Comparative electrophysiological properties of NG108-15 cells in serum-containing and serum-free media

• Published in: Neuroscience letters Vol. 164; no. 1-2; p. 129
• Main Authors: Kowtha, V C, Quong, J N, Bryant, H J, Stenger, D A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland 24-12-1993
• Subjects: Action Potentials - physiology; Calcium Channels - physiology; Culture Media; Culture Media, Serum-Free; Electric Stimulation; Electrophysiology; Glioma - physiopathology; Humans; Hybrid Cells - physiology; Neuroblastoma - physiopathology; Tumor Cells, Cultured
• ISSN: 0304-3940
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(93)90874-K

The electrophysiological properties of NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrids were compared after culture in serum-containing medium (SCM) versus serum-free media (SFM) containing N2 or B27 supplements. The excitability of cells was media dependent (B27 > N2 > SCM). Action potential profiles of SFM cells were characterized by slower activation and prolonged after hyperpolarization which predisposed SFM cells to fire repetitively. The presence of three types of inward calcium currents was also revealed in SFM cells. These differential effects were primarily attributable to the media used with a secondary enhancement by the chemical differentiating agents used (dB-cAMP and forskolin).