Examples of neurons expressing eGFP. Hippocampal neurons maintained in mixed glial-neuronal culture for 10 days were inoculated with the eGFP vector and photographed 24 h later using fluorescein optics.

(A) This neuron shows a triangular soma, and apical neurites typical of the type of cells classified as pyramidal neurons.

(B) A neuron with multipolar morphology.

(C) Although the soma is not triangular, this neuron has morphological features including apical and basilar dendrites similar to pyramidal cells. Very long, fine processes are present that extend beyond the field of view. These processes would be difficult to visualize in living cells not transduced with eGFP.

(D) A smaller neuron with morphological features that correspond to an interneuron is shown at 60 h after inoculation. There is an extensive dendritic arborization present. This neuron shows some of the signs of vector mediated toxicity. Arrows indicate a few of the numerous areas of "beading" on the neurites; this process is widespread throughout the dendritic tree.

Scale bars correspond to 50 mm.