Neutral glycolipid and ganglioside composition of type-1 and type-2 astrocytes from rat cerebral hemisphere

J Neurosci Res. 1999 Feb 1;55(3):382-93. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4547(19990201)55:3<382::AID-JNR13>3.0.CO;2-M.

Abstract

We reported previously that the major gangliosides in primary mixed-type astrocyte cultures are GM3 and GD3. To obtain more information regarding the exact distribution of glycosphingolipids in different types of astrocytes, we established a line of type-1 astrocytes that are characterized by a Ran-2 positive, broad flat morphology, and by the absence of binding to A2B5 antibodies. We also purified O-2A progenitor cells by immunopanning and cultured them in the presence of 10% newborn calf serum. They differentiated into type-2 astrocytes that were identified by immunostaining for each of GD3, A2B5, and GFAP. Using these cell cultures, we demonstrate that the major gangliosides were GM3 in type-1 astrocytes and GM3 and GD3 in type-2 astrocytes. In addition, a set of neutral glycolipids was identified based on the HP-TLC migration properties of CMH, CDH, CTH, and Glob, but the component distribution of these glycolipids is related to that of glycolipids of astrocytes. A marked increase in the expression of CTH and Glob was shown in type-2 astrocytes. The amount of neutral glycolipid-sugar was higher in the type-2 astrocytes than in the type-1 astrocytes. These results suggest that the increase in the total glycosphingolipid content and the change in the neutral glycolipid composition produced by type-2 astrocytes may be related to their biological functions and the cellular compositions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gangliosides / biosynthesis*
  • Glycolipids / biosynthesis*
  • Rats
  • Stem Cells / cytology*

Substances

  • Gangliosides
  • Glycolipids