New technology in experimental neurobiology: neuronal networks coupled with multielectrode array

Abstract

Multielectrode arraуs (MEA) as the recording and stimulatingsystem for self-organizing, functionally heterogeneous neuronalnetwork formed by developing CNS cells in vitro is a new, uniquetechnology for investigation of mechanisms of pathological neurodestructiveprocesses and for searching the means of their pharmacological corrections. The principal advantages of the MEAare the precise noninvasive long-term network stimulation andmeasurement of the electric signals, pharmacological testing anddrug screening, optical structural and functional imaging ofmetabolic ionic current into neurons and glial cells using confocallaser scanning microscopy. The brain cells and tissues coupledin vitro with MEA enables neuroprotective and/or neurotoxicdrug testing in different models of the central nervous systempathological states. Data-intensive part, good reproducibility andquantitative assessment capability make it possible to relate theneuron networks cultured to the MEA with biosensors, allowingto perform effective pharmacological screening in vitro for themodels of ischemia, trauma, epilepsy, Alzheimers disease, etc.

Keywords

• multielectrode array
• brain cell and tissue cultures
• neuronal network in vitro
• biosensor
• drug screening
• neurodegenerarive disorders