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Newsletter # 123
In vitro studies
Impaired neuronal connectivity and reduced plasticity contribute to the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety, and are prominently observed in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and in post-stroke neural dysfunction, making the search for compounds that enhance structural neuroplasticity a key objective in drug development.
Neurite extension in primary neuronal cultures serves as a reliable marker of structural plasticity, allowing early identification of molecules that may help restore neural network function.
Neurite extension in primary neuronal cultures serves as a reliable marker of structural plasticity, allowing early identification of molecules that may help restore neural network function.
Our neurite outgrowth assay uses high-content imaging to quantify neurite length and branching of neurons. The platform detects dose-dependent growth induced by drugs across multiple pathways, demonstrating its usefulness for screening novel neurotrophic agents.
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Primary Target / Pathway
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Drug / Compound
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Doses (µM)
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Neurite length extension (%)
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Potential Clinical Relevance / Preclinical Evidence
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SSRI (serotonin)
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Fluoxetine
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0.01-1
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18-81
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Approved antidepressant; enhances cortical and hippocampal neuroplasticity in preclinical models, supporting recovery of neural connectivity in depression and post-stroke cognitive and motor deficits.
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SNRI / Tricyclic
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Imipramine
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0.1-10
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-4-61
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Approved antidepressant; promotes neurite growth and dendritic remodeling in preclinical depression and post-stroke models, suggesting potential to restore impaired connectivity and functional plasticity.
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Sigma-1 receptor agonist
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Pre-084
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0.3-30
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9-106
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Preclinical neurotrophic and structural plasticity effects; may support regeneration and functional connectivity in Alzheimer's disease and post-stroke neural circuits.
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Rho pathway inhibitor
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C3bot
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0.01-1
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4-43
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Preclinical evidence for axonal regeneration and enhanced connectivity; potential to improve recovery of neuronal networks after stroke or in neurodegenerative contexts such as AD.
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5-HT2A agonist (psychedelic)
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DOI
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1-10
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-11-56
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Preclinical structural plasticity; may promote remodeling of cortical circuits in depression and support recovery of connectivity in post-stroke neural networks.
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Additional neurite parameters are available such as total neurite count, number of branching points and neurite critical value .
