Dear Sam and Bunny,
Mouse cells are indeed very sensitive to the oxidative metabolites that are
generated upon proliferation of the cells (interference with the redox
equilibrium was even once thought to represent a "miracle cure for cancer"; the
only unfortunate thing is that it does not seem to work in humans as it does in
mice). I once picked up at a conference (I don't remember exactly which) that
the addition of beta-mercapto-ethanol to the culture medium for mouse
lymphocytes replaces the natural role of macrophages/monocytes in the body, that
regulate the redox level by acting as donors of glutathion (with the
beta-mercapto-ethanol representing an alternative source of -SH groups). Maybe
someone else in the group may have some references for this.
Geert
Geert Raes
Free University of Brussels
Laboratory of Celluar Immunology
BELGIUM
Sam Hou wrote:
> Hi Bunny,
> To my knowledge 2-mercaptoethanol as a reducing agent can break down many of
> the toxic metabolites produced by cells in culture thus improving the
> environment around the cells. It is used more with the culture of mouse
> cells than others. In my earlier days (too long ago!!) it was the magic
> ingredient that made mouse cytotoxic T cells grow better. It'd be
> interesting to know what others think. I hope I've helped.
>
> All the best,
> Sam
> **********************
> Dr Sam Hou
> Lung Immunology Group
> Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research
> Compton
> Newbury
> RG20 7NN
> web site: www.jenner.ac.uk
> Ph: 01635-577-924
> Fax: 01635-577-901
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: b cotleur [mailto:bunny@cotleur.com]
> Sent: 17 April 2002 18:03
> To: cyto-inbox
> Subject: b-mercaptoethanol in media
>
> I am currently reviewing several lab protocols (for myself) and many
> labs include b-marcaptoethanol in their flavor of "complete" media.
> Searching the cytometry site and various 'net search engines bruoght me
> no closer to "WHY?"
> I am not familiar with media containing this supplement. I have found
> references to including it in basic cell culture, stimulation assays,
> freezing media, flow staining, etc so I can't even tie it to a
> particular technique.
> Can anyone enlighten me?
> Thanks-
>
> --
> Bunny Cotleur, M.S.
> Sr. Technologist
> Cleveland Clinic Foundation
> Neurosciences NC30
> 9500 Euclid Avenue
> Cleveland, OH 44195
> cotleur@ccf.org
> (216) 444-1164
> fax (216) 444-7197
>
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