Molecular requirements for survival of cultured avian and rodent dorsal root ganglionic neurons responding to different trophic factors

Abstract

We have previously demonstrated that both peripheral and central neurons from 8 day embryonic chick and newborn mouse can be maintained in a serum‐free medium using the N1 supplement consisting of insulin, transferrin, putrescine, progesterone, and selenite. In the present studies we show that dorsal root ganglionic (DRG) neurons from embryonic chick (E7–E15) and neonatal mouse can be cultured in a serum‐free environment with only the addition of insulin and transferrin, plus Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Chick DRG from E10–E15 contain a population of neurons sensitive to a chick embryo eye‐derived ganglionic neuronotrophic factor (GNTF), which is distinct from the neuronal subset dependent upon NGF. The GNTF‐dependent chick neurons can also be maintained in culture with insulin and transferrin supplements. Neonatal mouse DRG neurons, whether supported by NGF or eye‐derived GNTF, likewise survive in serum‐free medium with only insulin and transferrin. Limited numbers of neurons survive for the first 24 hours in a serum‐free medium lacking insulin or transferrin, but failed to display neurite outgrowth even in the presence of added trophic factor.