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  4. Neurons and Glial Cell Culture

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Neuron and glial biology

Primary neurons, like all primary cells, are isolated directly from human or animal nervous tissue. Unlike cell lines, primary cells maintain the characteristics of their tissue of origin.  Primary neuron and glia cells therefore represent significantly more relevant in vitro model systems for neuroscientific research; due to selective pressures and genetic drift that occur naturally during cell replication, cell lines can begin to exhibit reduced or altered functions. 

The isolation of primary cells can be challenging, and this is particularly the case for primary neural cells. We ensure that our primary neural cell types are isolated accurately from specific regions of the brain by performing extensive testing to confirm cell identity. 

While neurons are the primary signaling cells of the nervous system, glia provide support functions to the neurons in a variety of different ways. 

A typical neuron is composed of a cell body (Soma), an axon and dendrites. The axon carries electrical nerve impulses away from the Soma, while the dendrites receive signals from neighboring neurons. Each neuron is able to form connections with hundreds of other neural cells via intercellular communication occurring in specialized gaps known as synapses. 

Glial cells, in contrast, support neurons by providing protection and maintaining homeostasis.  Essential to healthy functioning neurons, glia perform a diverse range of functions, such as nutrient provision, regulation of ion concentration, mediating immune response, and the removal of cellular waste. Glial cell types include astrocytes, ependymal cells, microglia, oligodendrocytes, satellite cells and schwann cells.

Neuron & glial cell types

Cortical

cortical neurons


The cortex is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher thought processes such as language, memory and the processing of sensory information. Our mouse and rat cortical neurons could be suited to studies into conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Schizophrenia. For example, shrinkage of the cortical and hippocampal regions of the brain is typical in patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease.

More on cortical neurons

Hippocampal

Hippocampal Neuron


The hippocampus is responsible for the processing of long-term memory and emotional responses. Our rat and mouse hippocampal neurons could be applied to research into conditions including Epilepsy and Dementia.


 

More on hippocampus

Striatal

The striatum is one of the main components of the basal ganglia and is essential for controlling voluntary bodily movement. Researchers to study and treat conditions involving involuntary movements such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease could utilize mouse and rat striatal neurons.

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Cerebellar

The role of the cerebellum is to receive sensory information and then regulate motor movements. Unlike all other neuronal cell types, which employ GABA as a neurotransmitter, cerebellar granular cells utilize glutamate. Our rat cerebellar neurons are ideal for studies into conditions, which include ataxia and tremor.

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Dorsal root ganglion

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG), also called spinal ganglion, is the ganglion of the posterior root of each spinal segmental nerve, containing the cell bodies of the unipolar primary sensory neurons. DRG cells are pseudounipolar cells. They have two axons rather than an axon and dendrite. One axon extends centrally toward the spinal cord; the other axon extends toward the skin or muscle. Our rat DRG neurons can be applied to various neuropathic pain and sensory research.

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Hypothalmic

The hypothalamus synthesizes and secretes neurohomones, which stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones. It plays a pivotal role in controlling body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and circadian cycles. Our hypothalamus neurons can be applied to research into hypothalamic diseases such as various appetite and sleep disorders.

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Astrocytes

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type of the central nervous system and provide essential physical and metabolic support to other neuronal cells. Increasingly, evidence shows that astrocytes are pivotal in regulating myelination, the process of coating axons in myelin, which increases the speed at which electrical impulses are transmitted. Astrocyte dysfunction is believed to underlie the pathology of conditions which include trauma, stroke and multiple sclerosis.

They also play a role in:

  • Regulation of electrical impulses, synaptic transmission
  • Metabolic support
  • Transmitter Uptake and Release
  • Regulation of glycogen, blood flow and ion concentration 
  • Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)
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Microglia

Microglia represent the main immune cells within the central nervous system and perform a similar function to macrophages. Our rat microglial cells are ideal for research into conditions such as aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Ependymal

Provides central nervous system structural support by lining ventricles in the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.  Additionally, these cells are also involved in production of cerebrospinal fluid.

Oligodendrocytes

Provide insulation to central nervous system through creation of a myelin sheath. It is estimated that a single oligodendrocyte can protect 50 axons.

Neurons and glial cell applications

Primary neurons and glia can be used in many neural research applications.  Neuroscience research commonly focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms of our central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the pathologies of neurodegenerative disease.  
Researchers will commonly use neurons and glial cells when investigating: 
  • Neurogenesis 
  • Neurotransmitter function
  • Gene expression
  • Signaling pathways
  • Electrophysiology
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Drug/Compound screening 
  • Advanced cell culture models

Transfection of neural or glial cells

One can genetically alter adherent neural or glial cells.

Our Nucleofector® Technology enables efficient, non-viral transfection of primary neurons. Ready-to-use Optimized Protocols are available for different Nucleofection® Platforms covering small and large cell numbers in low to medium throughput as well as adherent transfection.

Use the Nucleofector® Technology and achieve up to 70% transfection efficiency. A unique combination of electrical parameters, cell-type specific Nucleofector® Kits and Optimized Protocols helps you achieve immediate transfection success with virtually any neural cell type. Results below show the transfection efficiencies achieved when using our 4D-Nucleofector® Y Unit for adherent transfection of primary neurons or glial cells after several days of culture. 

Learn more about Nucleofector® Technology

Transfection Efficiencies of Primary Neural Cells Post Nucleofection

Transfection efficiencies achieved with the Nucleofector™ Technology for primary neural cells. Different primary neural and glial cells were transfected by Nucleofection with a plasmid encoding either eGFP or eYFP (cortical rat neurons, data courtesy of J. Köhler, R. Klein, MPI for Neurobiology, Munich, Germany). Transfection efficiencies were determined by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry after 24 - 72 hours.

Lonza’s primary neurons benefits

Relevant results – Primary neural cells are isolated directly from the source nervous tissue; hence, they are a more biologically relevant cell model than cell line

Less time and effort – No more tissue dissection and animal handling needed. Just thaw and initiate your experiments

Data reproducibility – Produced as large batches, our cells undergo extensive QC testing. Lonza’s cryopreserved batch-tested animal primary cells can provide higher data reproducibility than self-prepared cells

Authenticated – Cryopreserved cells show comparable results and performance to fresh cells. We perform thorough characteristic morphology and staining tests to confirm cells are specific to the tissue origin and cell type

High quality – Lonza has standardized production procedures and follows strict guidelines to meet high quality control requirements

Quality tested – All cells test negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is available for each cell type and lot

Support – All of our products come with excellent complimentary scientific support.  Our support teams are cross trained in cells, media, traditional and 3D cell culture and transfection, helping you set up your experiments successfully

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References

Jana M, Jana A, Pal U, Pahan K.  A simplified method for isolating highly purified neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia from the sam ehuman fetal brain tissue. Neurochem Res. 2007 Dec;32(12):2015-22

Sofroniew MV, Vinters HV.  Astrocytes: biology and pathology. Acta Neuropathol 2010 Jan;119(1):7-35