Long-term in vitro maintenance of neuromuscular junction activity of Drosophila larvae

The larval Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has proven to be an excellent system to test fundamental aspects of synaptic transmission, such as relationships among ion channel function, subtypes of glutamate receptors, and the functions of synaptic proteins in the presynaptic compartment. Recent advances in understanding bi-directional communication between nerves and muscles of Drosophila are helping uncover developmental as well as maintenance cues that could be applicable to all chemical synapses. The development of HL3 medium makes it possible to record synaptic responses at NMJs for prolonged periods of time. We demonstrate that media commonly used to culture CNS neurons and imaginal disks of Drosophila such as Schneider's and M3 completely block glutamatergic synaptic transmission at the NMJ. The depressed postsynaptic excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) partially recover from exposure to such media shortly after switching to the HL3 medium. Preliminary results from NMJs of filleted 3rd instar larvae for 4 days in vitro bathed in a modified HL3 medium show great promise. The resting membrane potential and the EJP amplitudes after 4 days in vitro are normal. These results demonstrate the possibility for chronic studies of developmental regulation in culture, which in some cases are impractical in the whole animal.     

Neuron culture from adult goldfish.

Neurons and glia from the central nervous system of the adult teleost Carassius auratus have been grown as explant cultures of minced brain tissue and as trypsin dissociated cells. These cultures exhibit extensive neurite growth from two neuronal types, have organotypic ultrastructure, and contain electrically active cells. Autoradiographic data indicate that these neurons do not divide in culture, and histological evidence suggests that some mature neurons survive explantation and regenerate processes. However, explantation of brain fragments not containing undifferentiated cells, localized in the ventricular and subventricular zones in the brains of fish, resulted in mesenchymal and glial cell cultures only. Therefore, a contribution to the population of cells in culture by undifferentiated cells must be considered. The cultured neurons remained viable for at least 19 weeks and ultrastructural and electrophysiological data indicate synaptic interaction between cells in explant cultures.     

Neuron culture from adult goldfish

Neurons and gla from the central nervous system of the adult teleost Carassius auratus have been grown as explant cultures of minced brain tissue and as trypsin dissociated cells. These cultures exhibit extensive neurite growth from two neuronal types, have organotypic ultrastructure, and contain electrically active cells. Autoradiographic data indicate that these neurons do not divide in culture, and histological evidence suggests that some mature neurons survive explantation and regenerate processes. However, explantation of brain fragments not containing undifferentiated cells, localized in the ventricular and subventricular zones in the brains of fish, resulted in mesenchymal and glial cell cultures only. Therefore, a contribution to the population of cells in culture by undifferentiated cells must be considered. The cultured neurons remained viable for at least 19 weeks and ultrastructural and electrophysiological data indicate synaptic interaction between cells in explant cultures.     

Effect of quinolinic acid on neurons in dissociated cultures of cells of different structures of the brain

Using neurohistological and cytochemical methods in the living cells, the peculiarities of the action of endogenous neurotoxin, quinolinic acid (QUIN), on the neurons developing in the cell cultures of the hippocamp, neocortex and septum have been investigated in 17-19-day-old mouse embryos. The addition of 500 microM of QUIN on the 21st--22nd day into the nutrition medium in vitro resulted in the rapid destruction of neurons localized in glioneuronal aggregates, while the isolated nervous cells as well as septal cholinergic neurons remained intact. At earlier stages of cultivation (up to 2 weeks) QUIN did not provoke degenerative changes in the cultivated neurons. The comparison of our results with the literary data suggests that in nervous cell cultures QUIN, having mature synaptic connections with afferent nervous fibers, causes destruction of neurons.     

