Microfabricated device for co-culture of sympathetic neuron and iPS-derived cardiomyocytes

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2013:2013:3817-20. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2013.6610376.

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) has been expected as a cell source for therapy of serious heart failure. However, it is unclear whether the function of iPS-CMs is modulated by the host sympathetic nervous system. Here we developed a device for co-culture of sympathetic neurons and iPS-CMs using microfabrication technique. The device consisted of a culture chamber and a microelectrode-array (MEA) substrate. The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons were co-cultured with iPS-CMs in a microfabricated device, which had multiple compartments. Several days after seeding, synapses were formed between SCG neurons and iPS-CMs, as confirmed by immunostaining. Spontaneous electrical activities of the SCG neurons and the iPS-CMs were observed from the electrode of the MEA substrate. The beat rate of iPS-CMs increased after electrical stimulation of the co-cultured SCG neurons. Such changes in the beat rate were prevented in the presence of propranolol, a β-adrenoreceptor antagonist. These results suggest that the microfabricated device will be utilized for studying the functional modulation of iPS-CMs by connected sympathetic neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Microelectrodes
  • Microtechnology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / drug effects
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / physiology
  • Propranolol / pharmacology
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Superior Cervical Ganglion / cytology
  • Synapses / physiology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Propranolol