Chemically defined medium for rat astroglial cells in primary culture

A simple strategy for culturing morphologically-conserved rat hypothalamic tanycytes

Hypothalamic tanycytes are specialized bipolar ependymal cells that line the floor of the third ventricle. Given their strategic location, tanycytes are believed to play several key functions including being a selective barrier and controlling the amount of hypothalamic-derived factors reaching the anterior pituitary. The in vitro culture of these cells has proved to be difficult. Here, we report an improved method for the generation of primary cultures of rat hypothalamic tanycytes. Ependymal cultures were derived from tissue dissected out of the median eminence region of 10-day-old rats and cultured in a chemically defined medium containing DMEM:F12, serum albumin, insulin, transferrin and the antibiotic gentamycin. After 7 days in vitro, ∼30% of the cultured cells exhibited morphological features of tanycytes as observed by phase contrast or scanning electron microscopy. Tanycyte-like cells were strongly immuno-reactive for vimentin and dopamine-cAMP-regulated phospho-protein (DARPP-32) and weakly immune-reactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Tanycyte-like cells displayed a stable negative resting plasma membrane potential and failed to show spiking properties in response to current injections. When exposed to fluorescent beads in the culture medium, tanycyte-like cells exhibited a robust endocytosis. Thus, the present method effectively yields cultures containing tanycyte-like cells that resemble in vivo tanycytes in terms of morphologic features and molecular markers as well as electrical and endocytic activity. To our knowledge, this is the first protocol that allows the culturing of tanycyte-like cells that can be individually identified and that conserve the morphology of tanycytes in their natural physiological environment.

Glutamate leakage from a compartmentalized intracellular metabolic pool and activation of the lipoxygenase pathway mediate oxidative astrocyte death by reversed glutamate transport

Astrocytes have essential roles for neuron survival and function, so that their demise in neurodegenerative insults, such as ischemia, deserves attention. A major event of the cell death cascade in ischemia is the reversed operation of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT), releasing glutamate. Cytotoxicity is conventionally attributed to extracellular glutamate accumulation. We previously reported that mimicking such dysfunction by EAAT substrate inhibitors, whose uptake induces glutamate release by heteroexchange, triggers glutathione (GSH) depletion and oxidative death of differentiated astrocytes in culture. Here we demonstrate that astrocyte death, although correlated with glutamate release, is not resulting from high extracellular glutamate-mediated toxicity. L-glutamate per se was gliotoxic only at concentrations much higher than the maximum reached with the potent EAAT substrate inhibitor L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (PDC), and toxicity was lower. Moreover, high glutamate concentrations offered protection against PDC. Protection was also provided by L-aspartate, which is both transported by EAAT and metabolized into glutamate, and by inhibiting glutamine synthetase, which uses transported glutamate to synthesize glutamine. Neither D-aspartate, a metabolically inert EAAT substrate, nor compounds that can provide glutamate intracellularly but are not EAAT substrates offered protection. Interestingly, only the compounds providing protection prevented PDC-induced GSH depletion. These data strongly suggest that reversed uptake-mediated astrocyte death results from the leakage of glutamate from a compartmentalized intracellular metabolic pool specifically fuelled by EAAT, crucial for preserving GSH contents. In addition, we provide evidence for a minor contribution of the cystine-glutamate antiporter x(c) (-) but a major role of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in this death mechanism.

Glutamate transport alteration triggers differentiation-state selective oxidative death of cultured astrocytes: a mechanism different from excitotoxicity depending on intracellular GSH contents

Recent evidence has been provided for astrocyte degeneration in experimental models of neurodegenerative insults associated with glutamate transport alteration. To determine whether astrocyte death can directly result from altered glutamate transport, we here investigated the effects of L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (PDC) on undifferentiated or differentiated cultured rat striatal astrocytes. PDC induced death of differentiated astrocytes without affecting undifferentiated astrocyte viability. Death of differentiated astrocytes was also triggered by another substrate inhibitor but not by blockers of glutamate transporters. The PDC-induced death was delayed and apoptotic, and death rate was dose and treatment duration-dependent. Although preceded by extracellular glutamate increase, this death was not mediated through glutamate receptor stimulation, as antagonists did not provide protection. It involves oxidative stress, as a decrease in glutathione contents and a dramatic raise in reactive oxygen species preceded cell loss, and as protection was provided by antioxidants. PDC induced a similar percentage of GSH depletion in the undifferentiated astrocytes, but only a slight increase in reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, undifferentiated astrocytes exhibited twofold higher basal GSH content compared with the differentiated ones, and depleting their GSH content was found to render them susceptible to PDC. Altogether, these data demonstrate that basal GSH content is a critical factor of astrocyte vulnerability to glutamate transport alteration with possible insights onto concurrent death of astrocytes and gliosis in neurodegenerative insults.

IL-1 beta signalling in glial cells in wildtype and IL-1RI deficient mice

1. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been implicated in neurodegeneration and in central nervous system (CNS)-mediated host defence responses to inflammation. All actions of IL-1 identified to date appear to be mediated through its only known functional type I receptor (IL-1RI). However, our recent evidence suggests that some actions of IL-1 in the brain may be IL-1RI independent, suggesting the involvement of a new, hitherto unknown functional receptor for IL-1. 2. The objective of the present study was to determine if primary mixed glial cells express additional functional IL-1 receptors by studying the signalling mechanisms responsible for the pro-inflammatory actions of IL-1beta in cultures derived from IL-1RI-/- and wildtype mice, and to characterize the functional importance of IL-1 signalling pathways in glia. 3. IL-1beta induced marked release of IL-6 and prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) in the culture medium, and activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkappaB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) in cells from wildtype mice. These responses were dependent on IL-1RI, since cells isolated from IL-1R1-/- mice did not demonstrate any of these responses. 4. In wildtype mice, inhibition of p38 or ERK1/2 MAPKs significantly reduced IL-1beta induced IL-6 release, whilst the NFkappaB inhibitor caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) modulated IL-1 induced IL-6 release by action on NFkappaB and MAPKs pathways. 5. These data demonstrate that IL-1RI is essential for IL-1beta signalling in cultured mixed glial cells. Thus IL-1 actions observed in IL-1RI-/- mice in vivo may occur via an alternative pathway and/or via different CNS cells.

