体外诱导Balb/C小鼠ES细胞定向分化为胰岛样细胞团的形态观察

目的 体外诱导Balb/C小鼠胚胎干细胞定向分化为胰岛样细胞团,观察细胞表面形态学的变化。方法 选用Balb/C小鼠ES细胞,经过拟胚体(EB)发育分化4d后开始定向诱导培养,不同时间段分别向细胞培养基中添加碱性成纤维细胞生长因子、胰岛素样生长因子-1和尼克酰胺和N等细胞生长因子,使ES细胞定向分化为胰岛样细胞团。免疫细胞化学检测表达胰岛素和胰高血糖素的阳性细胞。原子力显微镜(AFM)原位扫描阳性细胞团。结果 EB细胞生长为大小不一、境界清楚的细胞团,细胞团内细胞排列紧密。胰岛B细胞数量多,主要分布在细胞团的中央,边缘少,染色较淡。而表达胰高血糖素的A细胞主要分布在细胞团的边缘,数量相对较少。AFM扫描可见表达胰岛素的阳性细胞团,其表面有很多类似神经纤维的纤维束,连接成网络状。在细胞质中,还有很多类圆形的颗粒物质,其大小几乎一致,粒径都处于0.5~1.0 μm间。结论 诱导分化得到的细胞团不仅有形态和功能上的成熟,而且还具备良好的组织结构,为细胞的移植疗法提供了可靠的凭据。

Directed differentiation of Balb/C mouse embryonic stem cells into pancreatic islet-like cell clusters in vitro: observation by atomic force microscope

Objective To observe the morphological changes of Balb/C mouse embryonic stem cells following directed differentiation into pancreatic islet-like cell clusters (PICC) in vitro using atomic force microscope (AFM). Methods Balb/C mouse embryonic stem cells were first cultured into embryonic bodies (EBs) and allowed to differentiate spontaneously for 4 days. The cells were then transferred to gelatin-coated dishes for the EBs to attach and spread on the tissue culture plates, in the course of which a series of cell growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and nicotinamide were added into the culture medium at specific time points to induce directed differentiation of the stem cells into PICC. Immunocytochemistry was employed to detect the cells positive for insulin and glucagon, which were observed with AFM. Results The embryonic stem cells developed into cell clusters of different sizes, in which the cells were tightly arranged. Islet B cells were numerous in the center of clusters and darkly stained, but fewer in the peripherals with lighter stains. Islet A cells expressing glucagon were relatively fewer in the cell clusters, found mainly in the peripherals. Scanning of the insulin-positive clusters by AFM revealed large quantity of tissue fibers resembling nerve fibers that formed a reticular structure in disorderly arrangement. Numerous round granules were observed in the cytoplasm of almost identical sizes ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 μm in diameter. Conclusion The cell clusters obtained by directed differentiation are mature in both morphology and function with also well organized structures.