title: Migration and aggregation of embryonic chicken neurons in vitro: possible functional implication of polysialogangliosides.
abstract: The presented study reports a primary culture system of embryonic chicken optic lobe neurons, which turned out to be a suitable model for cell migration and aggregation: Freshly dissociated neurons developed short processes, contacted one another and formed fasciculated bundles, on which neurons migrated as long-shaped cells, similar to migrating neurons in vivo. We used this system to study the possible involvement of c-pathway polysialogangliosides for neuronal migration and aggregation. These highly negative charged glycosphingolipids are the predominant gangliosides of migrating and outgrowing neurons in vivo. Addition of a purified ganglioside mixture (50 microM), extracted from brains of the corresponding embryonic stage, strongly enhanced neuronal migration and aggregation, while incubation of the cells with monoclonal antibody Q211, specifically binding c-polysialogangliosides, reduced aggregate formation in a dose-dependent manner. Cultures treated with 10 micrograms/ml Q211, instead, displayed a more divergent growth, leading to the formation of a fine network of single neuronal processes. These results suggest a functional implication of c-polysialogangliosides in neuronal fasciculation, migration and aggregation.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim-Stuttgart, F.R.G.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Greis
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rösner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003470:Culture Media; D005732:Gangliosides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009899:Optic Lobe, Nonmammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003470:Culture Media; D005732:Gangliosides