Purinergic (P2X7) receptor activation of microglia induces cell death via an interleukin-1-independent mechanism

Activation of purinergic P2X7 receptors, principally by extracellular ATP, promotes the processing and release of the cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and induces cell death in activated microglia and macrophages. The objective of this study was to determine if IL-1beta release contributes directly to this cell death in microglia. Exposure of microglia to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP induced release of IL-1beta and IL-1alpha, as well as cell death. Neither cell death nor IL-1 release was observed in microglia lacking the P2X7 receptor. Microglia from mice lacking the IL-1beta gene demonstrated a profile of death identical to that of wild-type microglia in response to LPS and ATP. Thus, IL-1beta is not required for P2X7 receptor-stimulated microglial death.

Cultured glial cells express the SNAP-25 analogue SNAP-23

Astrocytes release glutamate and aspartate in response to elevated intracellular calcium levels, and it has been proposed that this occurs by a vesicular release mechanism, in which SNARE proteins are implicated. Although syntaxin, synaptobrevin, and cellubrevin have been shown to be expressed by cultured astrocytes, SNAP-25 has not been detected. By using immunocytochemical, immunoblotting, and polymerase chain reaction techniques, the present study demonstrates that SNAP-23, an analogue of SNAP-25, is expressed by astrocytes both in culture and in rat cerebellum. These findings provide additional evidence that astrocytes release excitatory amino acids by a vesicular mechanism involving SNARE proteins. SNAP-23 and also syntaxin 1 and cellubrevin were found to be expressed in glial precursor cells, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. These data suggest that the t-SNAREs SNAP-23 and syntaxin 1 and the v-SNARE cellubrevin participate in general membrane insertion mechanisms involved in diverse glial cell functions such as secretion, phagocytosis, and myelinogenesis.

Effects of arginine vasopressin and atriopeptin on chloride uptake in cultured astroglia

Ion and water homeostasis in the CNS is subjected to a neuroendocrine control exerted by neuropeptides formed within the brain. In order to gain information on this neuroendocrine control of Cl- homeostasis, 36Cl- uptake was measured in cultured Type-I astrocytes exposed to the neuropeptides [Arg8]Vasopressin (AVP), and atriopeptin (AP) and to various Cl- transport modifiers. AVP increased while AP decreased 36Cl- uptake of cultured astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Both effects became statistically significant at greater than 10(-9) M concentration of the peptides. For the appearance of the effects at least 30-min exposure was necessary. AVP and AP extinguished each other's effect by almost stochiometric manner. When administered together with AVP, the VIA vasopressin receptor antagonist "Manning compound" inhibited, while V2 vasopressin receptor agonist did not influence the 36Cl- uptake-increasing effect of AVP. However, bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport, inhibited the effect of vasopressin and also inhibited the 36Cl- uptake of AVP non-treated, control cells. Our findings suggest that brain Cl- homeostasis is controlled by neuroendocrine system in the CNS.

Monoamine oxidase B expression is selectively regulated by dexamethasone in cultured rat astrocytes

The influence of dexamethasone on monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B expression and activity was investigated in primary cultures of rat type 1 astrocytes cultured under serum free, defined conditions. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent induction of MAO-B, but not of MAO-A, activity. The selective MAO-B increase was substantially reduced by the antagonist RU 486, thus suggesting a glucocorticoid receptor-mediated action of the hormone. Kinetic analysis showed an increase in Vmax of MAO-B with no change in apparent K(m). The dexamethasone-induced selective rise in MAO-B activity appeared to be due to enhanced enzyme synthesis, since MAO-B mRNA was markedly increased by dexamethasone treatment and the recovery of MAO-B activity after its irreversible inhibition by deprenyl was more pronounced in the presence than in the absence of the hormone. Furthermore, the dexamethasone effect was abolished by the protein synthesis inhibitors actinomycin D or cycloheximide. The present study demonstrates that dexamethasone is able to selectively induce MAO-B in type 1 astrocytes and leads to speculation of a possible role for glucocorticoids in the increase in brain MAO-B associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Development of glial cells cultured from prenatally alcohol treated rat brain: effect of supplementation of the maternal alcohol diet with a grape extract

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of supplementation of a maternal alcohol diet with a grape extract on glial cell development. Glial cells were cultured during 4 weeks from cortical brain cells of the new born offspring in DMEM medium supplemented with fetal calf serum. Enzymatic markers of nerve cell development were measured (enolase isoenzymes and glutamine synthetase). Since alcohol consumption produces free radicals the antioxidant system superoxide dismutase was also investigated. Compared to the decrease found in only alcohol treated animals, all parameters except neuron-specific enolase were antagonized and even stimulated after grape extract supplementation. The effect was more important after only 1 month than 3 months of treatment. Also in the total brain an alcohol antagonizing effect and a glutamine synthetase activation were found. Our data demonstrate that addition of a grape extract to the maternal alcohol diet may partially or completely overcome the alcohol induced retardation of glial cell development.

