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Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Spiral Ganglion Neuron Explant Culture and Electrophysiology on Multi Electrode Arrays

DOI: 10.3791/54538-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Prepare multi-electrode arrays for primary neuron culture experiments
  • ✓ Isolate and culture murine spiral ganglion neuron explants
  • ✓ Record spontaneous and evoked neuronal activity using MEA electrophysiology
  • ✓ Analyze neuron-electrode interface responses for cochlear implant optimization
Protocol

We present a protocol to culture primary murine spiral ganglion neuron explants on multi electrode arrays to study neuronal response profiles and optimize stimulation parameters. Such studies aim to improve the neuron-electrode interface of cochlear implants to benefit hearing in patients as well as the energy consumption of the device.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~3-4 days (dissection + culture maturation + recording)
Model organism
Mouse (primary spiral ganglion neurons)
Biosafety
BSL-1

Steps

1
Prepare multi-electrode arrays for culture

Clean, coat, and sterilize MEA substrates to optimize cell adhesion and electrical recording. This foundational preparation ensures reliable neuron attachment and subsequent electrophysiological measurements.

▶ 00:54
2
Dissect spiral ganglion from temporal bone

Extract and isolate primary spiral ganglion tissue from postnatal mouse cochleae under a dissection microscope. Careful tissue handling preserves neuron viability for subsequent culture.

▶ 02:11
3
Culture spiral ganglion explants on MEAs

Plate isolated ganglion explants onto prepared multi-electrode arrays and maintain in defined culture medium. Neurons attach and extend processes over several days for electrophysiological study.

▶ 03:34
4
Record spontaneous and evoked neuronal activity

Perform electrophysiological recordings to measure spontaneous spike activity and responses to direct electrode stimulation. Data characterizes neuron-electrode coupling and response profiles.

▶ 04:37
5
Analyze and interpret MEA recording data

Process raw electrode signals to identify action potentials, quantify firing patterns, and evaluate stimulation-evoked responses. Results inform cochlear implant design optimization.

▶ 05:52
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