Electrophysiological evaluation of engrafted stem cell-derived neurons

Nat Protoc. 2007;2(7):1603-13. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2007.230.

Abstract

Recent advances in the neural stem cell field have provided a wealth of methods for generating large amounts of purified neuronal precursor cells. It has become a question of paramount importance to determine whether these cells integrate and interact with established neural circuitry after engraftment. In principle, neurons have to fulfill three basic functions: receive incoming signals via synapses, compute and forward processed information to other neurons or effector cells. It is anticipated that functionally integrating stem cell-derived donor neurons perform accordingly. Here we provide protocols for the efficient electrophysiological evaluation of engrafted cells and highlight current limitations thereof.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electrophysiology / methods*
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Male
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*