Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays

Name: Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays
Uploaded: 2026-06-04
Duration: 8 min 28 s
Description: Bis-phenols, such as bis-phenol A (BPA) and bis-phenol-S (BPS), are polymerizing agents widely used in the production of plastics and numerous everyday ...

DOI: 10.3791/56300-v

What you'll learn

✓ Prepare multi-electrode arrays for embryonic neuronal culture
✓ Isolate and culture chick embryonic neurons in vitro
✓ Record and analyze neuronal network activity using MEA
✓ Assess endocrine disruptor effects on neural synchrony development

Protocol

Exposure to environmental toxins can acutely impact developing embryos. Endocrine disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols are known to adversely affect the nervous system. Here we describe a protocol using an in vitro vertebrate (chick embryo) neuronal network model to study the functional impact of toxin exposure on early embryos.

Difficulty

advanced

Total time

~3-4 days (culture maturation plus recording sessions)

Model organism

Chick embryo (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Biosafety

BSL-1

Steps

Prepare multi-electrode array for neuronal culture

Condition and sterilize the multi-electrode array substrate to enable embryonic neuron attachment and electrical recording of network activity.

▶ 01:03

Isolate and plate chick embryonic neurons

Harvest neurons from chick embryo tissue, dissociate mechanically, and seed onto prepared multi-electrode arrays at appropriate density for network formation.

▶ 02:11

Record neuronal network electrophysiological activity

Conduct real-time multi-electrode array recordings to capture spontaneous action potentials and synchronization patterns across the developing neural network.

▶ 05:00

Analyze BPA effects on network synchrony

Compare neuronal synchrony development and firing patterns between BPA-exposed and control cultures to assess endocrine disruptor impact on neural circuit maturation.

▶ 07:07

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