Title: Evaluation of in vitro neuronal platforms as surrogates for in vivo whole brain systems

Abstract

Quantitatively benchmarking similarities and differences between the in vivo central nervous system and in vitro neuronal cultures can qualify discrepancies in functional responses and establish the utility of in vitro platforms. In this work, extracellular electrophysiology responses of cortical neurons in awake, freely-moving animals were compared to in vitro cultures of dissociated cortical neurons. After exposure to two well-characterized drugs, atropine and ketamine, a number of key points were observed: 1) significant differences in spontaneous firing activity for in vivo and in vitro systems, 2) similar response trends in single unit spiking activity after exposure to atropine, and 3) greater sensitivity to the effects of ketamine in vitro. While in vitro cultures of dissociated cortical neurons may be appropriate for many types of pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that for some drugs, such as ketamine, this system may not fully capture the responses observed in vivo. Understanding the functionality associated with neuronal cultures will enhance the relevance of electrophysiology data sets and more accurately frame their conclusions. Comparing in vivo and in vitro rodent systems will provide the critical framework necessary for developing and interpreting in vitro systems using human cells that strive to more closely recapitulate human in vivo functionmore » and response.« less

Authors:

Belle, Anna M.; Enright, Heather A. ;

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Sales, Ana Paula; Kulp, Kristen; Osburn, Joanne; Kuhn, Edward A.; Fischer, Nicholas O.; Wheeler, Elizabeth K.

Publication Date:

2018-07-17

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

OSTI Identifier:

1459734

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1467806

Report Number(s):

LLNL-JRNL-746078
Journal ID: ISSN 2045-2322; 10820; PII: 28950

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Scientific Reports

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Scientific Reports Journal Volume: 8 Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 2045-2322

Publisher:

Nature Publishing Group

Country of Publication:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

Subject:

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES