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Factors Affecting Neurite Outgrowth in Cell Culture

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Current Aspects of the Neurosciences

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Abstract

A major challenge in developmental neurobiology is the characterization of the epigenetic factors controlling axonal outgrowth towards or within a given target tissue. Important factors are likely to include the expression of receptors for, and availability of, soluble neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF). In addition, the expression of receptors for extracellular matrix components and cell adhesion molecules is likely to directly control growth cone interaction with the local microenvironment. Primary cell cultures of peripheral and central nervous tissue, together with well-characterized ‘neuronal’ cell lines have proved to be a convenient means of identifying some of the factors that may influence neurite outgrowth during development. However, it should be remembered that in vitro observations rarely constitute direct evidence of a physiological function, with the latter normally only established by use of a variety of strategies. The starting point for a study of the factors that affect neurite outgrowth in vitro is generally the isolation of viable healthy neurons from the central or peripheral nervous system. In many instances well-characterized neuronal cell lines offer positive advantages over primary neurons in terms of homogeneity of the population and the large numbers of cells that can be obtained for biochemical analysis. These cells also have disadvantages that limit the conclusions that can be deduced.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N3BG, England

    Patrick Doherty & Frank S. Walsh

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  1. Patrick Doherty
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  2. Frank S. Walsh
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  1. Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, 0X26AW, Oxford, UK

    Neville N. Osborne

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© 1990 Macmillan Publishers Limited

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Doherty, P., Walsh, F.S. (1990). Factors Affecting Neurite Outgrowth in Cell Culture. In: Osborne, N.N. (eds) Current Aspects of the Neurosciences. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10997-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10997-5_4

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave, London

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