Researchers at Belgorod State University have unveiled a novel method for cultivating neurons that enables precise assessment of how neurotoxins or neuroprotective agents influence cellular respiration. This breakthrough was disclosed in discussions with the press by the university’s science team.
The approach involves growing a primary mixed culture that combines hippocampal neurons from an eighteenth day embryo with a small newborn rodent, providing a robust model for studying early neuronal development and energy metabolism.
To optimize growth, the researchers proposed using culture plates that are larger than those traditionally employed for neuronal cultures. This adjustment, developed by the BelSU National Research University team, avoids several downsides seen in older methods. It supports the growth of multiple neuron types within a single culture, broadening the range of potential research applications. Crucially, the technique reduces the risk of gliosis, prevents medium acidification, and eliminates the need for prolonged incubation in serum-free conditions, streamlining experimental workflows.
According to the project notes, this method also makes it feasible to detect mitochondrial dysfunctions, the organelles responsible for producing cellular energy, and to establish optimal conditions for neuron growth during early differentiation. The team’s leadership and senior researchers emphasize the value of such insights for improving the reliability of experiments that probe cellular respiration and energy balance in neurons.
In the longer term, the method holds promise for enhancing preclinical screening and evaluating a range of pharmacological substances whose actions hinge on mitochondrial activity. The technology offers a practical pathway to better understand how drugs interact with neuronal energy systems and supports more accurate predictions of in vivo effects.
Earlier developments in Russia include a compact X-ray diagnostic tool designed for assessing newborn health, illustrating a broader trend toward innovative biomedical technologies that advance health diagnostics and research capabilities.