Spiking rate of myenteric neurons recorded from multi‐electrode arrays depending on local microenvironment

The interaction of cells with their microenvironment is an important factor, which influences phenotype, differentiation state and cell function. Interactions between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components are of crucial significance, especially for the development of electrical activity in neurons. For this study multi-electrode arrays were used to examine the influence of different substrates (glass, poly-D-lysine (PDL), PDL/laminin and laminin) on myenteric neurons during stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The effect of LPS upon neurons grown on PDL/laminin resulted in an increased neuronal activity and calcium influx through L-type voltage gated calcium channels. Cultures on glass or PDL were not influenced. This demonstrates that the local microenvironment plays an essential role for the electrical potential of myenteric neurons.(© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)