Isolation of Perinatal Mouse Cerebral Cortical Astrocytes

Proper functioning of the central nervous system requires collaboration between neurons and glia. Glia are composed of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In vitro, astrocytes provide support for neuronal cultures for the study of development and regeneration of the brain. Upon injury, astrocytes can produce molecules that protect the harmed area and also prevent further regeneration. Research of astrocyte cell biology and translational uses requires isolation of purified astrocytes. The classical methods for preparing rat astrocytes have been adapted for mouse. In this chapter, we outline a simple method for preparing purified astrocytes from individual perinatal mice.
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news