The development of isolated central nervous system preparations

1. Use of invertebrate isolated CNS preparations showed that identified neurons have distinct specific repeatable pharmacological properties. 2. Isolated CNS preparations have been developed from invertebrates to include fish, amphibian, reptile and mammal CNS preparations. 3. The isolated mammalian (mouse, hamster, rat, guinea pig) CNS preparation can remain alive for up to 72 hr and show cells with good resting potentials, action potentials; good functional pathways and tracts; and good responses to drug application. 4. Some possible future developments of isolated mammalian CNS preparations are described.