Influence of culture conditions on monoamine oxidase A and B activity in rat astrocytes

Astroglial cells dispersed from newborn rat hemispheres were established in medium supplemented with 20 per cent fetal calf serum (FBS) and then grown to a confluent monolayer in the presence of 10 per cent FBS or charcoal-stripped FBS (CS). Type 1 astrocytes were subcultured and either maintained under the same conditions of the primary cultures or converted to serum-free chemically defined medium (CDM). No differences were found in either MAO A or MAO B activity of astrocytes grown in the presence of FBS or CS after 15 and 21 days in vitro (day 1 and 6 of subculture). In contrast, on day 21 both MAO A and MAO B activities were markedly higher in astrocytes subcultured in CDM compared with cells maintained in serum-supplemented medium. This difference appeared to be due to increased number of enzyme molecules, since kinetic analysis showed an increase in Vmax of both MAO isoenzymes in serum-free medium, but no change in Km. Consistently, the recovery of MAO A and MAO B activity after irreversible enzyme inhibition by clorgyline and deprenyl was faster in CDM than in FBS-supplemented medium, indicating enhanced enzyme synthesis under serum-free condition. Estimates of half-lives for the recovery of MAO A and MAO B activity indicated that, under both culture conditions, type A activity had a higher turnover rate than type B. The effect of CDM on astrocyte MAO does not appear to be due to selection of a subpopulation of cells, but rather linked to a morphological change (differentiation) with increased synthesis of both MAO isoenzymes.

Acetaldehyde-induced growth inhibition in cultured rat astroglial cells

Due to the important role of glial cells in brain maturation and reports on delayed astroglial proliferation following ethanol exposition, it was of great interest to examine the effects of the primary metabolite of ethanol--acetaldehyde--on astroglial cell growth. This was carried out by examining biochemical parameters of astroglial cells cocultured with Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO) transfected with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), able to generate acetaldehyde from ethanol. Acetaldehyde generated from ethanol by ADH-transfected CHO cells had an inhibitory effect on the growth of astroglial cells as assessed by measuring marker enzyme activities and culture protein levels. Moreover, both acetaldehyde and ethanol altered cell cycle and increased astroglial superoxide dismutase activity. Additionally, acetaldehyde, but not ethanol, increased malondialdehyde levels in cultured astroglia. These results clearly show that acetaldehyde may participate in the development of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

70-kDa heat shock protein expression in cultured rat astrocytes after hypoxia: regulatory effect of almitrine

Induction of heat shock proteins (Hsps), especially the 70-kDa family, is well observed in nervous tissues in response to various stressful conditions. By using rat astrocytes in primary culture, the expression of the inducible (Hsp70) and the constitutive (Hsc70) 70-kDa Hsps immunoreactivity of cells exposed to hypoxic conditions has been investigated. We observed that exposure of astroglial cells to an hypoxic-normoxic sequence induces a significant decrease of Hsc70 immunoreactivity. The presence of the heat inducible stress protein Hsp70 is never observed in hypoxic cells nor in control. Hsc 70 lowering is associated with ultrastructural alterations characterized by mitochondria swelling, formation of vacuoles and accumulation of dense material in the cell cytoplasm. The effects of addition of almitrine to the culture medium before and during hypoxia on Hsps immunoreactivity have been examined. The presence of the drug prevents the decrease of Hsc70 immunoreactivity induced by hypoxia. Furthermore, some ultrastructural improvement is observed in astroglial cells treated with almitrine suggesting some protecting role of Hsc70 on cell damage induced by hypoxia.

Almitrine prevents some hypoxia-induced metabolic injury in rat astrocytes

During reperfusion of ischemic brain tissue, the production of reactive oxygen species initiates several modifications of the astroglial functional and ultrastructural integrity. During 24 h after ischemic treatment, modification of cellular superoxide free radical scavenging systems have been observed in primary culture of rat astroglial cell. Mitochondrial Mn superoxide dismutase activity (Mn-SOD) gradually decreases, whereas that of the cytosolic Cu,Zn form of the enzyme remains unaffected. We observed in parallel a significant decrease of glutamine synthetase (GS), an astrocyte specifically located enzyme. Addition of almitrine (dialylamine-4',6'-triazinyl 2')-1-(bis-parafluoro-benzydryl)-4-piperazine or dibucaine (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor) antagonizes the decrease of Mn-SOD activity, but does not affect modification of GS activity. Combined effects are observed by simultaneous addition of both drugs. Our data demonstrate that almitrine may increase the synthesis of some mitochondrial proteins, like Mn-SOD, and provide support for further study on the therapeutic potential of almitrine in ischemic astroglial cell injury.

Effects of arginine vasopressin and atriopeptin on glial cell volume measured as 3-MG space

This study evaluates the hypothesis that arginine vasopressin (AVP) and atriopeptin, peptide hormones synthesized and released within the brain, are regulators of brain cell volume using cultured astroglial cells derived from newborn rats. Cell water content, regarded as volume, was measured in defined, serum-free medium as the 3-O-methylglucose (3-MG) space. Initial experiments established conditions such that glucose, which competes with 3-MG for the glucose carrier, would not interfere with the measurement of the 3-MG space. AVP increased the 3-MG space of glial cells by an average of 25% between 30 and 120 min of exposure, whereas atriopeptin decreased it by 32%. The 3-MG space remained close to normal after coadministration of both peptides. The AVP-dependent increase in 3-MG space was blocked both by the V1 antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (Manning compound) and by the cotransport inhibitor, bumetanide. Results are consistent with a role for AVP and atriopeptin in the homeostasis of atroglial cell volume.

