n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids increase the neurite length of PC12 cells and embryonic chick motoneurons.
We have tested the action of three n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, either free or in the form of ethyl esters, on the neurite outgrowth in two neuronal models: a rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) and embryonic chick motoneurons, after 7 days in culture. An inverted microscope coupled with the 'VIDS 4' software was used for measuring the neurite length. Free fatty acids were found to be cytotoxic at 10(-3) M and the maximal increase of the neurite length was obtained at 10(-5) M. In contrast, fatty acids in the form of ethylesters were not cytotoxic and at 10(-3) M induced the maximal increase in the neurite length. This increase (1.2 to 2 fold) significantly differed from the control and was dose-dependent. These results were discussed in relation to the action of fatty acids on enzyme activation and membrane fluidity.
Dehaut
F
F
Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire, CHRU Angers, France.
Bertrand
I
I
Miltaud
T
T
Pouplard-Barthelaix
A
A
Maingault
M
M
D000818:Animals; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019787:Linoleic Acid; D008041:Linoleic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D008560:Membrane Fluidity / Q000187:drug effects; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016501:Neurites / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016716:PC12 Cells; D051381:Rats; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid; D019787:Linoleic Acid