Updated 13 April 2009

Here we present a novel method for culturing embryonic (E16.5) murine hippocampal neurons, using a spatially separated ring of cortical neurons for neurotrophic support. This method allows long-term cultures at a very low cell density, and therefore, the study of single embryo preparations and isolated neurons. This method has been adopted for neurons from the substantia nigra (E16.5), with support from a ring of striatal neurons.

Fath T, Ke YD, Gunning P, Götz J, Ittner LM. Primary support cultures of hippocampal and substantia nigra neurons. Nat Protoc. 2009;4(1):78-85. Abstract

Ittner LM, Fath T, Ke YD, Bi M, van Eersel J, Li KM, Gunning P, Götz J. Parkinsonism and impaired axonal transport in a mouse model of frontotemporal dementia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Oct 14;105(41):15997-6002. Abstract