Long term culture and characterization of chicken primordial germ cells

Poster (2012, November)

Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs), can keep their germ cells properties and are foreseen as promising tools for developing avian transgenesis and preservation of genetic resources of endangered species ... [more ▼]

Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs), can keep their germ cells properties and are foreseen as promising tools for developing avian transgenesis and preservation of genetic resources of endangered species. We have developed original methods that allow long term (20 month) expansion of primary cultures of undifferentiated PGCs and their efficient cryopreservation. Blood samples were collected from stage 13-18 embryos, pooled, deposited in cell culture inserts and co-cultivated in the presence of irradiated BRL cells. This physically separated co-culture system along with selective culture medium promoted emergence, selection and proliferation of undifferentiated PGCs lines. Overall, 35% of blood samples gave rise to PGCs cell lines originating from three commercial layer breeds and two Belgian endangered breeds. PGCs lines were first characterised for the expression of the stem cells and PGCs characteristic marker SSEA-1 by FACS (expression rate: 90-99%). RT-PCR confirmed expression of germ-line specific markers (CVH, CDH, DAZL), pluripotency markers (cPouV, cSox2, cNanog), telomerase and CXCR4 receptor. In addition, by means of a quantitative PCR amplification of a chromosome W specific sequence, we demonstrated a drift of all our lines towards the male sex (WL), while they were initially isolated from pooled blood samples with statistically equivalent numbers of male and female embryos (35 females: 29 males). PGCs were subsequently efficiently cryopreserved by slow freezing or by a newly developed vitrification method. Labelled PGCs from 10 lines were injected in recipient embryos. Colonization of the genital ridges confirmed that PGCs retain their gonadal migratory ability, both after long-term culture (min 3, max 20 month) and after cryopreservation. [less ▲]

SK Channel blockade promotes burst firing in dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons

in European Journal of Neuroscience (2008), 28(6), 1108-15

TCRγδ cells in HPV-associated cervical cancer

in Acta Clinica Belgica (2008), 63

Synthesis and radioligand binding studies of methoxylated 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinium derivatives as ligands of the apamin-sensitive Ca2+- activated K+ channels

in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2006), 49(24), 7208-7214

Several methoxylated 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoliniums derived from N-methyl-laudanosine and N-methyl-noscapine were synthesized and evaluated for their affinity for apamin-sensitive binding sites. The ... [more ▼]

Several methoxylated 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoliniums derived from N-methyl-laudanosine and N-methyl-noscapine were synthesized and evaluated for their affinity for apamin-sensitive binding sites. The quaternary ammonium derivatives have a higher affinity with regard to the tertiary amines. 6,7-Dimethoxy analogues possess a higher affinity than the 6,8- and 7,8- dimethoxy isomers. A 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl or a 2-naphthylmethyl moiety in C-1 position are more favorable than a 3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl group. Smaller groups such as propyl or isobutyl are unfavorable. In 6,7-dimethoxy analogues, increasing the size and lipophilicity with a naphthyl group in the C-1 position leads to a slight increase of affinity, while the same group in the 6,7,8- trimethoxy series is less favorable. The 6,7,8- trimethoxy derivative 3f is the first tertiary amine in the series to possess an affinity close to that of N-methyl-laudanosine and N-methyl-noscapine. Moreover, electrophysiological studies show that the most effective compound 4f blocks the apamin-sensitive afterhyperpolarization in rat dopaminergic neurons. [less ▲]

SK channels control the firing pattern of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vivo

in European Journal of Neuroscience (2005), 22(12), 3111-3121

A vast body of experimental in vitro work and modelling studies suggests that the firing pattern and/or rate of a majority of midbrain dopaminergic neurons may be controlled in part by Ca2+-activated K ... [more ▼]

A vast body of experimental in vitro work and modelling studies suggests that the firing pattern and/or rate of a majority of midbrain dopaminergic neurons may be controlled in part by Ca2+-activated K+ channels of the SK type. However, due to the lack of suitable tools, in vivo evidence is lacking. We have taken advantage of the development of the water-soluble, medium potency SK blocker N-methyl-laudanosine (CH3-L) to test this hypothesis in anaesthetized rats. In the lateral ventral tegmental area, CH3-L iontophoresis onto dopaminergic neurons significantly increased the coefficient of variation of their interspike intervals and the percentage of spikes generated in bursts as compared to the control condition. The effect of CH3-L persisted in the presence of a specific GABA(A) antagonist, suggesting a direct effect. It was robust and reversible, and was also observed in the substantia nigra. Control experiments demonstrated that the effect of CH3-L could be entirely ascribed to its blockade of SK channels. On the other hand, the firing pattern of noradrenergic neurons was much less affected by CH3-L. We provide here the first demonstration of a major role of SK channels in the control of the switch between tonic and burst firing of dopaminergic neurons in physiological conditions. This study also suggests a new strategy to develop modulators of the dopaminergic (DA) system, which could be of interest in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and perhaps other diseases in which DA pathways are dysfunctional. [less ▲]