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Sympathetic ganglia in culture

I. Neurons

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Summary

1. Phase-contrast microscopy, time-lapse cinematography, electron microscopy and fluorescence histochemistry were used to study neurons in cultured sympathetic ganglia of rat, guinea-pig and embryo chick.

2. There was considerable variation in the morphology and size of neurons in all three species. Many neurons migrated into the outgrowth; those that migrated freely in rat and guinea-pig differed sufficiently from non-migratory neurons to allow a classification into type I (migratory) and type II (non-migratory). Type II neurons appeared to correspond to those seen in situ, but whether type I neurons represent immature or retarded neurons, or are due to culture conditions, is not clear. In the chick, no classification on this basis was possible; instead both migratory and non-migratory neurons showed a large and similar variation in nuclear size.

3. In all three species both migratory and non-migratory neurons remained viable and noradrenaline was demonstrable histochemically for eight weeks (oldest cultures studied). Species differences were found in the extent of outgrowth of nerve fibers and accessory cells.

4. Ultrastructural studies showed processes with features characteristic of sympathetic nerves in situ and of regenerating nerves. Profiles with other ultrastructural features were described and their identity discussed.

5. The action of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) at 1 unit/ml on sympathetic nerve fibers showed that guinea-pig was the most susceptible and chick the least. In the rat and guinea-pig, NGF increased levels of noradrenaline. NGF did not alter the appearance or relative numbers of type I and II neurons in rat and guinea-pig, but did affect the size distribution of both chick migratory and non-migratory neurons; some chick neurons were insensitive to NGF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Julie H. Chamley, Gerda E. Mark, Gordon R. Campbell & Geoffrey Burnstock

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  1. Julie H. Chamley
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  2. Gerda E. Mark
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  3. Gordon R. Campbell
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  4. Geoffrey Burnstock
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This work was supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Australian Research Grants Committee. We are particularly grateful to Janet McConnell for her excellent technical assistance and to Dr. Peter Robinson for his critisicm of the manuscript.

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Chamley, J.H., Mark, G.E., Campbell, G.R. et al. Sympathetic ganglia in culture. Z.Zellforsch 135, 287–314 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307178

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