitro and in vivo models. The culture of developing spinal cord slices, as allows real-time observation of embryonic cells behaviors, is an instrumental platform for developmental investigation. Importantly, due to the ability of ex vivo models to recapitulate different aspects of corresponding in vivo conditions, these models have been subject of various manipulations to derive disease-relevant slice models. Moreover spinal cord slice cultures represent a potential platform for screening of different pharmacological agents and evaluation of cell transplantation and neuroregenerative materials. In this review, we will focus on studies carried out using the ex vivo model of spinal cord slice cultures and main advantages linked to practicality of these slices in both normal and neuropathological diseases and summarize them in different categories based on application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Pandamooz
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nabiuni
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaleel Miyan
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dargahi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Eckle VS, Balk M, Thiermann H, Antkowiak B, Grasshoff C. Botulinum toxin B increases intrinsic muscle activity in organotypic spinal cord-skeletal muscle co-cultures. Toxicol Lett 2015; 244:167-171. [PMID: 26260118 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In organotypic spinal cord-skeletal muscle co-cultures, motoneurons are driven by locomotor commands and induce contractions in surrounding muscle fibres. Using these co-cultures, it has been shown that effects of organophosphorus compounds on neuromuscular synapses can be determined in vitro. In the present study we aimed to extend this in vitro tool for pharmacologic testing of botulinum toxin B. This neurotoxin is widely used for the treatment of dystonia. Besides its effects on the neuromuscular junction, botulinum toxins may also act at centrally located synapses. Incubation with botulinum toxin B (Neurobloc(®)) induced a significant increase in muscular activity after 24, 48 and 72h. Application of the NMDA- and AMPA-receptor antagonists AP5 (20μM) and CNQX (15μM) induced a similar augmentation of muscle activity after 48 and 72h, respectively. Administration of the glycine- and GABA(A)-receptor antagonists strychnine (1μM) and bicuculline (100μM) did not alter intrinsic muscle activity. In contrast, application of a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant rocuronium bromide reduced the muscle activity in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that glutamatergic synapses in the spinal cord are more sensitive to botulinum toxin B than synaptic contacts between spinal motoneurons and muscle fibres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veit-Simon Eckle
- Experimental Anesthesiology Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Monika Balk
- Experimental Anesthesiology Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Antkowiak
- Experimental Anesthesiology Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Grasshoff
- Experimental Anesthesiology Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Abstract
Mitochondria are mobile organelles that dynamically remodel their membranes and actively migrate along cytoskeletal tracks. There is overwhelming evidence that regulators of mitochondrial dynamics are critical for the survival and function of neural tissues. In multiple animal models, ablation of genes regulating mitochondrial shape result in stunted neural development and neurodegeneration. Organotypic cultures serve as ideal in vitro tissue models to further dissect the mechanisms of mitochondrial function in neuronal survival. Slice cultures preserve the three-dimensional cytoarchitecture of neural networks and can survive for prolonged periods in culture. In addition, these cultures allow long-term assessment of genetic or pharmacologic perturbations on neuronal function. Organotypic preparations from murine and rat models have been developed for many regions of the brain. In this chapter, we describe our methods for preparing basal ganglia and cerebellar slice cultures suitable for studying mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease and cerebellar ataxia, respectively. With such slices, we describe a robust method for live imaging of mitochondrial dynamics. To quantitatively analyze mitochondrial motility, we show how to generate kymographs using the open source image analysis program ImageJ. These techniques provide a powerful platform for assessing mitochondrial activity in neural networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh H Pham
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Humpel C. Organotypic brain slice cultures: A review. Neuroscience 2015; 305:86-98. [PMID: 26254240 PMCID: PMC4699268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In vitro cell cultures are an important tool for obtaining insights into cellular processes in an isolated system and a supplement to in vivo animal experiments. While primary dissociated cultures permit a single homogeneous cell population to be studied, there is a clear need to explore the function of brain cells in a three-dimensional system where the main architecture of the cells is preserved. Thus, organotypic brain slice cultures have proven to be very useful in investigating cellular and molecular processes of the brain in vitro. This review summarizes (1) the historical development of organotypic brain slices focusing on the membrane technology, (2) methodological aspects regarding culturing procedures, age of donors or media, (3) whether the cholinergic neurons serve as a model of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, (4) or the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons as a model of Parkinson’s disease and (5) how the vascular network can be studied, especially with regard to a synthetic blood–brain barrier. This review will also highlight some limits of the model and give an outlook on future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Abstract
Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) have been used as a powerful ex vivo model for decades. They have been used successfully in studies of neuronal death, microglial activation, mossy fiber regeneration, neurogenesis, and drug screening. As a pre-animal experimental phase for physiologic and pathologic brain research, OHSCs offer outcomes that are relatively closer to those of whole-animal studies than outcomes obtained from cell culture in vitro. At the same time, mechanisms can be studied more precisely in OHSCs than they can be in vivo. Here, we summarize stroke and traumatic brain injury research that has been carried out in OHSCs and review classic experimental applications of OHSCs and its limitations.
