Abstract
Cell densities and respiratory rates of astrocytes from neonatal rat brain grown in primary culture were determined after 20–30 days in vitro. Cells grown in flasks reached lower densities (μg DNA/cm2) and higher protein: DNA ratios than cells grown in petri dishes. Respiratory rates were lower for cells grown in flasks compared to cells grown in dishes. The pH of the medium in flasks fell below 6.9 between feedings while the pH of the medium in dishes remained at about 7.2. Cells grown in dishes with the medium pH adjusted to 6.8 also showed lower final cell densities, higher protein: DNA ratios, and lower respiratory rates, compared to cells grown under similar conditions at pH 7.5. Intermediate values of each parameter were found in cells grown at pH 7.5 for one week and then at 6.8 for 20 days. We conclude that the effects of ambient pH account for the differences in growth characteristics and respiratory rates of astrocytes grown in dishes versus those grown in flasks.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kimelberg, H. K., Narumi, S. andBourke R. S. 1978. Enzymatic and morphological properties of primary rat brain astrocyte cultures, and enzyme development in vivo. Brain Res. 153:55–77.
Nissen, C., andSchousboe, A. 1979. Activity and isoenzyme pattern of lactate dehydrogenase in astroblasts cultured from brains of newborn mice. J. Neurochem. 32:1787–1792.
Hertz, L. 1978. Energy metabolism of glial cells. Pages 121–132.in Schoffeniels, E. Franck, G. Hertz, L. andTower D. B. (eds.), Dynamic Properties of Glia Cells. Pergamon Press, New York.
Danes, B. S., andPaul, J. 1961. Environmental factors influencing respiration of strain L cells. Exptl. Cell Res. 24:344–355.
Fischer, A. 1921. Growth of fibroblasts and hydrogen ion concentration of the medium. J. Exptl. Med. 34:447–454.
Olson, J. E., andHoltzman, D. 1980. Respiration in rat cerebral astrocytes from primary culture. J. Neurosci Res., 5(6):497.
Richards, G. M. 1974. Modifications of the diphenylamine reaction giving increased sensitivity and simplicity in the estimation of DNA. Anal. Biochem. 57:369–376.
Lowry, O. H., Rosebrough, N. J., Farr, A. L., Randall, R. J. 1951. Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J. Biol. Chem. 193:265–275.
Rubin, H. 1971. pH and population density in the regulation of animal cell multiplication. J. Cell Biol. 51:636–702.
Hertz L., Bock, E. andSchousboe, A. 1978. GFA content, glutamate uptake and activity of glutamate metabolizing enzymes in differentiating mouse astrocytes in primary cultures. Dev. Neurosci. 1:226–238.
Dittman, L., Sensenbrenner, M. Hertz, L. andMandel, P. 1973. Respiration by cultivated astrocytes and neurons from the cerebral hemispheres. J. Neurochem. 21:191–198.
Roth-Schechter, B., Sensenbrenner, M. M. andMandel, P. 1976. Effet du pentobarbital sur la morphologie et la respiration des cellules gliales en culture primaire. C. R. Acad. Sci. 283:1333–1335.
Kuchler, R. J., andMerchant, D. J. 1958. Growth of tissue cells in suspension. Mich. U. Med. Bull. 24:200–212.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Olson, J.E., Holtzman, D. Factors influencing the growth and respiration of rat cerebral astrocytes in primary culture. Neurochem Res 6, 1337–1343 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00964355
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00964355