Effects of folic acid on in vitro astrocytic differentiation of neural stem cells from neonatal rats

BACKGROUND： Folic acid is essential for normal functioning of the nervous system. Previous studies have focused on the effects of folic acid on astrocyte proliferation. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effects of folic acid on astrocyte differentiation of neural stem cells （NSCs） and the related mechanisms in vitro. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, grouping experiment was performed in Tianjin Medical University between August 2007 and October 2008. MATERIALS： Folic acid and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine （BrdU） were obtained from Sigma, MO, USA. Primary antibodies [rabbit anti-rat nestin, β-tubulin-Ⅲ, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and neurogeninl （Ngnl）; mouse anti-rat BrdU and β-actin monoclonal antibodies] were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. METHODS： At 6 days of NSC proliferation from 24-hour-old neonatal rats, BrdU incorporation assay was performed. Seven days after primary culture, NSCs were induced to differentiate with medium containing 5% fetal bovine serum. Cultured NSCs were assigned to three groups： control, low-dose （liquid media with 8 mg/L folic acid）, and high-dose folic acid （liquid media with 44 mg/L folic acid）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At day 7 after primary culture, the cells were identified as NSCs by immunocytochemical methods. Double-label immunofluorescence technique for glial fibrillary acidic protein/BrdU detected differentiated cells 7 days after induction. Western blot was used to analyze expression of Ngnl protein in NSCs. RESULTS： In serum-free suspension medium, neurospheres comprised a large number of Nestin-, glial fibrillary acidic protein-, β-tubulin-Ⅲ-, and BrdU-positive cells. Compared with the control group, high-dose folic acid supplementation led to an marked increase in the percentage of glial fibrillary acidic protein/BrdU-positive cells （P 〈 0.05）, and significantly decreased Ngnl protein expression （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Folic acid promotes astrocytic differentiation of NSCs, which might be related to downregulation of Ngnl protein expression.     

天然脑活素对骨髓间充质干细胞向神经元定向分化的诱导作用

BACKGROUND： Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have been shown to differentiate into neuronal-like cells through the use of several factors, such as 2-mercaptoethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or monothioglycero However, these factors are not suitable for human use due to toxicity. Theoretically speaking, traditional Chinese medicine could be used as potential and safe factors. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of natural cerebrolysin on neuronal-like differentiation of MSCs, based on protein and mRNA analyses. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, between June 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS： Natural cerebrolysin was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. It primarily consisted of Renshen （Radix Ginseng）, Tianma （Rhizoma Gastrodiae）, and Yinxingye （Ginkgo Leaf） at a proportion of 1：2：2. Natural cerebrolysin extract （1：20） was prepared using conventional water extraction methodology. Each gram of extract equaled 20 grams of the crude drug. Twelve adult, male, New Zealand rabbits were included, six of which underwent intragastric administration of natural cerebrolysin extract （0.976 g/kg per day） for 1 month for natural cerebrolysin-containing serum. The remaining six rabbits received intragastric administration of equal volumes of physiological saline for normal blank serum. METHODS： Sprague Dawley male rats, 6-8 weeks old, were used to harvest tibial and femoral bone marrow. Isolation and purification of MSCs were established from the whole bone marrow by removing the non-adherent cells in primary and passage cultures. For cellular identification, MSCs from four to five passages were co-cultured with LG-DMEM media containing 10% natural cerebrolysin. Simultaneously, MSCs cultured in/G-DMEM media containing 10% blank rabbit serum served as the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morphology of MSCs and neurite outgrowth during differentiation was observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. Neurite-positive cells were classified by neurite length that was longer than 1.5x the cell body diameter. Immunocytochemistry was used to identify purity of MSCs following passage, as well as expression of nidogen, neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and microtubule-associated protein 2 following treatment with natural cerebrolysin, mRNA expression of neuron-specific enolase and glial fibrillary acidic protein was detected using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS： After MSCs were treated with natural cerebrolysin for 3-5 hours, the cell bodies were larger, and small neurites - similar to neuronal neurites - were observed. The number of neurite-positive cells significantly increased compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）. After MSCs were treated with natural cerebrolysin for 12 hours, most expressed nidogen, neuron-specific enolase, and microtubule-associated protein 2 at higher levels than the control group （P 〈 0.01）. No evident expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was found （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Natural cerebrolysin promoted neurite outgrowth and induced neuronal-like differentiation of MSCs.     