Autoradiographic studies of rat astroglial cell proliferation in vitro with and without treatment with basic fibroblast growth factor

Using specific autoradiographic methods, cell cycle parameters of untreated and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-treated astroglial cells from newborn rats grown in primary culture were directly measured. The mode of proliferation was also analysed. In untreated cultures, S phase duration (Ts = 6.9-13.1 h) and cell cycle time (Tc = 10-18 h) can be modified by about a factor of 2 depending on the culture conditions (serum-supplemented or defined medium, thyroid hormone concentration). However, growth fraction (GF = 0.15) and the ratio Ts/Tc remain stable. With increasing days in vitro (DIV) (DIV 7-DIV 20), Ts (7.8-10.6 h) and Tc (10-21 h) are prolonged and GF (0.14-0.06) decreases, probably due to cell maturation. In general, astroglial cells proliferate exponentially with a GF < 1, but stop proliferating about 30-36 h after the last feeding, probably caused by exhaustion of the medium. However, after refeeding they continue to proliferate. As opposed to in vivo, no transition of non-proliferating cells into the GF occurs. After addition of bFGF, GF increases (e.g. GF at DIV 7 = 0.43), but Ts and Tc are not influenced at DIV 7 and 12. At DIV 20, bFGF additionally shortens Ts and Tc, thereby producing values of Ts, Tc and GF like 'younger' cultures. However, the revitalizing effect on 'mature' cells is only transitory. In general, bFGF leads to a single re-entry of G0 cells into the GF. Thereafter, bFGF does not affect the mode of proliferation.

Free radical scavenging systems of rat astroglial cells in primary culture: effects of anoxia and drug treatment

Hypoxic injury of rat astroglial cells in primary culture initiates several modifications of their functional integrity. A significant decrease of the cellular oxygen consumption was observed in astrocytes submitted to a 15 h low oxygen pressure. The addition of almitrine (dialylamino-4',6'-triazinyl 2')-1-(bis-parafluorobenzydryl)-4-piperazine, a chemoreceptor agonist, restored almost completely the respiratory activity of the hypoxia treated cells. In order to test the hypothesis that oxygen free radical formation may contribute to the cellular damage resulting from ischemia, the activities of the following antioxidant enzymatic systems have been determined in the cultured astrocytes: Cu,Zn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase (GSH-RED), and catalase (CAT). Only a significant and specific decrease of the Mn-SOD activity was observed after the hypoxia-normoxia exposure. The other oxygen radical scavenging systems were not modified. The addition of almitrine antagonized the decrease of the Mn-SOD activity observed in the low oxygen pressure treated cells, but results clearly point-out the importance of oxygen radical production in the astroglial response after hypoxic injury. A beneficial effect of almitrine toward the observed alteration has been underlined. It is suggested that some mitochondrial alterations could be related to some aspects of the astroglial hypoxic stress.

Combined effects of ethanol and manganese on cultured neurons and glia

Manganese is essential for normal development and activity of the nervous tissue. Mn2+ ions are involved in protein synthesis and may prevent free radical damage. Since it is now established that alcohol degradation may produce free radicals, we studied the effect of Mn2+ on ethanol induced alterations using cultured nerve cells as an experimental model of the central nervous system. Neurons and glial cells were cultured from rat brain cortex; a tumoral rat glial cell line (C6) was also examined. We measured enzymatic markers of nerve cell maturation (enolase, glutamine synthetase) and superoxide dismutase, a scavenger of free radicals; all these enzymes being activated by Mn2+ ions. Only for the glial cell types an alcohol antagonizing effect was found when Mn2+ was combined with ethanol. Neurons were not sensitive to that Mn2+ effect.

Hypoxia induced metabolism dysfunction of rat astrocytes in primary cell cultures

In order to study the astroglial contribution to hypoxic injury on brain tissue metabolism, modifications of glutamine synthetase (GS) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enolase and malate dehydrogenase activity produced by reduced oxygen supply have been determined in primary cultures of astrocytes prepared from newborn rat cerebral cortex. Enzymatic activities were measured immediately after the hypoxic treatment (9 h) and during post injury recovery. GS level is significantly decreased in response to low oxygen pressure and increased above control value during the post hypoxic recovery period. The magnitude of GS reduction by hypoxia depends on the age of the cells in culture. Lactate dehydrogenase and enolase levels were significantly enhanced during the two periods considered. No modification of the MDH level was observed. The synthesis of LDH isoenzymes containing mainly M subunits is specifically induced by hypoxia. Our results suggest that astroglial cells may represent a particularly sensitive target toward hypoxia injury in brain tissue. Low oxygen pressure available may modify some fundamental metabolical functions of these cells such as glutamate turnover and lactic acid accumulation.

Thyroid hormone action: induction of morphological changes and protein secretion in astroglial cell cultures

The effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on cell morphology and protein secretion were examined in astrocytes cultured in a chemically defined medium devoid of other hormones and growth factors. The flat polygonal astrocytic cells treated with T3 (1-50 nM) and maintained in non-renewed medium cultures were progressively transformed into process-bearing cells. These changes were initially observed 3 days after the end of T3 treatment and accounted for more than 50% of the cells 7-8 days thereafter. The proteins secreted by the T3-stimulated cells were analyzed on SDS-PAGE after cell labeling for 4.5 h with [35S]methionine. The effect of T3 on protein secretion was dose-dependent. Half-maximal stimulation was reached with 0.2-0.5 nM hormone and the proteins of 46, 59, 67, 78, 85 and 140 kDa were over-secreted (greater than 300% of control). These results were only obtained when the cell medium was not renewed after T3 treatment.

FGFs stimulate IGF binding protein synthesis without affecting IGF synthesis in rat astroblasts in primary culture

The production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II and their binding proteins (BPs) has been studied in new-born rat astroblasts at confluency in primary culture. Under the influence of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) (acidic and basic), the morphology of the astroblasts was altered, 125I-deoxyuridine incorporation was increased, and glutamine synthetase activity was stimulated. IGF production and IGF mRNA expression remained unchanged. Production of the 32 kDa BP (IGFBP-2), the sole or predominant form under base-line conditions, was enhanced and the 43-39 kDa forms (IGFBP-3) appeared or were increased. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) also stimulated production of these BPs, whereas thrombin and db-cAMP had no effect. Our data suggest that a relationship exists between FGF-induced maturation of astroblasts and the forms of BP they produce. The data also indicate that some factors may act specifically on BP synthesis, without affecting IGF synthesis, and in this way play a role in regulating the bioavailability of the IGFs.

