Dextran T-500 improves survival and spreading of chick embryo cells in serum-free medium

The supplementation of serum-free Eagle's minimal essential medium (EMEM) with Dextran T-500 significantly improves attachment, spreading and survival of chick embryo cells in primary (myoblasts) and secondary (fibroblasts) cultures. These effects were observed in quiescent cultures incubated at 4 degrees C as well as at 37 degrees C. The results suggest that dextran can be used to simplify conditions for research on factors influencing cell proliferation and differentiation in serum-free media.