Abstract
Cells growing in unmodified blood plasma (Harrison's method) exhibit regularly an accumulation of fat droplets in their cytoplasm. In the case of the cells of the chick embryo this fat accumulation is quite marked after 24 to 48 hours, and reaches a maximum after five to seven days, at which time the cells are distended with fat droplets.
The experiments herewith reported were planned to determine the effect of a reduction in the fat content of the culture medium, brought about by dilution of the plasma, on the accumulation of fat by the cells. In the course of the experiments the influence of dilution on the length of life and morphology of the cells was also observed.
One part of plasma added to twenty or twenty-five parts of Ringer's solution forms a medium which coagulates satisfactorily in hanging drops. Studies were made with dilutions of 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 of pigeon plasma in Ringer's solution, containing 0.9 per cent. NaCl. Pieces of chick embryo heart were used for cultivation. The tissue was finely divided into pieces of suitable size for cultures, which were washed in Ringer's solution for a half hour before using. Cultures from the various series were fixed in formalin at the end of two, three and four days and stained with hematoxylin and Sudan III.
The results may be briefly summarized:
In plasma diluted 1 : 2 the cells live practically as long (5 to 10 days without transfer), as in pure plasma, and show a similar accumulation of fat.
In a 1 : 5 dilution the fat content is slightly diminished; there is little or no effect on the length of life or on the morphology of the cells.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.