An Introduction to Neurons and 3D Human Cortical Spheroids

The central nervous system (CNS) is a complex network of neurons and glia that play critical roles in human brain function. Neurons are the primary signaling units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

• A single neuron can contact up to 10,000 other neurons, highlighting the intricate connectivity of the brain.
• The cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the brain, is responsible for higher-level functions such as perception, language, decision-making, and memory.

Studying the CNS can be challenging, but in vitro models like primary neurons and 3D human cortical spheroids offer valuable tools for research.

Primary Neurons

ScienCell Research Laboratories provides a variety of primary neurons isolated from different species:

• Human Neurons (HN, Cat. #1520): Isolated from human brain tissue.
• Mouse Neurons-cortical (MN-c): Isolated from embryonic day 18 mouse cerebrum, available from both CD-1 ( Cat. #M1520) and C57BL/6 (Cat. #M1520-57) mice.
• Rat Neurons-cortical (RN-c, Cat. #R1520): Isolated from embryonic day 18 CD® IGS rat cerebrum.

These primary neurons are cryopreserved, ensuring viability and ease of use. They are characterized by immunofluorescence using antibodies specific to β-tubulin III, a marker of neurons. All ScienCell’s primary neurons are tested for contaminants like mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

Important Considerations:

• Primary neurons do not proliferate in culture and are not recommended for long-term cultures.
• They require specific culture conditions, including a poly-L-lysine coated surface and specialized neuronal medium.
• Handling these cells requires caution as they are delicate and potentially biohazardous.

3D Human Cortical Spheroids

Traditional 2D cell cultures lack the complex 3D architecture of the brain, limiting their ability to accurately model CNS functions. 3D human cortical spheroids provide a more biologically relevant in vitro model.

ScienCell offers two options:

• All-Inclusive 3D Human Cortical Spheroid Formation Kit (Cat. #3D-1520): This kit contains all the necessary components to generate 3D spheroids, including human neurons, human astrocytes, specialized media, and supplements.
• Ready-to-use 3D Human Cortical Spheroids (Cat. #SP3D-1520): These pre-formed spheroids are ready for immediate experimentation, saving time and effort.

Both options allow for the study of complex interactions between neurons and astrocytes within a 3D environment.

Key Features:

• Functional Synapses: 3D human cortical spheroids form functional synapses, allowing for the investigation of synaptic activity and neuronal communication.
• Quiescent Astrocytes: The spheroids contain quiescent astrocytes, mimicking the in vivo phenotype and supporting synapse function.
• Ease of Use: Detailed protocols are provided for both generating and maintaining 3D spheroids.