Mouse hippocampal explant culture system to study isolated axons

摘要: Abstract Background Studies of neuronal regeneration require examination axons independently their cell bodies. Several effective strategies have been deployed to compartmentalize long the peripheral nervous system (PNS). However, current central (CNS) may be limited by physical damage cells during tissue dissociation or slicing, perturbation three-dimensional architecture, insufficient axonal for biological analysis. New methods We developed a novel mouse neonate whole-hippocampus explant culture system, probe in system. This enables imaging, biological, and biophysical analysis isolated axons. Results validated this model isolating pure populations. Additionally, within were viable amenable transfection. implemented characterize outgrowth following crush injury at time harvest, also secondary transection 2 days post-culture. The initial delayed outgrowth; however, axotomy did not alter rates up 1 h post-injury, with without injury. Comparison existing Our addresses shortcomings other CNS It provides simple method examine activity function requiring additional equipment slice segregate Conclusion hippocampal used study response demonstrated feasibility probing biology, biochemistry, free from confounding effects