Three distinct neuronal phenotypes exist in embryonic rat hippocampal neurons cultured in basic fibroblast growth factor

James H. Eubanks, Jose L. Perez-Velazquez, Robert G. Kerr, Peter L. Carlen, Linda R. Mills, Owen T. Jones

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The possibility that neurons cultured in basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are heterogeneous raises concerns about their subsequent use in gene transfection and transplantation studies. We have examined the fate of embryonic hippocampal neurons in bFGF culture, and now conclude that these cells are not only heterogeneous; but possess neurons of various stages of development. Morphological and immunocytochemical analysis reveal three distinct developmental classes of neurons are present in extended bFGF culture. This tripartite classification is supported by electrophysiological analysis, which reveals that upon depolarization, neurons with precursor and juvenile neuron morphologies are unable to fire action potentials. The third class of neurons, which resemble age-matched polarized neurons in standard serum culture, fired multiple action potentials indicative of a mature phenotype. These data show neurons at multiple developmental stages co-exist in bFGF culture, and provide an experimental basis for their classification.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5-8
    Number of pages3
    JournalNeuroscience letters
    Volume204
    Issue number1-2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2 Feb 1996

    Keywords

    • Development
    • Electrophysiology
    • Growth factors
    • Hippocampal neurons
    • Immunocytochemistry
    • Primary culture

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