Growth factor dependent cholinergic function and survival in primary mouse spinal cord cultures

In primary embryonic spinal cord cultures, synaptic transmission can be conveniently studied by monitoring radiolabeled neurotransmitter release or by recording of electrophysiological responses. However, while the mature spinal cord contains an appreciable number of cholinergic motoneurons, cultures of embryonic spinal cord have a paucity of these neurons and release little or no acetylcholine upon stimulation. To determine whether the proportion of cholinergic neurons in primary mouse spinal cord cultures can be augmented, the effects of several classes of growth factors were examined on depolarization- and Ca(2+)-evoked release of choline/acetylcholine (Ch/ACh). In the absence of growth factors, little or no evoked release of radiolabeled Ch/ACh could be demonstrated. Media supplemented with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were examined for their ability to preserve the population of neurons in culture. CNTF was found to increase the number of surviving neurons and to enhance the release of radiolabeled Ch/ACh; the other factors were without effect. The action of CNTF was transient, and the neuronal population decreased to levels observed in cultures lacking growth factor after 20 days in vitro. The correlation between enhanced neuron survival and increased Ch/ACh release suggests that CNTF protected cholinergic neurons, albeit transiently, from cell death.     

Purification of human fetal hippocampal neurons by flow cytometry for transplantation

We have established primary cultures, highly enriched in neurons, from the hippocampus of human fetal brains at 20-23 gestational weeks. More than 80% of cells were viable when seeded. Neurons were isolated from primary cultures by flow cytometry to a high degree of purity, as demonstrated by immunocytochemical staining. FACS scanning analysis using a DNA-staining dye showed that hippocampal neurons did not divide in culture. To demonstrate that FACS-sorted neurons can be transplanted and integrated into the host brain, neuron-enriched primary culture from human fetal striatum was infected with a viral-mediated vector containing a reporter gene, beta-galactosidase. Striatal neurons were subsequently purified by flow cytometry and transplanted into the striatum of rats. Following transplantation, the rat brains were processed for beta-galactosidase histochemistry and electron microscopy. Beta-galactosidase expression indicates that transplanted human neurons survived in the host and were metabolically active. The transplanted neurons received synaptic inputs, as judged from the presence of presynaptic terminals on their surface. Our study demonstrates connectivity between transplanted human fetal primary neurons and host tissue at the ultrastructural level. Our results support the feasibility of ultimately transplanting neurons into humans as a possible treatment for recovery of the nervous system (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases).     

Primary neuronal cultures from the brains of late stage Drosophila pupae

In this video, we demonstrate the preparation of primary neuronal cultures from the brains of late stage Drosophila pupae. The procedure begins with the removal of brains from animals at 70-78 hrs after puparium formation. The isolated brains are shown after brief incubation in papain followed by several washes in serum-free growth medium. The process of mechanical dissociation of each brain in a 5 ul drop of media on a coverslip is illustrated. The axons and dendrites of the post-mitotic neurons are sheered off near the soma during dissociation but the neurons begin to regenerate processes within a few hours of plating. Images show live cultures at 2 days. Neurons continue to elaborate processes during the first week in culture. Specific neuronal populations can be identified in culture using GAL4 lines to drive tissue specific expression of fluorescent markers such as GFP or RFP. Whole cell recordings have demonstrated the cultured neurons form functional, spontaneously active cholinergic and GABAergic synapses. A short video segment illustrates calcium dynamics in the cultured neurons using Fura-2 as a calcium indicator dye to monitor spontaneous calcium transients and nicotine evoked calcium responses in a dish of cultured neurons. These pupal brain cultures are a useful model system in which genetic and pharmacological tools can be used to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence formation and function of central synapses.     

Isolation,Culture and Long-Term Maintenance of Primary Mesencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons From Embryonic Rodent Brains

Degeneration of mesencephalic dopaminergic (mesDA) neurons is the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s diseae. Study of the biological processes involved in physiological functions and vulnerability and death of these neurons is imparative to understanding the underlying causes and unraveling the cure for this common neurodegenerative disorder. Primary cultures of mesDA neurons provide a tool for investigation of the molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological properties, in order to understand the development, long-term survival and degeneration of these neurons during the course of disease. Here we present a detailed method for the isolation, culturing and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons from E12.5 mouse (or E14.5 rat) embryos. Optimized cell culture conditions in this protocol result in presence of axonal and dendritic projections, synaptic connections and other neuronal morphological properties, which make the cultures suitable for study of the physiological, cell biological and molecular characteristics of this neuronal population.     

