Neural tube-derived factors influence differentiation of neural crest cells in vitro: effects on activity of neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzymes.

Previously, we have demonstrated that a factor present in chick embryo extract or medium conditioned by neural tube cells supports adrenergic differentiation of some neural crest cells in vitro. These studies have been extended here to examine the effects of this factor(s) on the development of enzymes involved in neurotransmitter biosynthesis. The time course of expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), a marker for cholinergic cells, and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), a marker for adrenergic cells, was examined in neural crest cell cultures grown under three conditions: in medium containing 10% embryo extract, in medium containing 2% embryo extract, and in medium containing 2% embryo extract that was conditioned by neural tube cells (NTCM). Significant levels of DBH activity were measured in neural crest cell cultures grown in 10% embryo extract containing medium or in NTCM, while only low levels were present in cultures grown in medium containing 2% embryo extract. In contrast, ChAT activity was inhibited by NTCM in comparison to levels in both 10 and 2% embryo extract containing medium. As a preliminary characterization of the factor(s) present in chick embryo extract, we have fractionated embryo extract and find that a pool of 10 kDa or less can support adrenergic differentiation of some neural crest cells. These results suggest that low molecular weight factors present in embryo extract and NTCM support adrenergic expression of neural crest cells, whereas NTCM suppresses cholinergic expression.