Preparation of organotypic slice cultures for the study of glutamate receptor function

Abstract

Organotypic slice cultures enable the study of glutamate receptors in an environment closely related to the in vivo situation but with easy access to genetic manipulation of the receptors and regulatory signaling cascades as well as a more precise pharmacological intervention. We describe a method to prepare organotypic hippocampal slices that can be easily adapted to other brain regions. Brain slices are laid on porous membranes, and culture medium is allowed to form an interface. This method preserves the functionality and gross architecture of the hippocampus for up to 2 weeks in culture.