高压氧对缺氧缺血脑源性神经干细胞分化的影响

BACKGROUND： It has been previously shown that hyperbaric oxygen may promote proliferation of neural stem cells and reduce death of endogenous neural stem cells （NSCs）.
OBJECTIVE： To explore the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on the differentiation of hypoxic/ischemic brain-derived NSCs into neuron-like cells and compare with high-concentration oxygen and high pressure.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An in vitro contrast study, performed at Laboratory of Neurology, Central South University between January and May 2006.
MATERIALS： A hyperbaric oxygen chamber （YLC 0.5/1A） was provided by Wuhan Shipping Design Research Institute; mouse anti-rat microtubule-associated protein 2 monoclonal antibody by Jingmei Company, Beijing; mouse anti-rat glial fibrillary acidic protein monoclonal antibody by Neo Markers, USA; mouse anti-rat galactocerebroside monoclonal antibody by Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc., USA; and goat anti-mouse fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled secondary antibody by Wuhan Boster Bioengineering Co., Ltd., China.
METHODS： Brain-derived NSCs isolated from brain tissues of neonatal Sprague Dawley rats were cloned and passaged, and assigned into five groups： normal control, model, high-concentration oxygen, high pressure, and hyperbaric oxygen groups. Cells in the four groups, excluding the normal control group, were incubated in serum-containing DMEM/F12 culture medium. Hypoxic/ischemic models of NSCs were established in an incubator comprising 93% N2, 5% 002, and 2% 02. Thereafter, cells were continuously cultured as follows： compressed air （0.2 MPa, 1 hour, once a day） in the high pressure group, compressed air ＋ a minimum of 80% 02 in the hyperbaric oxygen group, and a minimum of 80% Q2 in the high-concentration oxygen group. Cells in the normal control and model groups were cultured as normal.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At day 7 after culture, glial fibrillary acidic protein, microtubule-associated protein 2, and galactocerebroside immunofluorescence staining were examined to observe differentiation and calculate the percentage of NSCs differentiating into neuron-like cells or neuroglia-like cells.
RESULTS： Neuron-like cells or neuroglia-like cells were visualized in all five groups. There were no significant differences in the percentage of differentiating cells between the hyperbaric oxygen group and the normal control group （P 〉 0.05）. The percentage of NSCs differentiating into neuron-like cells in the hyperbaric oxygen group was significantly greater than model, high-concentration oxygen, and high pressure groups; however, the percentage differentiating into neuroglia-like cells was significantly lower （P 〈 0.01 ）.
CONCLUSION： Hyperbaric oxygen promotes the differentiation of brain-derived neural stem cells into neuron-like cells but inhibits differentiation into neuroglia-like cells. Furthermore, the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen is superior to high-concentration oxygen and high pressure.     

Differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells into neuron-like cells by Radix Angelicae Sinensis

Human adipose tissues are an ideal source of stem cells. It is important to find inducers that can safely and effectively differentiate stem cells into functional neurons for clinical use. In this study, we investigate the use of Radix Angelicae Sinensis as an inducer of neuronal differentiation. Primary human adipose-derived stem cells were obtained from adult subcutaneous fatty tissue, then pre-induced with 10% Radix Angelicae Sinensis injection for 24 hours, and incubated in serum-free Dulbecco＇s modified Eagle＇s medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 containing 40% Radix Angelicae Sinensis to induce its differentiation into neuron-like cells. Butylated hydroxyanisole, a common in- ducer for neuronal differentiation, was used as the control. After human adipose-derived stem cells differentiated into neuron-like cells under the induction of Radix Angelicae Sinensis for 24 hours, the positive expression of neuron-specific enolase was lower than that of the butylated hydroxyani- sole-induced group, and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was negative. Alter they were induced for 48 hours, the positive expression of neuron specific enolase in human adipose-derived stem cells was significantly higher than that of the butylated hydroxyanisole-induced group. Our experimental findings indicate that Radix Angelicae Sinensis can induce human adipose-derived stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells and produce less cytotoxicity.     