Integrating bits and pieces: synapse structure and formation in Drosophila embryos

During the development of the nervous system, numerous neurons connect to form complex networks. In order to build a functional network each neuron has to establish contacts with appropriate target cells, and at these contacts synapses of the right quality and strength have to be formed. Gaining insight into the mechanisms underlying this complex development is an important step towards a better understanding of how the nervous system is formed and behaviour generated. One model system in which synapse formation can be studied at the morphological, physiological and molecular level is that of the fruitfly Drosophila, and insights gained from Drosophila embryos are reviewed here. The first part of this review deals with the neuromuscular junction as the best-known synaptic contact in Drosophila. It describes: (1) its structure, (2) mechanisms underlying the formation of the neuromuscular cell junction and the arborisation of the presynaptic terminal, and (3) our present understanding of signal-dependent and -independent processes during synapse formation at the neuromuscular junction. The last part of this review deals with the question of how particular neurons can adopt specific synaptic properties, stating as an example the development of the neural lineage of NB7-3, which gives rise to two serotonergic neurons.     

Retrograde Gbb signaling through the Bmp type 2 receptor wishful thinking regulates systemic FMRFa expression in Drosophila

Amidated neuropeptides of the FMRFamide class regulate numerous physiological processes including synaptic efficacy at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We demonstrate here that mutations in wishful thinking (wit) a gene encoding a Drosophila Bmp type 2 receptor that is required for proper neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, also eliminates expression of FMRFa in that subset of neuroendocrine cells (Tv neurons) which provide the systemic supply of FMRFa peptides. We show that Gbb, a Bmp ligand expressed in the neurohemal organ provides a retrograde signal that helps specify the peptidergic phenotype of the Tv neurons. Finally, we show that supplying FMRFa in neurosecretory cells partially rescues the wit lethal phenotype without rescuing the primary morphological or electrophysiological defects of wit mutants. We propose that Wit and Gbb globally regulate NMJ function by controlling both the growth and transmitter release properties of the synapse as well as the expression of systemic modulators of NMJ synaptic activity.     

Distinctions in growth cone morphology and motility between monopolar and multipolar neurons in Drosophila CNS cultures

Growth cones play a central role in determining neurite extension, pathfinding and branching, and in establishing synaptic connections. This paper describes an initial characterization of growth cone morphology and behavior in dissociated larval central nervous system (CNS) cultures of Drosophila. Contrast-enhanced video images of growth cones in monopolar and multipolar neurons were characterized by employing morphometric parameters such as the number and length of filopodia, and the area and roundness of the lamellipodia. Behavior of growth cones was analyzed by a motility index and boundary flow plots originally devised for measuring motility in other cellular systems. We found that separate CNS regions yielded cultures of different major cell types with distinct neuritic patterns that could be correlated with the morphology and motility of the associated growth cones. Monopolar neurons were the major cell type in brain cultures, whereas multipolar neurons were predominant in ventral ganglion cultures. Moreover, the growth cones of monopolar neurons, which are likely to be associated with the axonal processes, differed from those of multipolar neurons, which might be related to dendritic terminals. Growth cones in monopolar neurons had larger lamellipodia of less erratic shape accompanied by fewer and shorter filopodia, and, when active, displayed much higher motility and less directionality in motion. Alternatively, these morphological and behavioral distinctions between monopolar and multipolar neurons may result from intrinsic differences in membrane adhesion and intracellular transport properties.     

Synchronization of Drosophila cells in culture.

We synchronized Drosophila cell lines (Schneider's line 2 and Kc) by allowing the cells to enter the stationary phase of growth and then diluting them into fresh culture medium. The cells of both cell lines entered S phase, after an 8- to 14-hr delay, in a state of partial synchrony; 60 to 80% of the cell population accumulated in S phase. Measurements of the cell cycle phases of Schneider's line 2 cells (S = 14 to 16 hr; G2 = 6 to 8 hr; M = 0.4 hr) were similar to those of Kc cells.     

