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Astrocytes induce dendritic development in cultured sympathetic neurons
M I Johnson1, D Higgins, M D Ard
1Department of Pediatrics and Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Astrocytes promote sympathetic neuron dendrite development in culture, similar to Schwann cells. This suggests that glial cells, both central and peripheral, release factors essential for neuron structure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Sympathetic neurons require glial cell influence for in vivo-like dendritic development in culture.
- Schwann cells are known to support this process in peripheral nervous system cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of astrocytes in inducing dendritic development in sympathetic neurons.
- To determine if central glial cells can support dendritic outgrowth in sympathetic neurons.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of sympathetic neurons with astrocytes.
- Microscopic analysis to assess dendritic morphology.
- Quantification of dendritic development in cultured sympathetic neurons.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes induced significant dendritic development in over 90% of sympathetic neurons after two weeks.
- This dendritic induction by astrocytes was comparable to the known effects of Schwann cells.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes are potent inducers of dendritic development in sympathetic neurons.
- Dendrite-inducing factors are present in both central (astrocytes) and peripheral (Schwann cells) glial cells.