Networks of spinal cord neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays: response to stimuli and homeostasis

The use of planar microelectrode arrays allows one to register the electrophysiological activity of cultured neurons under virtual non-invasive conditions for a long period of time (i.e. hours). Several neural networks in the developing central nervous system are spontaneously active and such behavior seems to play an important role in subsequent maturation. Here we show how the bursting electrophysiological activity of cultured spinal cord neurons (15-18 DIV) from the chick embryo is affected by drugs which act on non-NMDA receptors. Interestingly enough, the effects are transient and the network seems to be able to recover its initial spontaneous rhythm. Similar results have been described in the literature in the case of spinal cord explants. Changes in the patterns of electrophysiological activity are described in detail.