Immunocytochemical demonstration of monoamine-containing cells in human fetal brain stem dissociated cultures.

Primary dissociated cultures were prepared from the brain stems of 7- to 10-week-old human fetuses. Immunocytochemical detection of serotonin (5HT)-, dopamine (DA)-, noradrenaline (NA)- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing cells was performed within 4 to 12 weeks in culture. We observed 5HT- and NA-stained neurons in the rhombencephalon. DA-stained cells were observed in the mesencephalon. TH-stained neurons were evidenced in both parts of the brain stem. Our in vitro system appears particularly appropriate for further investigation of grafts transplanted into the lesioned central nervous system (CNS).