Effects of Glia Cell Density in the Plasticity of Neuronal Astrocytic Co-culture

Abstract

Glial cells have an important function in the nervous system supporting neural development, signaling, and neuronal structure. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS) that carry out several functions including neurotransmitter regulation, release of signaling molecules called gliotransmitters, and energy regulation in neurons. While there is ongoing research investigating the role of glial cells in the development and signaling of neurons, little is known about the significance and mechanisms that glia have in the development of synaptic connections between neurons. Synaptic plasticity is the process by which neurons alter the strength of their connections, and is believed to be an important component in development and learning. Therefore, we aim to investigate the importance of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity by assessing the optimal density in which to culture cortical neurons and astrocytes in vitro. We are using immunohistochemistry to visualize the connections between neurons and recording neuronal activity with high-density microarray electrodes. Determining the optimal astrocytic density to co-culture with cortical neurons is crucial for future electrophysiology experiments to elucidate the specific mechanisms of synaptic plasticity using electrical and light stimulation. This can give critical insight to how synapses enhance or prune their connections, and can lead to better understanding of learning and the pathophysiology observed in some neurodegenerative diseases.