Cell Culture: Autonomic and Enteric Neurons

Sympathetic neuronal culture is widely used in mechanistic studies of neuronal development, plasticity, and neurotransmission. Other than chick ciliary ganglia, parasympathetic and enteric cultures have not been widely used, with most studies focusing on electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of these cells. Recent advances in isolating, maintaining, and manipulating gene expression in autonomic and enteric cultures will increase the power of these culture models for addressing significant gaps in our understanding of the cell biology of these neurons, the impact of which is underscored by the importance of autonomic and enteric nervous systems in regulating all major organ systems in vertebrates.