The formation of myotubes in cultures of chick embryo myogenic cells in serum-free medium is induced by the insulin pulse treatment.
A simple chemically defined medium is described which in primary cultures promotes differentiation of cells form embryonic chicken breast muscle to myotubes and cross-striated myofibres. It is shown that 5 minute pulse treatment of the myogenic cells with the insulin containing solution is sufficient to switch on, in all-or-nothing manner the processes of myotube formation. Supplementation of Eagle's minimal essential medium (EMEM) with Dextran T-500, microelements, Thiodiethanol, and catalase, and incubation of the cultures at 35 degrees C instead at 37 degrees C, provided conditions promoting myotube terminal differentiation to cross-striated myofibres. These myofibres showed well-developed sarcomeres and were capable of spontaneous contractions.
Reiss
K
K
Department of Cell Biology, Jan Zurzycki Institute of Molecular Biology, Jagellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
Korohoda
W
W
D000818:Animals; D002374:Catalase / Q000494:pharmacology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002459:Cell Fusion / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000378:metabolism; D003470:Culture Media; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009132:Muscles / Q000166:cytology*; D013696:Temperature
D003470:Culture Media; D007328:Insulin; D002374:Catalase; D003402:Creatine Kinase