转化生长因子β和脑源性神经营养因子联合诱导成年大鼠骨髓基质细胞向神经元样细胞的分化

BACKGROUND： It has been demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） and brain- derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） can induce stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the efficacy of TGF-β and BDNF at inducing the differentiation of adult rat bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs） into neuron-like cells, both in combination or alone. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A comparative observation experiment was performed at the Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University between October 2007 and January 2008. MATERIALS： TGF-~ and BDNF were purchased from Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat neuron specific enolase, neurofilament and glial fibrillary acidic protein were purchased from Beijing HMHL Biochem Ltd., China. METHODS： BMSCs were isolated from rats aged 4 weeks and incubated with TGF-β（1μ g/L） and/or BDNF （50 μ g/mL）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament and glial fibrillary acidic protein were determined by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS： BMSCs differentiated into neuron-like cells following induction of TGF-β and BDNF, and expressed both neuron-specific enolase and neurofilament. The percent of positive cells was significantly greater in the combination group than those induced with TGF-β or BDNF alone （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Treatment of BMSCs with a combination of TGF-β and BDNF induced differentiation into neuron-like cells, with the induction being significantly greater than with TGF-β or BDNF alone.     

嗅鞘细胞对神经干细胞增殖与分化的影响

BACKGROUND： Olfactory ensheathing cells can promote oriented differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells by cell-secreted neural factors. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of olfactory ensheathing cells on the differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Cytology was performed at the Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, from September 2007 to October 2008. MATERIALS： Mouse anti-nestin polyclonal antibody （Chemicon, USA）, mouse anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） IgG1, mouse anti-2＇, 3＇-cyclic nucleotide 3＇-phosphodiesterase （CNPase） IgG1, mouse anti-Tubulin Class-Ill IgG1 （Neo Markers, USA）, Avidin-labeled Cy3 （KPL, USA）, and goat anti-mouse IgGl： fluorescein isothiocyanate （FITC） （Serotec, UK） were used in this study. METHODS：Tissues were isolated from the embryonic olfactory bulb and subependymal region of Wistar rats. Serum-free DMEM/F12 culture media was used for co-culture experiments. Neural stem cells were incubated in serum-free or 5% fetal bovine serum-containing DMEM/F12 as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 7 days of co-culture, neural stem cells and olfactory ensheathing cells underwent immunofluorescent staining for nestin, tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and CNPase. RESULTS： Olfactory ensheathing cells promoted proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neuron-like cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The proportion of neuron-like cells was 78.2%, but the proportion of neurons in 5% fetal bovine serum DMEM/F12 was 48.3%. In the serum-free DMEM/F12, neural stem cells contracted, unevenly adhered to the glassware wall, or underwent apoptosis at 7 days. CONCLUSION： Olfactory ensheathing cells promote differentiation of neural stem cells mainly into neuron-like cells, and accelerate proliferation of neural stem cells. The outcome is better compared with serum-free medium or medium containing 5% fetal bovine serum.     

