The brain is a collection of individual, but interconnected functional circuits. Additionally, circuits within the nervous system interact with various other biological systems in the human body. Compartmentalized in vitro models allow two spatially distinct neural circuits or, more generally, two cell populations to develop functional connections and mimic key biological interactions.
Using Axion BioSystems' Maestro Pro and Edge systems, any scientist can now track functional network formation between neural co-cultures in the same well. Together, neural co-cultures on MEA plates create an ideal model for studying the functional connection between two networks, and the effects of synaptic blockade.
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Tracking functional network formation between two neural populations>
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Model neuronal subtype interactions>
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Isolate and measure neurite activity>
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Assay Steps>
A Culture-Insert 2 Well (ibidi, 80209) composed of silicone was used to culture two cortical neuron populations within the same well of a CytoView MEA 6-well plate (M384-tMEA-6W). At 7 days in vitro, the Culture-Insert 2 Well was removed, such that neurites could cross the cell-free gap and establish functional connections between the two distinct cortical networks. Experimental results from an optical image and activity map confirmed that a consistent, bi-directional functional connection between the two networks was formed within 10 days of Culture-Insert 2 Well removal.
A) Culture-Insert 2 Well (ibidi, 80209). B) Neurites project across the cell-free gap within 10 days of removing the insert. C) Activity map illustrating synchronous activity between the two spatially separated networks. D) Raster plot at 17 days in vitro illustrating independent network activity from Network 1 and Network 2, followed by a whole-well network event with Network 1 driving the activity in Network 2.
