Morphology and Growth of Embryonic, Human Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants in Long-Term Culture: Expression of Cell Type-Specific Markers during Early Differentiation

摘要: Embryonic, human spinal ganglion explants were plated at 5-12 weeks postconceptional age and cultured for 5-50 days on a semisynthetic substrate in serum-containing culture medium without addition of antibiotics or preconditioned medium. The growth pattern vitro was found to be dependent. Five- 6-week ganglia showed characteristic semicircular with bidirectional extension neurites top monolayer supportive cells. Explanted 9- 10-week an extensive, multidirectional neurite outgrowth less pronounced proliferation nonneuronal Neurite extension, fasciculation, cell migration morphology studied immunohistochemically antibodies neurofilament (NF), S-100, the Thy-1 glycoprotein. Both NF S-100 expressed 5 gestational ganglionic neurons proliferating Schwann cells contact axonal processes, respectively. homogeneously distributed both somata neurites, whereas immunoreactivity intense nuclear weaker cytoplasmic distribution spindle-shaped, bipolar This staining conserved during differentiation long-term culture. forming fascicles by third week However, never until total 10 weeks. In addition, fibroblasts from first membrane similar types, showing coarsely granulated staining. temporal as well spatial expression antigens tissue sections early embryonic cord very what observed vitro.