Related Experiment Videos
Serum modulates cyclic AMP-dependent morphological changes in cultured neurohypophysial astrocytes
K D Ramsell1, B G Zhao, D Baker
1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Brain Research Bulletin
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Serum influences the shape of pituicytes, specialized cells in the rat neurohypophysis. While some substances promote a stellate shape, serum can reverse or block this change, indicating its role in cell plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pituicytes are glial cells in the neurohypophysis, known for their morphological plasticity.
- Their shape changes are crucial for neuroendocrine function and regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of serum on pituicyte morphological plasticity in vitro.
- To understand the role of serum components in regulating neuroglial relationships.
Main Methods:
- Explant cultures of adult rat neurohypophysis were used.
- Pituicytes were incubated in HEPES buffered salt solution (HBSS) with or without isoproterenol or forskolin.
- The effects of serum supplementation on pituicyte morphology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Isoproterenol and forskolin increased the fraction of stellate pituicytes.
- Isoproterenol-induced stellation was irreversible.
- Serum reversed forskolin-induced stellation and blocked further increases in stellate pituicytes.
Conclusions:
- Serum components play a significant role in controlling pituicyte morphological plasticity.
- Serum influences the dynamic regulation of neuroglial interactions in the neurohypophysis.
- These findings suggest a mechanism for in vivo control of neuroglial relations.