Proliferation and differentiation of reactive nestin＋/GFAP＋ cells in an adult rat model of compression-induced spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that astrocytes may possess similar properties to neural stem cells/neural precursor cells and have the potential to differentiate into neurons. OBJECTIVE： To observe neuroepithelial stem cell protein （nestin） and glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） expression following spinal cord injury, and to explore whether nestin＋/GFAP＋ cells, which are detected at peak levels in gray and white matter around the ependymal region of the central canal in injured spinal cord, possess similar properties of neural stem cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment. The study was performed at the Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases （Xi＇an Jiaotong University）, Ministry of Education between January 2004 and December 2006. MATERIALS： Rabbit anti-rat nestin, β-tubulinⅢ, mouse anti-rat GFAP, galactocerebroside （GaLC） antibodies were utilized, as well as flow cytometry. METHODS： A total of 60 male, Sprague Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly assigned to control （n = 12） and model （n = 48） groups. The spinal cord injury model was established in the model group by aneurysm clip compression, while the control animals were not treated. The gray and white matter around the ependymal region of the central canal exhibited peak expression of nestin＋/GFAP＋ cells. These cells were harvested and prepared into single cell suspension, followed by primary and passage cultures. The cells were incubated with serum-containing neural stem cell complete medium. MAINOUTCOME MEASURES： Nestin and GFAP expression in injured spinal cord was determined using immunohistochemistry and double-labeled immunofluorescence at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days post-injury. In addition, cell proliferation and differentiation were detected using immunofluorescence cytochemistry and flow cytometry. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased nestin and GFAP expression （P 〈 0.05）, which reached peak levels between 3 and 7 days. The majority of cells in the ependymal region around the central canal were nestin＋/GFAP- cells, while the gray and white matter around the ependymal region were full of nestin＋/GFAP＋ cells, with an astrocytic-like appearance. A large number of nestin＋/GFAP＋cells were observed in the model group cell culture, and the cells formed clonal spheres and displayed strong nestin-positive immunofluorescence staining. Following induced differentiation, a large number of GaLC-nestin, β-tubulin Ⅲ-nestin, and GFAP-nestin positive cells were observed. However, no obvious changes were seen in the control group. Cells in S stage, as well as the percentage of proliferating cells, in the model group were significantly greater than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）, CONCLUSION： Spinal cord injury in the adult rat induced high expression of nestin＋/GFAP＋ in the gray and white matter around the ependymal region of the central canal. These nestin＋/GFAP＋ cells displayed the potential to self-renew and differentiate into various cells. The cells could be neural stem cells of the central nervous system.     

Differentiation of endogenous neural precursors following spinal cord injury in adult rats☆

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that cell death can activate proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells and promote newly generated cells to migrate to a lesion site.
OBJECTIVE： To observe regeneration and differentiation of neural cells following spinal cord injury in adult rats and to quantitatively analyze the newly differentiated cells.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell biology experiment was performed at the Institute of Orthopedics and Medical Experimental Center, Lanzhou University, between August 2005 and October 2007.
MATERIALS： Fifty adult, Wistar rats of both sexes; 5-bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU, Sigma, USA）; antibodies against neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and myelin basic protein （Chemicon, USA）.
METHODS： Twenty-five rats were assigned to the spinal cord injury group and received a spinal cord contusion injury. Materials were obtained at day 1, 3, 7, 15, and 29 after injury, with 5 rats for each time point. Twenty-five rats were sham-treated by removing the lamina of the vertebral arch without performing a contusion.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The phenotype of BrdU-labeled cells, i.e., expression and distribution of surface markers for neurons （neuron-specific enolase）, astrocytes （glial fibrillary acidic protein）, and oligodendrocytes （myelin basic protein）, were identified with immunofluorescence double-labeling. Confocal microscopy was used to detect double-labeled cells by immunofluorescence. Quantitative analysis of newly generated cells was performed with stereological counting methods.
RESULTS： There was significant cell production and differentiation after adult rat spinal cord injury. The quantity of newly-generated BrdU-labeled cells in the spinal cord lesion was 75-fold greater than in the corresponding area of control animals. Endogenous neural precursor cells differentiated into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, however spontaneous neuronal differentiation was not detected. Between 7 and 29 d after spinal cord injury, newl     

