Ames' Medium with L-Glutamine – Optimized for Retinal & CNS Tissue Culture
Purpose-Formulated for Neural Tissue Viability
Ames' medium was specifically developed to maintain retinal tissue functionality in short-term culture. Validated in rabbit retina studies, this medium preserves:
✓ Metabolic activity for >48 hours
✓ Intact electrophysiological light responses
✓ Structural integrity of neural tissue
Superior CNS Modeling Capabilities
The retina serves as an ideal CNS model due to its:
• Accessibility - Easier to isolate than most neural tissue
• Structural resilience - Withstands experimental manipulation
• Avascular nature (in rabbit) - Survives through passive diffusion
• Functional preservation - Maintains signaling without vascular perfusion
Key Advantages
Physiologically balanced - Mimics in vivo conditions
Neural-optimized - Contains essential L-glutamine
Electrophysiology-ready - Supports light-responsive studies
Storage & Handling Protocols
Temperature Control:
→ Maintain at 4°C at all times
→ Avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Stability:
• Unopened: 12 months from receipt
• Opened: Use immediately for optimal results
Best Practices:
✓ Pre-warm only needed aliquots
✓ Use sterile technique for all transfers
✓ Protect from light exposure
Note: For extended cultures beyond 48 hours, consider supplemental oxygenation and periodic medium refreshment.