Organotypic explant culture of adult rat retina for in vitro investigations of neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and cell transplantation
This protocol details a method for isolating retinal tissue from adult rats as an organotypic culture to study neurobiological processes in mature tissue. It combines the efficiency and control common to in vitro techniques with close imitation of the in vivo environment. Eyes from adult rats are enucleated and the neural retina is isolated. Tissue is cut into quarters, yielding eight retinal explants per animal, and cultured at a fluid/air interface on organotypic culture membranes. Explantation can be accomplished in thirty minutes per animal. Tissue is nourished by a serum-free medium and can be viably maintained for at least two weeks ex vivo. Protocols are provided that describe histological processing, including techniques for whole-mount and cross-sectional immunohistochemical labelling. In addition, methods for simulating intraocular cell transplantation and pharmacological screening for neuroprotective therapies are also provided.
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Retinal Explant Protocol PDF Complete PDF of Martin Lab Retinal Explant Protocol
Reagents Reagents
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting
Equipment Equipment
Introduction Introduction
Timing Timing
Anticipated Results Anticipated Results
References References
Acknowledgements Acknowledgements
Procedure Procedure
Posted 04 Mar, 2011
Organotypic explant culture of adult rat retina for in vitro investigations of neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and cell transplantation
Posted 04 Mar, 2011
This protocol details a method for isolating retinal tissue from adult rats as an organotypic culture to study neurobiological processes in mature tissue. It combines the efficiency and control common to in vitro techniques with close imitation of the in vivo environment. Eyes from adult rats are enucleated and the neural retina is isolated. Tissue is cut into quarters, yielding eight retinal explants per animal, and cultured at a fluid/air interface on organotypic culture membranes. Explantation can be accomplished in thirty minutes per animal. Tissue is nourished by a serum-free medium and can be viably maintained for at least two weeks ex vivo. Protocols are provided that describe histological processing, including techniques for whole-mount and cross-sectional immunohistochemical labelling. In addition, methods for simulating intraocular cell transplantation and pharmacological screening for neuroprotective therapies are also provided.
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