[Atomic force microscopic observation of the neurons membrane in primary culture after treatment with N-Methyl-D-Asph]

To observe the changes in three-dimensional morphology of the membrane of the cortex neurons in primary culture in response to treatment with N-Methyl-D-Asp (NMDA) and MK-801 using atomic force microscope (AFM).Following NMDA treatment, the changes in the membrane of the neurons fixed by glutaraldehyhyde were examined, and the protective effect of MK-801 on the neurons was also observed using an ATM at the resolution of 0.01-0.1 nm.Normal neurons presented smooth membrane surface with regular undulation and densely but well arrayed protein granules. In response to NMDA treatment, the neurons were disrupted, falling into small pieces, and their membrane appeared discontinuous. MK-801 treatment increased the folds of the membrane that showed rough edges, with membrane undulation only secondary to normal condition.AFM, with the merits of high resolution and easy sample preparation, can finely display the three-dimensional morphology of the surface of the neurons, which, after NMDA treatment, becomes disintegrated with increased bulk of the protein granules, deepened caving of the lipids, and rougher membrane surface.