Viable primary neuronal cultures from guinea pig embryos

Thirty 7-day-old guinea pig embryos are at the optimal and earliest develop mental stage for a simultaneous culturing of viable neurons from hippocampu s, cortex, and cerebellum. High-density primary neuronal cultures obtained from the three brain regions were successfully maintained using a chemicall y defined medium. The neurons, which quickly developed extensive neurite ou tgrowth and interneuronal connections, could be sustained for at least 3 we eks. The sensitivity of guinea pig neuronal cultures to a model toxicant li ke paraquat is reported.