Ultrastructure of dissociated nerve cells of Periplaneta americana (L.) (Dictyoptera : Blattidae) growing in culture

Abstract

Cells from dissociated nervous systems of 16-21-day-old Periplaneta americana were grown in vitro and their ultrastructural properties characterised as part of a long-term study of the insect central nervous system (CNS) in order to determine the value of these cultures in pharmacological studies. Most cells had a spherical cell body, a prominent nucleus and nucleolus, and cytoplasm containing numerous mitochondria and lysosomes. Endomembranous elements were rare. These cells are considered to be neurones. After 48 hr in culture, the neurones produced long axonal processes containing mitochondria and microtubules and terminating in flattened growth cones. Although the processes formed an extensive neuronal network, no synapses were seen. Some glial cells were also present in the cultures.