Differentiation of myoblasts and CNS cells grown either separately or as co-cultures on microcarriers.

Dispersed neuronal and muscular elements from fetal or neonatal origin, can organize and mature in culture when grown on positively charged cylindrical microcarriers (MCS), to a stage which simulate in vivo maturation. Cells arrange themselves on the MCS to form aggregates which remain floating in the nutrient medium. In such a tridimensional organization, the neuronal tissue is capable of regenerating a network of nerve fibers which establish synapse interconnections and undergo myelination. Oligodendrocytes organize on MCS in a tridimensional pattern and produce extensive myelin-like membranes. Myoblasts in MC-cultures fuse into polynucleated myotubes which become striated and contract spontaneously. Creatine kinase and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) are formed during myogenesis in similar quantities in MC-cultures and in monolayers. When both neuronal and muscle tissues are prepared from the same fetus (autologous nerve-muscle co-cultures) and are cultured on MCS, they interconnect to form neuro-muscular junctions. Cells from both tissues, exhibit better differentiation, for longer periods in MC-cultures than they do in monolayers. The floating functional entities are easy to sample and can be harvested for ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and biochemical analysis. In addition, MC-cultures can be used as a good tool for the study of acute and chronic exposures to toxicological agents, as well as for implantation into demyelinated, injured or dystrophic tissues. In this case the MCS in the implanted entities will serve as identifiable markers.