In vitro comparison of motor and sensory neuron outgrowth in a 3D collagen matrix

Ilary Allodi, Mónica-Sofía Guzmán-Lenis, Joaquim Hernàndez, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this work we set up an in vitro model, based on organotypic cultures of spinal cord slices and dorsal root ganglia explants from P7 rats, embedded in a collagen matrix and cultured under the same conditions. As specific reinnervation of end-organs is still an unresolved issue in peripheral nerve research, we characterized a model that allows us to compare under the same conditions motor and sensory neuron regeneration. RT97 labeling was used to visualize the regenerating neurites that extended in the collagen gel from both motor neurons in the spinal cord slices and sensory neurons in the DRG explants after a few days in vitro. By adding different neurotrophic factors in the collagen matrix, we evaluated the reliability of DRG and spinal cord preparations. Moreover, we also set up a co-culture with dissociated Schwann cells to further mimic the permissive environment of the peripheral nerve. Thus, these in vitro models can be useful tools to investigate mechanisms for the selective regeneration of sensory and motor neurons, which can be translated into in vivo models.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-61
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods
Volume198
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2011

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques/methods
  • Collagen/metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix/physiology
  • Ganglia, Spinal/cytology
  • Humans
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling/methods
  • Motor Neurons/cytology
  • Nerve Growth Factors/pharmacology
  • Neurites/drug effects
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Schwann Cells/physiology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells/cytology
  • Spinal Cord/cytology
  • Time Factors

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