To support CNS drug discovery programs, Neuroservices-Alliance designed and executed a patch-clamp electrophysiology study to characterize native NMDA receptor currents in rat cortical neuron cultures and evaluate the pharmacological effects of test compounds in a controlled in vitro setting.

Primary E18 rat cortical neurons were enzymatically and mechanically dissociated and plated at low density on a monolayer of cortical astrocytes. Neuronal cultures were maintained with regular medium changes and recorded between 14–21 days in vitro, a timeframe selected to support stable synaptic receptor expression. Whole-cell voltage clamp electrophysiology was performed using standard instrumentation and acquisition software.

NMDA receptor–mediated currents were elicited by local puffer application of NMDA every 12 seconds following establishment of a stable baseline.

Concentration-dependent inhibition by A) MK-801 and B) ketamine

Using this study design, robust and reproducible NMDA receptor–mediated currents were recorded in rat cortical neurons. The assay successfully captured pharmacological modulation of NMDA currents, including:

These results confirm the suitability of this assay for quantitative evaluation of NMDA receptor pharmacology in primary neuronal cultures.

By integrating a well-defined study plan with standardized electrophysiology methods, Neuroservices-Alliance’s cell electrophysiology platform delivers reliable functional data for NMDA receptor characterization. This approach supports compound profiling, target engagement assessment, and mechanism-focused CNS research, providing a translationally relevant in vitro system aligned with early drug discovery needs.

Our cell electrophysiology lab is ready to collaborate with you to advance your drug discovery pipeline.