The effects of various nutritional supplements on the growth, migration and differentiation of Xenopus laevis neural crest cells in vitro.

This study investigates the nutritional requirements of Xenopus laevis neural crest cells and melanophores developing in vitro. A comparison is made between the growth and differentiation of cells in serum-containing medium and a chemically defined, serum-free medium that we have designed. Our chemically defined medium is more efficient than serum-supplemented medium in promoting proliferation of these cells. Several supplements are required to enhance culture development. These include insulin, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, somatotropin, luteotrophic hormone, linoleic acid, uridine, and putrescine. In addition, collagen and fibronectin provide the most conducive environment tested for cell migration and adhesion.