Immortalized rat Schwann cells produce tumours in vivo

摘要: We have recently reported the immortalization of primary Schwann cells isolated from sciatic nerves normal neonatal rats. The were maintained under continuous mitogenic stimulation with glial growth factor and forskolin, achieving after 12 to 15 weeks without use viral infection, oncogene transformation or chemical carcinogens. immortalized (1.17 cells) initially retain capability recognize attach peripheral neurons in culture as well ability myelinate those neurons. functional capacity gradually diminishes culture, such that late passage can ensheath but cannot form a myelin sheath. Both secrete comparable amounts autocrine activity be regulated by extracellular matrix proteins. difference between quiescent seems lie not production rather relative respond factor(s). To test potential for tumoursin vivo, we injected equal numbers into nerve adult syngenic rats allowed them incubate there 6 13 weeks, whereupon inspected tumour formation. In every case (N=3) had no effect whereas injection (N=5) resulted solid cellular mass surrounding nerve. tumours encapsulated masses actively dividing Schwann-like surrounded did invade fascicle. expressed cell surface antigens laminin, 217C (Ran 1) S-100 like been injected. Within embedded collagenous matrix, basal lamina occasionally attained an orientation Antoni A B patterns typical human schwannomas. These data suggest rat immortalizedin vitro chronic provide experimental animal model schwannomas neurofibromas.