Imaging Locations of Neurons vs. Glia in Low Density Culture

Often it is difficult to record electrical signals from neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays, leading researchers to speculate whether or not glial cells grow so as to insulate the neurons and electrodes from each other. Here we report an investigation using a laser scanning confocal microscope for 3-D visualization of both neurons and glia so as to determine the relative positions of these cell types in long term culture. The results are mixed: glia grow over, under or around neurites; in low density culture much of the extent of the neurites is not covered with glia