The Role of Astrocytic Gap Contacts on Spontaneous Bioelectrical Activity of Neuronal Networks In Vitro

Features of neuronal networks activity in primary hippocampal cultures under acute and chronic blockade of astrocytic gap contacts (connexins 43) have been studied. Primary hippocampal cells were obtained from murine embryonic tissue and cultured on multielectrode arrays (MEA60). The studies revealed the modulation of spontaneous bioelectrical activity characterized by a decrease of network burst activity and changes in the burst activation patterns. Moreover, chronic blockade of connexins 43 completely eliminated the network burst activity beginning on the third day after treatment.