Synapse formation between clonal neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells and striated muscle cells

Abstract

Clonal neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells were shown to form synapses with cultured, striated muscle cells. The properties of the synapses between hybrid and muscle cells were similar to those of the normal, neuromuscular synapse at an early stage of development. The number of synapses formed and the efficiency of transmission across synapses were found to be regulated, apparently independently, by components in the culture medium. Under appropriate conditions synapses were found with 20% of the hybrid muscle cell pairs examined; thus, the hybrid cells form synapses with relatively high frequency.