Using chick forebrain neurons to model neurodegeneration and protection in an undergraduate neuroscience laboratory course.

ABSTRACT: Since 2009 at Boston College, we have been offering a Research in Neuroscience course using cultured neurons in an in vitro model of stroke. The students work in groups to learn how to perform sterile animal cell culture and run several basic bioassays to assess cell viability. They are then tasked with analyzing the scientific literature in an attempt to identify and predict the intracellular pathways involved in neuronal death, and identify dietary antioxidant compounds that may provide protection based on their known effects in other cells. After each group constructs a hypothesis pertaining to the potential neuroprotection, we purchase one compound per group and the students test their hypotheses using a commonly performed viability assay. The groups generate quantitative data and perf

SUBMITTER: Burdo JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3692248 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature