Preparation of Rodent Primary Cultures for Neuron–Glia, Mixed Glia, Enriched Microglia, and Reconstituted Cultures with Microglia

Abstract

Microglia, neurons, and macroglia (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) are the major cell types in the central nervous system. In the past decades, primary microglia-enriched cultures have been widely used to study the biological functions of microglia in vitro. In order to study the interactions between microglia and other brain cells, neuron-glia, neuron-microglia, and mixed glia cultures were developed. The aim of this chapter is to provide basic and adaptable protocols for the preparation of these microglia-containing primary cultures from rodent. Meanwhile, we also want to provide a collection of tips from our collective experiences doing primary brain cell cultures.