Neuronal properties of nymphal and adult insect neurosecretory cells in vitro.

Neurosecretory brain cells from late nymphal and adult cockroaches were grown for 1 to 3 months in a chemically defined medium in combined cultures with embryonic organs or oocytes from nymphal and adult specimens. Under these conditions, neurosecretory cells show vigorous axonal growth. Electron dense granules in cell perikarya and axons of 3-month-old cultures are suggestive of neurosecretory activity in vitro.