Chapter 9 Growth of Functional Glial Cells in a Serumless Medium

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the growth of functional glial cells in a serumless medium. The medium that is chosen for use in these studies is generally richer in synthetic nutrients than are other available media and because of the possibility that certain nutrients, reducing agents, trace metal salts, and folinic acid present in this medium, but not in others, would be significant factors in the ability of cells to grow without serum. The chapter discusses the ingredients of the medium, the amounts that are used in the preparation of stock solutions and the final concentrations of each ingredient; and describes the procedure that is employed in preparing the medium. It is generally advisable to add the calcium and magnesium salts last to avoid possible precipitation of some of the salts. Most of the stock solutions could be stored frozen for long periods of time (more than 1 year), and some are best stored at 4°C to avoid precipitation of the ingredients. The medium itself, once prepared, could be stored at 4°C for at least 2-3 months, and probably for periods of time up to 6 months. Without added serum, if the medium is frozen, some precipitation of salts and insoluble amino acids would occur.