Attachment, Survival and Neurite Extension of Chick Embryo Retinal Neurons on Various Culture Substrates

Chick embryo retina neurons in culture extend neurites and form synapses. Seven different culture substrates were compared to determine which culture surface would produce the best neuronal survival and neurite extension. The order of survival of retina neurons during 7 days of culture is salt-precipitated collagen > ammoniated collagen > fibronectin > air-dried collagen = polylysine > tissue culture plastic > polyornithine. Similarly, salt-precipitated collagen allowed the greatest number of cells to extend neurites. The amount of neuronal aggregation and nonneuronal cell growth also varied with the substrate. Nonneuronal cell growth promoted neuronal growth and neurite extension on several substrates.