Neurochemical Characteristics of a Novel Dorsal Root Ganglion X Neuroblastoma Hybrid Cell Line, F‐11

Abstract: We investigated the properties of the novel dorsal root ganglion (DRG) hybrid cell line F‐11 to see how closely these cells resembled normal DRG cells. Under normal growth conditions, F‐11 cells appeared to contain several short neurite‐like processes. However, these cells could also be grown under conditions in which they showed a much more extensive neuronal morphology, exhibiting many long neurites. Several differentiated features of DRG cells were present on F‐11 cells. These included the presence of δ5‐opioid receptors, receptors for prostaglandins and brady‐kinin, and dihydropyridine‐sensitive calcium channels. F‐11 cells also synthesized and released a substance P‐Iike compound, as determined by immunoreactivity. Both the number of bradykinin receptors and the voltage‐sensitive calcium influx increased on cell differentiation. Opioid agonists (δ‐specificity) were found to decrease cyclic AMP levels in F‐l 1 cells in a naloxone‐ and pertussis toxin‐reversible fashion. Bradykinin stimulated the synthesis of inositol‐1,4‐bisphosphate and inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate. Ca²⁺ channel agonists stimulated voltage‐sensitive Ca²⁺ influx in a dose‐dependent, stereospecific manner, whereas Ca²⁺ channel antagonists inhibited Ca²⁺ influx. F‐ll cells should, therefore, prove useful as models for authentic DRG neurons.