A model of dissociated cortical tissue

TL;DR

This paper discusses the use of cultured dissociated cortical cells on multi-electrode arrays to study neural network development, activity, plasticity, and pathological bursting, with potential medical implications.

Contribution

It introduces a model of dissociated cortical tissue for investigating neural network behaviors and pathological phenomena in vitro.

Findings

Network development and activity can be monitored using multi-electrode arrays.

Pathological bursting phenomena are observed and analyzed.

Insights into mechanisms underlying network behaviors could inform medical applications.

Abstract

A powerful experimental approach for investigating computation in networks of biological neurons is the use of cultured dissociated cortical cells grown into networks on a multi-electrode array. Such preparations allow investigation of network development, activity, plasticity, responses to stimuli, and the effects of pharmacological agents. They also exhibit whole-culture pathological bursting; understanding the mechanisms that underlie this could allow creation of more useful cell cultures and possibly have medical applications.