No abstract

The goal of the current research was to define an in vitro system that can replace in vivo experimentation but reflects as far as possible aspects of the intact situation of the developing nervous system of mammals. Tissue slices of postnatal rat hippocampi were continuously moved between the medium and gas phase. Under these conditions the complex cytoarchitecture was preserved for many weeks. Lactate dehydrogenase assay, cell size analysis and neuron-and glial cell specific immunocytochemical markers were employed to illuminate explant development in vitro. By scanning electron microscopy the explant surface was analysed in order to determine the conditions suitable for patch clamp recording. Electrophysiological analysis revealed a pronounced spontaneous activity showing the neurons to be functionally active. These data indicate that organotypic roller cultures reflect to a large extent the in vivo situation of the mammalian nervous system. The culture system provides a promising model system for developmental physiology, neurotoxicology and pharmacology.