Identification and assessment of neuronal differentiation and axonal outgrowth

Cells will be identified using immunocytochemistry with the following specific antibodies: to assess neuronal differentiation - beta-III-tubulin, Map2ab; and midbrain dopaminergic neurons – tyrosine hydroxylase, vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), dopamine transporter, Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), and Nurr1. Axonal outgrowth will be measured and quantified from digital images of beta-III-tubulin labeled cells.