title: A Simplified In vitro Experimental Model Encompasses the Essential Features of Sleep.
abstract: In this paper, we show that neuronal assemblies plated on Micro Electrode Arrays present synchronized, low frequency firing patterns similar to in vivo slow wave oscillations, which are a key parameter of sleep-like state. Although neuronal cultures lack the characteristic high-frequency waves of wakefulness, it is possible to modulate their spontaneous firing pattern through the administration of specific neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. We thus stimulated the cortical cultures with an agonist of acetylcholine receptor, Carbachol, which caused a desynchronization of the spontaneous firing of the cultures. We recorded and monitored the cultures for a period of over 31 h. We analyzed the electrophysiological signals by exploiting novel methodological approaches, taking into account the different temporal scales of the recorded signals, and considering both spikes and local field potentials. Supporting the electrophysiological analysis results, gene expressions of targeted genes showed the activation of specific markers involved in sleep-wake rhythms. Our results demonstrate that the Carbachol treatment induces desynchronization of neuronal activity, altering sleep-like properties in an in vitro model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenova, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, riabilitazione, oftalmologia, genetica e scienze materno-infantili (DINOGMI), Università degli Studi di GenovaGenova, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Colombi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tinarelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pasquale
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Valter
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tucci
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chiappalone
keywords: cortical culture; gene expression; homeostasis; local field potentials; microelectrode arrays; spike train analysis