Induced neurotransmitter release from primary cultures of rat brain neurons

Neural cells from fetal rat brain were grown in tissue culture in the absence of serum and maintained for 4–5 weeks without medium renewal. Over 80% of the embryonic cells in the culture had a neuronal appearance and formed intercellular synaptic connections. When mature, a definite population of the neuronal cells accumulated ³H-dopamine in a sodium-dependent, benztropine inhibited process. The mature cells were also able to release ³H-dopamine in a potassium evoked, calcium-dependent process, with half maximal dopamine release achieved at a Ca²⁺ concentration of 120μM. In the maturing cells the capacity for potassium evoked, calcium-dependent dopamine release increased from an undetectable level in the first three days to a plateau level after 10–11 days $\text{in vitro}$. The fully expressed release capacity (20–30% of the neurotransmitter retained in the cells) was maintained thereafter. These results demonstrate that primary brain neurons develop a functional neurosecretion apparatus in a chemically defined medium in the absence of animal serum. This extends the utility of primary cultures of brain neurons for developmental structural and biochemical studies of neurotransmission.     

Infectivity and route of penetration in rats after oral and intraperitoneal inoculations of bloodstream and in vitro-cultured metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma lewisi

Morphological changes of Trypanosoma lewisi blood trypomastigotes cultured in Schneider's Drosophila medium (SDM), supplemented or not with uric acid (SDM + UA), were compared to those that occurred in a control medium (M-199). No difference in trypanosome morphology and numbers was observed between SDM + UA and SDM cultures; there was little transformation into metacyclic stages in M-199. No difference was observed between the capacity of SDM- or SDM + UA-cultured metacyclic stages to infect rats. The infectivity of bloodstream forms was always higher than that of the SDM- or SDM + UA-cultured forms, whether inoculated orally or intraperitoneally. The oral inoculation of rats with tritium-labeled culture and bloodstream forms showed that the metatrypanosomes from the cultures remained longer in the salivary glands and tongue of the animal than the blood trypanosomes.     

Slob, a Slowpoke channel-binding protein, modulates synaptic transmission

Modulation of ion channels by regulatory proteins within the same macromolecular complex is a well-accepted concept, but the physiological consequences of such modulation are not fully understood. Slowpoke (Slo), a potassium channel critical for action potential repolarization and transmitter release, is regulated by Slo channel-binding protein (Slob), a Drosophila melanogaster Slo (dSlo) binding partner. Slob modulates the voltage dependence of dSlo channel activation in vitro and exerts similar effects on the dSlo channel in Drosophila central nervous system neurons in vivo. In addition, Slob modulates action potential duration in these neurons. Here, we investigate further the functional consequences of the modulation of the dSlo channel by Slob in vivo, by examining larval neuromuscular synaptic transmission in flies in which Slob levels have been altered. In Slob-null flies generated through P-element mutagenesis, as well as in Slob knockdown flies generated by RNA interference (RNAi), we find an enhancement of synaptic transmission but no change in the properties of the postsynaptic muscle cell. Using targeted transgenic rescue and targeted expression of Slob-RNAi, we find that Slob expression in neurons (but not in the postsynaptic muscle cell) is critical for its effects on synaptic transmission. Furthermore, inhibition of dSlo channel activity abolishes these effects of Slob. These results suggest that presynaptic Slob, by regulating dSlo channel function, participates in the modulation of synaptic transmission.     

Locust primary neuronal culture for the study of synaptic transmission

We have designed a cell culture system for thoracic neurons of adult Locusta migratoria that enables the establishment of functional synapses in vitro. Patch-clamp recordings revealed three different neuron classes. About half of the neurons (47%) had unexcitable somata with outward and no inward conductance. The other half generated either single (37%) or multiple action potentials (18%) and differed mainly in lower outward conductance. Selectively stained motor neurons were analyzed to demonstrate varied physiological properties due to culture conditions. Using paired patch clamp recordings we demonstrate directly synaptic transmission in morphologically connected neurons in vitro. Presynaptic stimulation resulted in postsynaptic potentials in 42 pairs of neurons tested, independent of the type of neuron. According to pharmacological experiments most of these synapses were either glutamatergic or GABAergic. In addition to these chemical synapses, electrical synapses were found. With the demonstration of synapse formation in cell culture of adult locust neurons, this study provides the basis for the future analysis of more defined insect neuronal circuits in culture.     