Modulation of Mn2+ accumulation in cultured rat neuronal and astroglial cells

The effects of physiological concentrations of K+ on Mn2+ accumulation were compared in rat glial cells and neurons in culture. Increasing the K+ concentration in growth medium increased significantly the Mn2+ level of the cultivated cells, with glial cells more affected than neurons. Ethanol markedly increased the Mn2+ accumulation within glia but not within neurons while ouabain caused inhibition of Mn2+ uptake with neurons and glial cells. A modulation of the total protein synthesis by Mn2+ and ethanol level in the growth medium was observed with glial cells. These data suggest that the mechanisms involved in Mn2+ accumulation in glial cells are different from those present in neurons. Moreover, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that Mn2+ plays a regulatory role in glial cell metabolism.

Orthogonal arrays of particles in astroglial cells: quantitative analysis of their density, size, and correlation with intramembranous particles

Astroglial cells were investigated by means of freeze-fracture in normal rat and mouse brain, cell culture and human gliomas. Membranes of these cells were quantitatively analyzed for their intramembranous particles (IMPs) and orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs). Measurement of the size of OAPs and IMPs has permitted the search for a correlation between the 7-nm IMPs, which are distributed randomly in the membrane, and the subunits of OAPs (OAP-Su, also 7 nm in diameter). Using cultured astroglial cells treated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), arginine vasopressin, or sorbitol, good evidence for a relationship between the density of 7-nm IMPs and the size of OAPs can be demonstrated. These findings led to a hypothetical model of OAP modulation. A preliminary report has been published elsewhere (Neuhaus and Wolburg, 1989).

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors similarly regulate the rate of biosynthesis of rat astroblast proteins

Quiescent rat astroblasts in culture have been treated for various periods of time with acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors. Both factors elicited similar effects on the cell proliferation and glutamine synthetase activity. The rate of biosynthesis of the proteins analyzed on autoradiograms of polyacrylamide gels after two-dimensional electrophoresis was also similarly modulated by the two growth factors. These results suggest that the two fibroblast growth factors act through the same membrane receptors on rat astroblasts in culture.

Expression of high molecular weight astroglial extracellular proteins is altered by growth environment

Conditioned medium from primary rat cortical glia was analyzed with respect to the composition of the secreted high molecular weight protein species. Developmental characteristics of astroglia are affected by growth in the presence and absence of serum. These growth conditions had a pronounced effect on the extracellular protein profile, cellular morphology, and cell substratum adhesion. Cells cultured in defined serumless medium did not express certain proteins expressed in the presence of serum but rather synthesized proteins specifically stimulated by the defined serumless environment. A morphological change from flat amorphous to a contracted fibrous network having an increased affinity for self-self cellular adhesion rather than adhesion to the surface of the tissue culture dish was also stimulated by the defined serumless medium environment. A comparison of the extracellular proteins secreted by the rat C6 glioma and the rat PC12 cell demonstrated the cell-specific nature of the primary glial proteins.

An endogenous lectin found in rat astrocyte cultures has a role in cell adhesion but not in cell proliferation

The presence of an endogenous cerebellar soluble lectin (CSL) has been demonstrated in cultured rat astrocytes by using immunocytochemical techniques. In these cells, the location of lectin CSL was found intracellularly as well as on the external surface of the plasma membrane of the cell bodies and processes, especially in the zones of contact between cells. This suggested that CSL could have a role in adhesion of astrocytes to sister cells. Kinetics of adhesion of astrocytes to culture dishes precoated with CSL showed a rapid binding of these cells. In confluent astrocyte cultures, anti-CSL Fab fragments affected the shape and organization of astrocytes (retraction of the cytoplasm), but they did not detach cells from the substratum. These results indicated that CSL has adhesive properties for astroglial cells and is probably involved 1) in adhesion of astrocytes to sister cells; 2) in binding of protoplasmic regions of astrocyte membrane to the substratum. Further support for these roles came from demonstration of the presence in cultures of glycoprotein ligands recognized by this lectin. The problem of the mitogenic properties of the lectin was also questioned. The addition of CSL to confluent astroglial cultures was able to stimulate only by 40% the proliferation of these cells at an optimal concentration of 5 micrograms CSL lectin/ml of culture medium. This indicated that CSL is not a powerful growth factor for astrocytes.

Endogenous lectin CSL is present on the membrane of cilia of rat brain ependymal cells

An endogenous brain lectin, with a great affinity for oligomannosidic glycans, called CSL (for 'cerebellar soluble lectin'), was detected on the surface of the cilia of ependymal cells both in cultures and in vivo. The lectin is not synthesized by the ependymal cells themselves. In vivo it is neither found in cerebrospinal fluid nor in cells of the choroid plexus. Probably, lectin CSL is produced by subependymal astrocytic cells. The membranes of ependymal cells seem to possess glycoprotein ligands for the lectin which explain the specific adhesion of CSL on the surface of these cells, particularly on the cilia. The localization of this adhesive molecule on cilia of ependymal cells suggests that it may play a role in trapping foreign cells, micro-organisms or debris.

