Modifications to Monolayer Cell Culture

Co-culture also provides a system in which questions about cell-cell interactions can be addressed. If a toxic effect in a tissue requires cooperation between cell types, then considerable information about the mechanism of this interaction can be obtained through use of co-culture constructs. For example, an effect may be observed when different cell types are admixed, but not when cell types are physically separated and only communicate through a common medium, as can be achieved by plating one type on the vessel bottom and another on a membrane insert. This result would argue against involvement of a soluble mediator and suggest a mechanism involving direct contact of the different cell types. 

Cell Line Source Differentiated Cell type Toxicant Measured Endpoint 

N1E-115 Mouse neuroblastoma Cholinergic neuron Lead Pyrethroid insecticide Blockage of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels Prolonged open time for voltage-dependent Na+ channels 

PC12 Rat pheochromocytoma (adrenal medullary tumor) Adrenergic neuron Tricresyl phosphate (organophosphate) Inhibition of neurofilament assembly and axonal growth 

SK-N-SH Human neuroblastoma Neuron Anesthetic N20 Depressed cholinergic Ca2+ signaling 

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