PMID: 15226617Jul 1, 2004Paper

Assay system for synapse formation between primary cultured neurons

Nihon yakurigaku zasshi. Folia pharmacologica Japonica
Masahiro KawaharaY Kuroda

Abstract

Synapse plasticity, in particular, formation of new synapses, plays crucial roles in learning and memory. We have developed a convenient assay system for measuring the number of newly formed synapses between cultured rat cerebrocortical neurons using the multisite fluorometry system of intracellular calcium. We found that cultured neurons exhibited spontaneous oscillatory changes in intracellular calcium levels and that the frequency of the oscillation was strongly correlated with synaptic density. Combined with immunohistochemical studies, this assay system enables us to study the molecular mechanism of synapse formation, in particular, the involvement of ecto-protein kinase. Other applications of the assay system are discussed here.

References

May 13, 1977·Brain Research·G A Banker, W M Cowan
Dec 30, 1992·Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·M KawaharaY Kuroda
Dec 15, 1994·Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·K MuramotoY Kuroda
Sep 26, 2003·Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry·Masahiro KawaharaYoichiro Kuroda
Sep 27, 2003·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Midori Kato-NegishiMasumi Ichikawa
Feb 18, 2004·Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology·Shin-Ichi KawakamiYoichiro Kuroda
Feb 18, 2004·Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology·Ritsuko HosodaYoichiro Kuroda

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