Characterization of fetal and postnatal enteric neuronal cell lines with improvement in intestinal neural function.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The isolation and culture of primary enteric neurons is a difficult process and yields a small number of neurons. We developed fetal and postnatal enteric neuronal cell lines using H-2K(b)-tsA58 transgenic mice (immortomice) that have a temperature-sensitive mutation of the SV40 large tumor antigen gene under the control of an interferon gamma-inducible H-2K(b) promoter element.

METHODS: Enteric neuronal precursors were isolated from the intestines of E13-mouse fetuses and second day postnatal mice using magnetic immunoselection with a p75NTR antibody. The cells were maintained at the permissive temperature, 33 degrees C, and interferon-gamma for 24 or 48 hours, and then transferred to 39 degrees C in the presence of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor for 7 days for further differentiation. Neuronal markers were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry. Neuronal function was assessed by transplanting these cells into the colons of Piebald or nNOS(-/-) mice.

RESULTS: Expression analysis of cells showed the presence of neuronal markers peripherin, PGP9.5, HuD, tau, synaptic marker synaptophysin, characteristic receptors of enteric neurons, Ret, and 5-hydroxytryptamine-receptor subtypes at 33 degrees C and 39 degrees C. Nestin, S-100beta, and alpha-smooth muscle actin were expressed minimally at 39 degrees C. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor resulted in increased phosphorylation of Akt in these cells, similar to primary enteric neurons. Transplantation of cells into the piebald or nNOS(-/-) mice colon improved colonic motility.

CONCLUSIONS: We have developed novel enteric neuronal cell lines that have neuronal characteristics similar to primary enteric neurons. These cells can help us in understanding newer therapeutic options for Hirschsprung's disease.