Cell types and cell-substrate interactions in serum-free dissociated cultures of rat hypothalamus.
We have developed a system for the long-term cultivation of hypothalamic neurons at low density in defined serum-free medium, and have identified the major classes of cells in these cultures. Cells prepared from the dissociation of embryonic rat hypothalami are plated, in serum-free medium, onto monolayers of cortical astrocytes. Neurons adhere and begin to extend neurites soon after plating, and survive for up to several weeks in culture. Cell-type-specific immunological markers were utilized to identify neurons and the major classes of glial cells in these cultures. The culture of hypothalamic neurons in serum-free conditions provides a valuable system for the study of the cellular basis of hypothalamic neuronal heterogeneity and functional diversity.
Ventimiglia
R
R
Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway 08854.
Geller
H M
HM
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology; D009474:Neurons / Q000145:classification / Q000166:cytology*; D051381:Rats
D003470:Culture Media