Differentiation of myoblasts with nerve cells on microcarriers in culture

Differentiation of embryonic rat and chick myoblasts was investigated using a tridimensional support made of positively charged, uncoated DEAE-cellulose microcarriers (MC). Following rapid cell attachment, the MC interconnected to form large cell-MC conglomerates which remained floating in the nutrient medium. Cells within the conglomerates fused to form myotubes which synthesized muscle-specific proteins such as: creatine kinase, acetylcholinesterase, acetylcholine receptors, and contracted in response to electrical stimulation. Myotubes, at different stages of differentiation, showed characteristic morphology (as observed by transmission and scanning electron-microscopies). Upon addition of dissociated spinal cord cells to these muscle-MC cultures, intensive sprouting of nerve fibres took place. After a few days an extensive network of nerve fibres was formed on the top of muscle myotubes and nerve-muscle contacts were established.