Gangliosides of cultured astroglia

Cultured astrocytes prepared from newborn rat brain and 13-day-old chick embryonic brain were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for ganglioside content. All preparations contained approximately the same total level: 2.4-3.4 micrograms N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc)/mg protein. In contrast, the value for primary cultures of neurons from chick embryonic brain was 5.9. The non-hexosamine-containing species, GM3 and GD3, comprised 75-85% of the total in astroglial cultures, the remainder consisting mainly of structural types other than the gangliotetraose series; choleragenoid assay revealed the latter to be virtually absent or to comprise at most a few percent. Deficiency of gangliotetraose synthesizing ability was indicated by the very low level of UDP-GalNac:GM3 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase detected in the cells. Treatment of cultured astrocytes with astroglial growth factor 2 or dibutyryl cyclic AMP caused little if any change in quantity or pattern of gangliosides. The large majority of cells stained in a manner characteristic of astrocytes: positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, negative for galactosyl ceramides. Staining with cholera toxin and anti-GM1 antibody was essentially negative, as was that with tetanus toxin, A2B5 monoclonal antibody, and antibody to GD3. All evidence thus points to cultured astrocytes of rat and chick brain containing appreciable gangliosides, most of which are GM3 and GD3 with the majority of the remainder comprising structures other than the gangliotetraose type.

Sodium and potassium uptake in primary cultures of proliferating rat astroglial cells induced by short-term exposure to an astroglial growth factor

Primary cultures of rat astroglial cells were maintained in a serum-free medium. After 8-10 days of cultivation the cells were exposed to an astroglial growth factor (AGF2) for short periods (1-120 min). Subsequently, uptake of 22Na+ and 42K+ into control and AGF2-pretreated cells was studied. Assay of the Na+ and K+ values in the cells was also performed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Treatment of rat astroglial cells with AGF2 resulted in a significant increase of the uptake of both Na+ and K+ depending on the duration of the exposure period. To reach the maximum increase of cation uptake, 6-10 min and 30 min of AGF2 pretreatment were needed for Na+ and K+, respectively. Amiloride blocked this increase of Na+ and K+ uptake elicited by AGF2 pretreatment, but the control cells were amiloride resistant. Treatment with AGF2 increased the ouabain sensitivity of the K+ uptake as that: 10(-4) M ouabain inhibited K+ uptake of the AGF2-treated cells to the same degree as 5 X 10(-3) M ouabain with the control cells. The Na+ uptake of AGF2-treated cells, however, exhibited no relevant changes in the presence of ouabain. A significant part of the AGF2-induced K+ uptake could be inhibited by both ouabain and amiloride, but a ouabain-resistant and amiloride-sensitive component also was revealed. The furosemide sensitivity of both Na+ and K+ uptake into cultured astroglial cells was also significantly increased by AGF2. Our findings suggest that short-term exposure of cultured glial cells to AGF2 induces these very early ionic events: 1) The appearance of a relevant amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange, and as a consequence of increased Na+ entry into the cells, secondary activation of the ouabain-sensitive K+ uptake via the Na+,K+-pump. 2) A direct effect of AGF2 on the Na+,K+-pump assembly in the membrane, resulting in increased Na+ sensitivity of the inner pump sites and enhanced ouabain sensitivity of the external K+-binding sites. 3) An increase of ouabain-resistant but amiloride- or furosemide-sensitive Na+ and K+ uptake.

Maturation-related gene expression of rat astroblasts in vitro studied by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Maturation of rat astroblasts was induced in vitro by acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), hydrocortisone and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Cells grown for 20 days were treated for 48 h and labelled with [35S]methionine only during the last 18 h of treatment. Cell proteins solubilized in lithium dodecyl sulfate were submitted to two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. About 300 radioactive proteins could be analysed visually and compared. All treatments induced visible quantitative and sometimes qualitative changes. A total of 81 proteins had their rate of biosynthesis modified. For some proteins, this rate was changed by only one treatment, while for others it was changed by two or even by the three treatments, mostly in the same way. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the proteins involved in the maturation process are organized in sets, proteins belonging to one set always being regulated together under a common control. Some sets would be regulated by only one effector while others would be regulated by several effectors.

Ganglioside potentiation of NGF-independent trophic agents on sensory ganglia

The ability of gangliosides to potentiate nerve growth factor (NGF)-independent trophic agents was determined by examining the capacity of an exogenous mixture of bovine brain gangliosides (BBG) and the monosialoganglioside GM1 to enhance the neuritogenic action of conditioned media (CM). CM were prepared with cultures of C6 glioma cells, neonatal rat astroglial cells, rat L6 myoblasts and chick embryonic skeletal muscle. Chick embryonic (9 day) dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were cultured on collagen-coated surfaces. The nutrient media with serum added or serum-free N1 medium were supplemented with 50% of one of the CM with or without BBG (150 micrograms/ml) or GM1 (150 micrograms/ml). The neuritogenic responses of DRG 48 h in vitro were evaluated microscopically on the basis of neurite length and number. The neurite promoting action of the factor(s) present in the various CM was potentiated by BBG or GM1 and resulted in increased neurite length and number.

Effect of epidermal growth factor on the labeling of the various RNA species and of nuclear proteins in primary rat astroglial cell cultures

This study investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the labeling of various RNA species and of nuclear proteins in primary rat astroglial cell cultures. After 12 hours of EGF treatment in serum-free medium or chemically defined medium, significant increase in RNA labeling, and also in acid-soluble radioactivity and RNA content, was observed. The ratio RNA/DNA was significantly higher in EGF-treated cultures compared with controls. Ribosomal RNAs (28S and 18S), polyadenylated, and nonpolyadenylated RNAs showed a higher specific radioactivity in EGF-treated cultures. Among the nuclear proteins, the labeling of basic proteins was enhanced by EGF treatment, whereas that of total nuclear acidic protein (NHPs) was less modified, except for some NHPs separated by gel electrophoresis with a molecular weight (MW) approximately 95-83 and 44 kd, which were significantly more labeled in EGF-treated cultures.

