Viable primary neuronal cultures from guinea pig embryos

Abstract

Thirty 7-day-old guinea pig embryos are at the optimal and earliest developmental stage for a simultaneous culturing of viable neurons from hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum. High-density primary neuronal cultures obtained from the three brain regions were successfully maintained using a chemically defined medium. The neurons, which quickly developed extensive neurite outgrowth and interneuronal connections, could be sustained for at least 3 weeks. The sensitivity of guinea pig neuronal cultures to a model toxicant like paraquat is reported.