Metallothionein induction in rat hippocampal neurons in primary culture
Thakran, P.; Leuschen, M.P.; Ebadi, M.
In Vivo 3(3): 191-197
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0258-851X PMID: 2519854 Document Number: 347371
Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons are important for the study of trace elements in epileptogenesis. We developed a model system for culturing hippocampal neurons on poly-L-lysine in Iscove's modification of Dulbecco's MEM (IMDM) supplemented with K+, D-glucose, glutamine, insulin, p-amino benzoic acid, transferrin, BSA, beta-estradiol, gentamycin, and fungizone. Neurons were identified by histochemical staining for cholinesterase. Zinc at concentrations of 10(-9) to 10(-6) M induced metallothionein in hippocampal neuronal cultures. Maximum metallothionein induction occurred after 48 hrs incubation with zinc.