Coupling among identified cells in mammalian nervous system cultures.

Cell coupling can be demonstrated among groups of oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and fibroblasts or fibroblast-like cells, but not for dorsal root ganglion neurons, Schwann cells, or macrophages in mouse or rat cell cultures. Neurons were identified by their ability to generate action potentials. Non-neuronal cells were recognized immunologically by their ability to react with a variety of rhodamine-labeled cell type-specific antibodies. Intracellular injection of the gap junction permeable fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow and ionic current were used to establish the presence of coupling among these identified cells. Coupling under the culture conditions used in this study does not represent a random membrane interaction between closely apposed cells but rather a form of communication among restricted populations.