Comparison of the morphological effects of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors on rat astroblasts in culture

The effects of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) on the morphology of cultured rat astroblasts and on the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were compared. The addition of either aFGF or bFGF affected the morphology of the flat, irregular, polygonal-shaped astroblasts, which formed processes and acquire a fibrous appearance. Appreciable different morphological aspects were observed between aFGF- and bFGF-induced cells, essentially between 11 and 14 days in culture. In the presence of bFGF the astroglial cells were more fibrous with a more compact perikaryon as compared to aFGF treated cells. At the ultrastructural level abundant intermediate filaments were observed in astroglial cells as an effect of aFGF and rare filaments but numerous microtubules were seen in bFGF-treated cells. The immunoreactivity for GFAP increased with time in culture and was much stronger in aFGF-treated cells compared to bFGF-treated cells at day 14. An intense positive staining was observed in the somata of the astroglial cells and their processes in the presence of aFGF, while essentially the processes were stained in the presence of bFGF. After 21 days in culture GFAP immunoreaction was also found in the perikarya of cells treated with bFGF. These results show that rat astroglial cells respond somewhat differently to aFGF and bFGF.

Effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) on oligodendrocyte-enriched glial cultures

The brains from 1-week-old rat pups were used to prepare cultures of glial cells. After 24 hr in culture the cells were changed to a chemically defined serum-free medium (CDM). We have used antibodies against gangliosides (monoclonals A2B5 and LB1) and against galactocerebrosides to monitor the influence of insulin on the development of oligodendrocytes from precursor cells. In these oligodendrocyte-enriched cultures we investigated the influence of insulin and IGF-I on the activity of the marker enzymes 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), and on lipid metabolism. 1) Incorporation of [35S] sulfate into sulfolipids was stimulated by insulin (optimal concentration 100 nM). A sharp peak in sulfolipid synthesis was seen at day 5-6 in culture. 2) Insulin stimulated the expression of CNPase and G3PDH in culture. 3) The stimulating effect of insulin on sulfolipid synthesis, CNPase, and G3PDH activity was mimicked by IGF-I (13 nM). 4) The incorporation of [35S] into sulfolipids and [2-3H]acetate into fatty acids and cholesterol was reversibly reduced by temporary omission of insulin from the medium. These results indicate that insulin and IGF-I stimulate the development of oligodendrocytes in our culture system and that insulin has a general anabolic effect on the lipid metabolism of the cells.

Effect of epidermal growth factor and insulin on DNA, RNA, and cytoskeletal protein labeling in primary rat astroglial cell cultures

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin on DNA, RNA, and cytoskeletal protein labeling in primary rat astroglial cell cultures was investigated. Cultures were grown for 15-30 days in vitro in 10% fetal calf serum (FCS)-supplemented medium and then maintained in serum-free basal medium (DMEM) supplemented with fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin (BSA) for a starvation period of 24 hr before the addition of factors. The effect of factors was tested at different times (4, 10, 22, and 28 hr). At each time, [methyl-3H]thymidine or [5,6-3H]uridine was added to the control and treated cells; the incubation time after the addition of labeled precursors was 2 hr at 37 degrees C. The results obtained indicated that the addition of EGF or FCS significantly stimulated [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, reaching the maximum effect after 22 hr. EGF alone significantly stimulated [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA, and this effect was already maximum at 4 hr and remained constant up to 22 hr. The addition of insulin alone caused a slight increase in nucleic acid labeling for short times (4-10 hr). In contrast with EGF, no detectable stimulation of incorporation of labeled precursors after insulin treatment for 22 hr was observed. On the other hand, the addition of insulin in the presence of EGF induced an increase of the values observed with EGF alone on macromolecular synthesis at all the times studied. Furthermore, a decrease in cell number was observed in confluent cultures maintained for 1 week in medium containing DMEM + BSA in comparison to serum-supplemented (DMEM + BSA + FCS) cultures.

A chemically defined medium for the culture of mature oligodendrocytes

A new chemically defined medium consisting of equal parts of Dulbecco modified Eagle's and Ham's F-12 media supplemented with insulin, sodium selenite, putrescine, and D+ galactose, which allows the long-term survival of mature oligodendrocyte pure cultures, is described. Immunohistochemical staining has shown that over 90% of the cells become positive for myelin proteins shortly following subculture. Contaminating astrocytes (2%) do not survive in this medium. Biochemical data have indicated that these purified oligodendrocytes express 2'3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase and UDP-galactose ceramide galactosyltransferase activities. Electron microscopical examination revealed that the oligodendrocytes were mostly of medium-dark type and appeared to be identical to cells cultured in serum-containing medium. The ability to maintain pure oligodendrocyte cultures in such a defined medium will allow investigations concerning exogenous and endogenous factors involved in oligodendrocyte metabolism.

Proliferation of rat astrocytes, but not of oligodendrocytes, is stimulated in vitro by protease inhibitors

Various natural protease inhibitors stimulate the proliferation of rat astrocytes grown in primary culture in the absence of serum. They are inactive on the proliferation of oligodendrocytes. The mean level of stimulation of the astrocyte proliferation elicited by the protease inhibitors is higher when the cells are in the growth phase, at low cell density than when they are quiescent, at high cell density. Among the protease inhibitors tested three serum proteins, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin and anti-thrombin III were the most active. The present results, taken together with our previous finding that thrombin and some other proteases also stimulate the proliferation of astroglial cells but not of oligodendroglial cells, suggest that proteases and protease inhibitors participate, through still unclear mechanisms, in the control of the proliferation of astrocytes, but not in that of oligodendrocytes, during brain ontogenesis.

Effects of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) on the proliferation and the glutamine synthetase expression of rat astroblasts in culture

The two fibroblast growth factors called acidic and basic FGF (aFGF and bFGF) show a strong homology (55%) of their amino acid sequence (Esch et al.: Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 85:6507-6511, 1985). The effects of these factors on the rate of proliferation of rat astroblasts and on the expression of glutamine synthetase activity in cells grown in primary culture were investigated and compared under various culture conditions. In all the experimental conditions used, both growth factors triggered the proliferation of the cells to the same extent and with similar dose dependence. The mitogenic activities of aFGF and bFGF were potentiated similarly by heparan sulfate and by heparin, with a maximum stimulation of about 100% at 100 micrograms/ml heparin. Treatment of the cells with either of the two factors resulted in identical enhancement of the activity of glutamine synthetase relative to total proteins. These results suggest that both factors act either through the same membrane receptors or through different receptors that mediate nearly identical effects.