体外培养大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞分化：Wnt3a信号分子的诱导作用**★

背景：Wnt信号通路是细胞增殖分化的关键调控环节。已有证据显示此通路参与了对神经前体细胞增殖、分化以及决定细胞命运的调控。目前有关Wnt信号通路对间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞分化的作用还少见报道。 目的：寻找促进间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞分化的Wnt信号分子。 方法：采用密度梯度离心法在体外分离培养SD大鼠股骨间充质干细胞并培养。传代后通过形态学和流式细胞学检测细胞表面标志物CD29、CD44、CD34、CD45,筛选并鉴定培养细胞。采用神经营养因子碱性成纤维细胞生长因子分别联合Wnt3a和Wnt5a诱导方案，通过免疫组化和RT-PCR的方法比较Wnt3a、Wnt5a在间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞分化过程中的作用，以碱性成纤维细胞生长因子单独培养为对照。 结果与结论：间充质干细胞经培养、传代后，细胞贴壁生长，形态均一，呈长梭形，流式细胞学检测细胞表面标志物CD29、CD44高表达, CD34、CD45低表达。Wnt3a诱导后细胞巢蛋白、神经元特异性烯醇化酶呈阳性，胶质纤维酸性蛋白无明显表达，诱导后细胞的活力良好；Wnt5a诱导组及对照组巢蛋白呈弱阳性表达，神经元特异性烯醇化酶及胶质纤维酸性蛋白阴性。RT-PCR结果显示，Wnt3a诱导组巢蛋白在诱导前后均有表达，神经元特异性烯醇化酶在诱导后5 d可见明显的扩增条带，10 d后更加明显；胶质纤维酸性蛋白在诱导10 d后有比较弱的扩增条带出现。结果说明Wnt3a分子能够促进体外培养的间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞分化。     

中药复方脑络欣通含药血清诱导大鼠胚胎神经干细胞增殖分化：与胎牛血清的比较

目的：比较中药复方脑络欣通药物血清与胎牛血清诱导大鼠胚胎神经干细胞增殖分化的差异。方法：分别采用脑络欣通药物血清和胎牛血清诱导大鼠胚胎神经干细胞增殖分化,应用相差显微镜和免疫荧光染色对其进行比较观察。结果：脑络欣通药物血清和胎牛血清均可诱导绝大多数神经干细胞分化成神经元、星形胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞。此外,脑络欣通药物血清还能一定程度上促进培养的神经干细胞增殖。前者诱导干细胞分化的进程比后者要慢,但其分化的神经元在细胞形态学上与发育成熟的神经元更为接近。结论：脑络欣通药物血清能够诱导神经干细胞分化,并使其分化更加成熟,且在一定程度上促进培养的神经干细胞增殖。     

脑源性神经营养因子诱导大鼠骨髓基质细胞成为神经干细胞及其分化作用的实验研究

目的探讨脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)诱导大鼠骨髓基质细胞(BMSCs)成为神经干细胞及其分化作用。方法取成年大鼠BMSCs,分别以BDNF和BDNF+RA(维甲酸)作为诱导物诱导,于诱导3d、7d后行巢蛋白(Nestin)、神经元特异烯醇化酶(NSE)、胶质纤维酸性蛋白免疫细胞化学染色。结果诱导3天后BDNF和BDNF+RA诱导组均有大量Nestin染色阳性细胞,BDNF+RA组阳性率高于BDNF组(P<0.01)。NSE、GFAP免疫阳性细胞在诱导3d后也有少量表达。诱导7天后BDNF和BDNF+RA诱导组Nestin阳性细胞明显减少,与诱导3天后比较差异有显著性(P<0.01),而NSE、GFAP阳性细胞数增多,与诱导3天后相比差异有显著性(P<0.01),且BDNF+RA组阳性率高于BDNF组(P<0.01)。结论联合应用BDNF与RA可提高BMSCs神经转化,并促进其向神经元及星形胶质细胞细胞分化。     

