Formation of electrically active clusterized neural networks

Phys Rev Lett. 2003 Apr 25;90(16):168101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.168101. Epub 2003 Apr 21.

Abstract

Ordinarily, in vitro neurons self-organize into homogeneous networks of single neurons linked by dendrites and axons. We show that under special conditions they can also self-organize into neuronal clusters, which are linked by bundles of axons. Multielectrode array measurement reveals that the clusterized networks are also electrically active and exhibit synchronized bursting events similar to those observed in the homogeneous networks. From time-lapse recording, we deduced the features required for the neuronal clusterized versus homogeneous self-organization and developed a simple model for testing their validity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Dendrites / physiology
  • Floxuridine / pharmacology
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Neural Networks, Computer*
  • Neuroglia / cytology
  • Neuroglia / drug effects
  • Neuroglia / physiology
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Rats
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Tetrodotoxin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Floxuridine
  • Tetrodotoxin