Differentiation of embryonic chick brain cells in monolayer and reaggregate cultures: A potential model in vitro for neurotoxicity.

In order to develop a model for potential neurotoxicity and teratogenicity, chick brain cells (embryonic day 7) were mechanically dissociated and cultured for up to several months. Differentiation of nerve and glial cells (monolayers in petri dishes and reaggregates in suspension cultures) were monitored with monoclonal antibodies against 68 kDa neurofilament protein (anti-NF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP). Anti-NF stains neurons in vitro as they differentiate morphologically; at day 1 many nerve processes already are feebly stained.