Effect of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Organotypic Retinal Cultures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To study the influence of recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on organotypic retinal cultures. Material and methods Experiments were performed in human and rat retinal explants cultured in culture dishes, flasks and flasks for roller cultivation. BDNF was added at the concentration of 100 ng⁄ml. Cultures were tested for viability and stained immunohistochemically for neuronal markers. Culture conditions and results of cultivation were controlled using phase contrast and fluorescent microscopes. Conclusions Results of the study showed that cultivation of organotypic cultures of the human and rat retina in the presence of BDNF at the concentration of 100 ng⁄ml increases viability of retinal cells. Active cell migration and outgrowth of β-III-tubulin-positive axon-like processes of neuronal origin outside the borders of explants were observed.