Abstract
Orexin A is a neuropeptide isolated from a small group of neurons in the hypothalamus, which orchestrates many different brain functions. Despite the extensive information about orexin A expression and function in the nervous system of adults, data about the formation and maturation of the orexin system, and its role in the development of the brain are still far from complete. There are no data about the role of orexin in the formation and function of cultured networks. Therefore, we undertook our study to investigate dissociated cortical neurons of the newborn rat cultured for different periods of time. We applied the ABC method for detection of orexin A. Our results clearly show that at the early stages after plating the cultures 90.9% (±8.4) of the neurons are orexin A-positive and their number decreases during the culturing period of three weeks to 32.6% (±18.7). As orexin A is present in the majority of cultured newborn neurons, when neuronal differentiation and network formation take place, it may also influence the early synaptic formation and neuronal interactions, which are both very important for network functioning.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 71-73 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 9 Nov 2009 |
Event | 4th Annual Symposium of the Benelux Chapter of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (IEEE-EMBS Benelux) 2009 - University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands Duration: 9 Nov 2009 → 10 Nov 2009 Conference number: 4 |
Conference
Conference | 4th Annual Symposium of the Benelux Chapter of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (IEEE-EMBS Benelux) 2009 |
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Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Enschede |
Period | 9/11/09 → 10/11/09 |