Effect of serum-free medium on growth and differentiation of sympathetic neurons in culture

Abstract

Primary cultures of dissociated superior cervical ganglia (SCG) were grown either in serum-containing medium (+FBS) or in serum-free, defined medium (N 1). The cultures were then compared for several differentiated properties. Neuronal survival was similar in the two media. Background cell, especially fibroblast, proliferation was less in N 1. Small, intensely fluorescent cells were occasionally seen only in +FBS. Catecholamine fluorescence in neuronal processes and cholinergic synaptic activity persisted beyond 1 month in culture in both media. Quantitatively, however, neuritic outgrowth, nerve terminal fluorescence, and synaptic interaction were less in N 1. Muscarinic depolarization and electrical membrane properties, including the presence of at least 4 voltage-sensitive outward currents, were similar in the two media. Thus, SCG neurons differentiate in N 1 essentially to the same degree as they do in +FBS.