Density Gradient Media – News and Views

The purification in Nycodenz gradients and subsequent culture of neurons from adult rat hippocampus was described by Brewer [1] in 1997. Four years later Brewer et al [2] adapted the method to human cortical brain tissue, taken at craniotomy and using iodixanol gradients. Of all the gradient media currently available commercially, iodixanol is probably the most “cell-friendly” and its availability as a sterile 60% (w/v) solution (OptiPrep) makes gradient solution preparation simple. Use of an iodixanol gradient improves both the yield and viability of neurons [3], important factors in the successful establishment of neuron cultures. 

 Iodixanol density gradients are now widely used for the purification of neurons from human, hamster, mouse, rat and turtle brain tissues and from chicken, rat and mouse spinal cord.

 1. Brewer G.J. (1997) Isolation and culture of adult rat hippocampal neurons J. Neurosci. Methods 1997: 71: 143-155

2. Brewer, G.J. et al (2001) Culture and regeneration of human neurons after brain surgery J. Neurosci Methods, 107, 15-23

3. Brewer, G.J. and Torricelli, J.R. (2007) Isolation and culture of adult neurons and neurospheres Nat. Protoc., 2, 1490-1498

For a complete bibliography click on Mini-review

For a detailed methodology click on brain or spinal cord

Written by JohnG
Filed under: Cells