Collapse
|
99
|
Eckle VS, Grasshoff C, Mirakaj V, O'Neill PM, Berry NG, Leuwer M, Antkowiak B. 4-bromopropofol decreases action potential generation in spinal neurons by inducing a glycine receptor-mediated tonic conductance. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5790-801. [PMID: 25131750 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Impaired function of spinal strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors gives rise to chronic pain states and movement disorders. Therefore, increased activity of glycine receptors should help to treat such disorders. Although compounds targeting glycine receptors with a high selectivity are lacking, halogenated analogues of propofol have recently been considered as potential candidates. Therefore we asked whether 4-bromopropofol attenuated the excitability of spinal neurons by promoting glycine receptor-dependent inhibition. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The actions of sub-anaesthetic concentrations of propofol and 4-bromopropofol were investigated in spinal tissue cultures prepared from mice. Drug-induced alterations in action potential firing were monitored by extracellular multi-unit recordings. The effects on GABAA and glycine receptor-mediated inhibition were quantified by whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings. KEY RESULTS Low concentrations of 4-bromopropofol (50 nM) reduced action potential activity of ventral horn neurons by about 30%, compared with sham-treated slices. This effect was completely abolished by strychnine (1 μM). In voltage-clamped neurons, 4-bromopropofol activated glycine receptors, generating a tonic current of 65 ± 10 pA, while GABAA - and glycine receptor-mediated synaptic transmission remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The highest glycine levels in the CNS are found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, a region mediating pain-induced motor reflexes and participating in the control of muscle tone. 4-Bromopropofol may serve as a starting point for the development of non-sedative, non-addictive, muscle relaxants and analgesics to be used to treat low back pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V S Eckle
- Experimental Anaesthesiology Section, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
100
|
Gong W, Sencar J, Jäckel D, Müller J, Fiscella M, Radivojevic M, Bakkum D, Hierlemann A. Long-Term, High-Spatiotemporal Resolution Recording From Cultured Organotypic Slices with High-Density Microelectrode Arrays. INTERNATIONAL SOLID-STATE SENSORS, ACTUATORS AND MICROSYSTEMS CONFERENCE : [PROCEEDINGS]. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOLID-STATE SENSORS, ACTUATORS, AND MICROSYSTEMS 2015; 18:1037-1040. [PMID: 33868793 DOI: 10.1109/transducers.2015.7181103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A novel system to cultivate and record brain slices directly on high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA) was developed. This system allows to continuously record electrical activity of selected individual neurons at high spatial resolution, while monitoring neuronal network activity at the same time. For the first time, properties of single neurons and the corresponding neuronal network in an organotypic hippocampal slice culture were studied over four consecutive weeks at daily intervals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Gong
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Sencar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - D Jäckel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Fiscella
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Radivojevic
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D Bakkum
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Hierlemann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|