Localization of [3H]serotonin in neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells

Synthesis, localization and release of serotonin (5-HT) were studied in cholinergic neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 cells. The content of 5-HT and tryptophan hydroxylase activity rose substantially when hybrid cells were differentiated by prostaglandin E1 plus theophylline, or dibutyryl cAMP. Localization of [3H]5-HT taken up into differentiated NG108-15 cells was examined by electron microscopic radioautography. Silver grains were observed mostly in neurites, indicating that neurites of differentiated NG108-15 cells are the preferential uptake site of [3H]5-HT. Statistical analysis of the results of electron microscopic radioautographs revealed that silver grains had a high affinity for dense core vesicles of 60-170 nm diameter, though grains were also located over endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and cytosol. Dense core vesicles were abundant in neurites, and less numerous in cell bodies of the hybrid cells. [3H]5-HT taken up into NG108-15 cells was released by potassium stimulation in the presence of Ca2+. The results indicate that NG108-15 hybrid cells manifest many properties comparable to those of serotonergic neurons.