AIM AND METHODSThe properties and sensitivity to acetylcholine of PC12 cells differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF) have been investigated by using whole-cell clamp technique.

RESULTSWhen cultured in the presence of NGF, PC12 cells not only differentiated to resemble sympathetic neurons morphologically, but also developed electrical excitability. NGF-treated PC12 cells were highly sensitive to ACh than untreated cells. The I(Ach) proved to be generated by nAChR by pharmacological identification. Nicotinic receptor was characterized by desensitization. The macroscopic I(ACh) was inward rectified and concentration dependent.

CONCLUSIONPC12 cells are easily cultured and provides a homogenous population of cells. When culture in NGF, they differentiate to sympathetic-like neurons that contain on their surface neuronal nAChR, it can be used as good model system for studying regulation of a sympathetic neuronal nAChR.