Giant Drosophila neurons differentiated from cytokinesis-arrested embryonic neuroblasts

The relative contributions of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors in determining neuronal differentiation are not fully understood yet. We found that isolated neuroblasts from Drosophila gastrulae were able to differentiate neuron-specific properties in culture even when cell divisions were inhibited. The resultant giant multinucleated neurons displayed thickened neurites with a variety of distinct branching patterns. Neuronal antigens were expressed as in normal cultured neurons, and action potentials could be evoked by current injection within two days after plating. These results indicate that the factors for initiating specific differentiation programs for basic neuronal form and function are present in a neuroblast already. The cells of increased sizes in this culture system are more accessible to physiological and cell biological analyses and could facilitate future studies of the Drosophila nervous system.     

Defect in Synaptic Vesicle Precursor Transport and Neuronal Cell Death in KIF1A Motor Protein–deficient Mice

The nerve axon is a good model system for studying the molecular mechanism of organelle transport in cells. Recently, the new kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) have been identified as candidate motor proteins involved in organelle transport. Among them KIF1A, a murine homologue of unc-104 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans, is a unique monomeric neuron– specific microtubule plus end–directed motor and has been proposed as a transporter of synaptic vesicle precursors (Okada, Y., H. Yamazaki, Y. Sekine-Aizawa, and N. Hirokawa. 1995. Cell. 81:769–780). To elucidate the function of KIF1A in vivo, we disrupted the KIF1A gene in mice. KIF1A mutants died mostly within a day after birth showing motor and sensory disturbances. In the nervous systems of these mutants, the transport of synaptic vesicle precursors showed a specific and significant decrease. Consequently, synaptic vesicle density decreased dramatically, and clusters of clear small vesicles accumulated in the cell bodies. Furthermore, marked neuronal degeneration and death occurred both in KIF1A mutant mice and in cultures of mutant neurons. The neuronal death in cultures was blocked by coculture with wild-type neurons or exposure to a low concentration of glutamate. These results in cultures suggested that the mutant neurons might not sufficiently receive afferent stimulation, such as neuronal contacts or neurotransmission, resulting in cell death. Thus, our results demonstrate that KIF1A transports a synaptic vesicle precursor and that KIF1A-mediated axonal transport plays a critical role in viability, maintenance, and function of neurons, particularly mature neurons.     

Structure of Excitatory Synapses and GABAA Receptor Localization at Inhibitory Synapses Are Regulated by Neuroplastin-65

Formation, maintenance, and activity of excitatory and inhibitory synapses are essential for neuronal network function. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are crucially involved in these processes. The CAM neuroplastin-65 (Np65) highly expressed during periods of synapse formation and stabilization is present at the pre- and postsynaptic membranes. Np65 can translocate into synapses in response to electrical stimulation and it interacts with subtypes of GABA_A receptors in inhibitory synapses. Here, we report that in the murine hippocampus and in hippocampal primary culture, neurons of the CA1 region and the dentate gyrus (DG) express high Np65 levels, whereas expression in CA3 neurons is lower. In neuroplastin-deficient (Np^−/−) mice the number of excitatory synapses in CA1 and DG, but not CA3 regions is reduced. Notably this picture is mirrored in mature Np^−/− hippocampal cultures or in mature CA1 and DG wild-type (Np^+/+) neurons treated with a function-blocking recombinant Np65-Fc extracellular fragment. Although the number of GABAergic synapses was unchanged in Np^−/− neurons or in mature Np65-Fc-treated Np^+/+ neurons, the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapses was significantly lower in Np^−/− cultures. Furthermore, GABA_A receptor composition was altered at inhibitory synapses in Np^−/− neurons as the α1 to α2 GABA_A receptor subunit ratio was increased. Changes of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic function in Np^−/− neurons were confirmed evaluating the presynaptic release function and using patch clamp recording. These data demonstrate that Np65 is an important regulator of the number and function of synapses in the hippocampus.