Platelet-derived growth factor is a mitogen for glial but not for neuronal rat brain cells in vitro

The effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the proliferation of isolated rat neural cells grown in serum-free chemically defined media have been investigated. It was found that PDGF drastically stimulates the proliferation of astroblasts and oligodendroblasts, but has no effect on the proliferation of neuroblasts in primary culture. A role of PDGF in the reactive gliosis, occurring after brain injury, can be suggested.

Thrombin is a potent mitogen for rat astroblasts but not for oligodendroblasts and neuroblasts in primary culture

Astroblasts from brain of newborn rat can survive and even proliferate to some extent in a chemically defined medium containing no other growth factor than insulin, providing they are grown first in the presence of fetal calf serum for at least 4 days (Weibel et al., 1984, Int. J. devl Neurosci. 2, 355-366). We found that thrombin is a potent mitogen for these cells, in vitro. The mitogenic activity of thrombin for astroblasts can be compared to that of the astroglial growth factor on astroblasts. However, in contrast to the bFGF, thrombin does not modify significantly the morphology of the cells and their synthesis of glutamine synthetase, an astroglial marker in rat brain. Some other proteases are also able to stimulate the proliferation of astroblasts, but to a lesser extent than thrombin. Thrombin does not stimulate the proliferation of oligodendroblasts from newborn rat and of neuroblasts from 13-day-old rat embryo. These results suggest that in the central nervous system thrombin might play a role in the induction of astrocyte proliferation after brain injury.

Glutamine synthetase and energy metabolism enzymes in cultivated chick neurons and astrocytes: modulation by serum and hydrocortisone

Primary cultures of astroglial cells and of neurons obtained from chick embryos were grown in culture medium with and without serum added. The expression of glutamine synthetase (GS) in the cultured nerve cells was investigated immunocytochemically and biochemically. The cellular localization of GS in cerebellar tissue sections and in cerebral cortex of chick embryos was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. In tissue sections the enzyme is only present in astrocytes and their processes; neurons and their structures do not express the enzyme. In contrast, in pure neuronal primary cultures, a high level of GS was detected by biochemical and immunochemical methods. Thus, our results clearly indicate the presence of GS in pure neuronal cell cultures and its absence in this type of cells in vivo. Removal of serum from the culture medium enhanced GS levels in primary astrocyte cultures, but was without effect on GS activity in neurons. Addition of calf serum to the culture medium induces a two-fold increase of cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in neurons by increasing specifically the M subunit containing isoenzymes. The sensitivity of chick astroglial cells and neurons toward the GS inducing effect of hydrocortisone and modulation of its effect by serum was also investigated. Differences in the sensitivity of the two types of nerve cells in culture toward the GS inducing effect of hydrocortisone, and the effect of serum could be demonstrated.

Decrease in the density of orthogonal arrays of particles in membranes of cultured rat astroglial cells by the brain fibroblast growth factor

The effect of brain-derived basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the membrane structure of cultured rat astroglial cells was investigated by quantitative freeze-fracture replica examination. In the presence of bFGF the number of the orthogonal arrays of particles (OAP), which are characteristic compounds of the membrane of mammalian astrocytes, is clearly reduced. This finding is discussed in the framework on current views about neuro-glial interactions and their implications in the process of fiber regeneration in the central nervous system.

Specific insulin-mediated regulation of glutamine synthetase in cultured chick astroglial cells

The expression of glutamine synthetase (GS; L-glutamate ammonia ligase; EC 6.3.1.2) in primary cultures of chick astroglial cells and neurons grown in a chemically defined medium, with and without insulin added, was investigated. An inhibitory effect of insulin toward GS activity, and specific to chick astroglial cells, was observed. Neurons in culture were not sensitive to the hormone effect. Modulation of the activating effect of hydrocortisone on glial GS by insulin was also observed. The data suggest that insulin contributes to the regulation of the metabolism of amino acid neurotransmitters via its effect on GS.

Glial culture on artificial capillaries: electron microscopic comparisons of C6 rat glioma cells and rat astroglia

The functional association of astroglial footplates with blood vessels is important because astrocytes may provide a channel between the blood and neurons deeper in the brain parenchyma for the passage of ions and metabolites. This hypothesized function is very difficult to study in vivo or in monolayer cultures. We have produced a three-dimensional cell culture model of perivascular astroglia by means of an artificial capillary system. Conventional primary cultures of astroglia were first prepared from neonatal rat cerebral hemispheres in 75-cm2 tissue culture flasks. After 25 days, the cells were seeded in Amicon Vitafiber hollow fiber culture vessels. Direct seeding of brain cell suspensions was not successful. A culture unit consists of a bundle of hollow, semi-permeable polysulfone fibers encased in a plastic shell. The fibers were coated with fibronectin and bovine serum albumin, and astroglia were seeded on their outer surfaces. Warmed medium was pumped through the lumina of the fibers. After 13 days the cells were fixed with paraformaldehyde and examined. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the tubes to be uniformly covered with astroglia with short processes that contacted nearby cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed glial filaments and gap junctions. Astrocyte cultures were compared morphologically to C6 rat glioma cells in hollow fiber culture. The astrocytes formed a monolayer, whereas C6 cells formed a stratified culture. Furthermore, C6 cells did not form gap junctions. Astrocytes have been hypothesized to take up K+ discharged to the extracellular space by depolarizing neurons and move it to areas of low concentration, i.e., to act as a K+ spatial buffer. Our culture system should permit direct testing of this hypothesis.