Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates the sustained proliferation of mouse epidermal melanoblasts in a serum-free medium in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and keratinocytes.
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulated the sustained proliferation of mouse epidermal melanoblasts derived from epidermal cell suspensions in a serum-free medium supplemented with dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP). The melanoblasts could be subcultured in the serum-free medium supplemented with the two factors in the presence of keratinocytes, but not in the absence of keratinocytes. In these conditions, some melanoblasts proliferated without differentiating for more than 20 days including a subculture. This is the first report of a successful culture of melanoblasts from mammalian skin. This culture system is expected to clarify further markers for melanoblasts and requirements for their proliferation and differentiation.
Hirobe
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Division of Biology, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan.
D000818:Animals; D003994:Bucladesine / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000166:cytology*; D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free / Q000378:metabolism; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D007980:Levodopa / Q000494:pharmacology; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D008940:Mitotic Index / Q000187:drug effects; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D007980:Levodopa; D003994:Bucladesine