Although in vivo animal studies remain essential for investigating complex neural functions within an intact organism, primary neuronal cultures provide a robust and ethically preferable alternative for many experimental paradigms. These in vitro systems support the reduction and refinement of animal use in accordance with the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). Primary neuronal cultures offer a highly controlled environment for studying neurons at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, they enable direct, non-invasive access to neuronal structures, facilitating high-resolution imaging and precise manipulation while maintaining key physiological properties of native neurons.
TNU features a dedicated cell culture laboratory designed to maintain sterile conditions, enabling us to prepare high-quality neuronal cultures in-house. These cultures are typically derived from embryonic day 18 (E18) rats bred at our on-site animal facility in the Forum building. In addition, we have specialized expertise in generating cultures from transgenic mice - a process that requires precise handling due to potential genetic variability among embryos. Each embryo is individually genotyped and processed to ensure the accurate characterization of the culture’s genetic background.
The effects of pharmacological agents (e.g., antidepressants), other bioactive compounds, or mutations in target proteins, among others, can be systematically investigated using neuronal culture models. These approaches enable the examination of a broad spectrum of cellular and molecular parameters, including:
Biojone, Caroline, Plinio Casarotto, Cecilia Cannarozzo, Senem Merve Fred, Rosa Herrera-Rodríguez, Angelina Lesnikova, Mikko Voipio, and Eero Castrén. 2023. “nNOS-Induced Tyrosine Nitration of TrkB Impairs BDNF Signaling and Restrains Neuronal Plasticity.” Progress in Neurobiology, January, 102413.
