Matrix Cells Dissociated from the Mouse Forebrain Vesicle Reaggregate to Form Neural Tube-like Organoid Structures in vitro.

Abstract

An in vitro study employing dissociated matrix cells obtained from the rostral part of mouse neural tube or forebrain vesicle was done in an attempt to elucidate their cellular characteristics. We found a reaggregate formation with an organoid architecture. The organization of the reaggregate was studied by transmission as well as scanning electron microscopy, and by immunocytochemistry. After three days in a stationary culture, dissociated matrix cells formed a spherical, organoid reaggregate having a central lumen. The size of the reaggregate varied from approximately 100μm to 200μm. The transmission electron microscopy revealed that the reaggregate wall is composed of two types of cells; one has an electron-lucent cytoplasm with few organelles except for polysomes, whereas the other contains an electron-dense cytoplasm with many microtubules and mitochondria. The latter type of cell was located in the marginal portion of the wall intermingled with a large number of cellular processes. These cells were immunostained with anti-neurofilament antibodies and regarded as neuroblasts. The luminal surface was composed predominantly of the former cell type showing well-developed junctional complexes in between them and having cilia on its luminal side. Mitotic figures were frequently demonstrable adjacent to the lumen.