Effect of serum deprivation on myelinating mouse cerebellum cultures

In order to investigate the effect of nutrient deprivation on brain development, mouse cerebellum cultures were grown in nutrient media with reduced serum concentration. After 9--18 days in vitro, experimental cultures grown in media with low serum concentration exhibited a delayed and retarded myelination. Electron microscopic examination of experimental cultures revealed profiles of deficient myelination, but showed normal neuronal and synaptic structures. The amount of myelin basic protein measured by radioimmunoassay was markedly reduced in experimental cultures. Activity of cholinesterase in these experimental cultures was also decreased.