Prospects for the studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain damage on a model system of cultured hippocampal slices

Using an immunohistochemistry technique, combined with light and electron microscopy,in vitro development of various cell elements in organotypic hippocampal rat slice culture were studied. It was shown that hippocampal neurons preserve their normal structure and function for a month of culturing. Astrocytes are activated and fulfill a protective function, and microglial cells show typical dynamics of the development in culture. After experimental hypoxia, progressive neuronal degradation and death, as well as microglial activation, are observed. The prospects for using hippocampal slice culture as a model system for studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain damage of different etiology are discussed.