依达拉奉体外定向诱导人间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞的分化

背景：依达拉奉作为新型氧自由基清除剂,一般用于抑制脂质过氧化反应,减轻脑水肿,保护神经细胞。 目的：观察依达拉奉体外定向诱导人骨髓间充质干细胞向神经元样细胞分化的可行性。 设计、时间及地点：细胞学体外观察,于2007-12/2008-09广东医学院附属医院中心实验室完成。 材料：骨髓来源于创伤所致闭合性股骨骨折的成年患者,由广东医学院附属医院骨科提供。依达拉奉由南京先声药业生产,批号P2007123144254453。 方法：无菌抽取的骨髓经肝素化后,采用密度梯度离心法及贴壁筛选法分离获得人骨髓间充质干细胞,传至第5代按1× 108 L-1接种于6孔板内,设立2组,依达拉奉组细胞达50%融合时用含碱性成纤维生长因子、胎牛血清的L-DMEM预诱导24 h,PBS洗涤后再用20 mg/L依达拉奉无血清L-DMEM诱导24 h;空白对照组始终用含体积分数为10%胎牛血清的L-DMEM培养,不加任何预诱导剂和诱导剂。 主要观察指标：诱导分化后细胞形态变化,SP法免疫细胞化学鉴定神经元烯醇化酶、巢蛋白、胶质纤维酸性蛋白及微管相关蛋白2的表达。 结果：体外诱导1 h后,依达拉奉组胞体收缩,2 h后形成较长突起,5 h后呈典型神经元样细胞;空白对照组细胞仍呈对称的梭形,无突起形成。免疫组化结果显示,诱导6 h后依达拉奉组神经元样细胞的胞体及部分突起呈棕黄色,强表达神经元烯醇化酶,弱表达胶质纤维酸性蛋白和巢蛋白,不表达微管相关蛋白2;空白对照组上述4种特异性抗原均呈阴性表达。 结论：人骨髓间充质干细胞经依达拉奉体外诱导后,所分化的细胞具有神经元表型,但还不够成熟,处于向成熟神经元分化的中间阶段。     

Fetal bovine serum versus Chinese herbal formula Naoluoxintong serum supplementation for proliferation and differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells

BACKGROUND: How to induce endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into needed neural cell types is a hot spot of current researches.OBJECTIVE: To compare differences between fetal bovine serum and Chinese herbal formula Naoluoxintong serum supplementation for inducing proliferation and differentiation in rat embryonic NSCs.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: An in vitro, serum pharmacology, comparative, observation study was performed from March to September in 2008 at the Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases,College of Life Science in University of Science and Technology of China, the Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Acupuncture Foundation and Technology in Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R & D of Chinese Medicine, and at the Level 3 Laboratory of Molecular Biology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.MATERIALS: The Chinese herbal formula Naoluoxintong was produced by Radix Astragali, Radix Notoginseng, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Scolopendra at Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mouse anti-rat nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and galactocerebroside monoclonal antibodies, as well as rabbit anti-neuron-specific enolase polyclonal antibody were produced by Chemicon, Billerica, MA, USA. METHODS: Wistar rats aged 3 months were intragastrically infused with Naoluoxintong. Wistar rat embryonic NSCs (passage 8) were induced to proliferate and differentiate using 10% fetal bovine serum, 10% Naoluoxintong serum, and 10% rat serum.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Phenotypic changes in cultured cells were detected using phase contrast microscopy, and cell proliferation and differentiation were observed using immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS: Proliferation and differentiation of embryonic NSCs was induced by three different types of blood serum. Although the differentiation time course with Naoluoxintong serum was later than with the other two methods, the differentiated cells were morphologically similar to mature neurons to a greater extent.CONCLUSION: Naoluoxintong serum supplementation induced differentiation of NSCs into neuronal-like cells and stimulated neuronal maturation.     

Neuronal lineage-specific induction of phospholipase Cepsilon expression in the developing mouse brain

Phospholipase C is a key enzyme of intracellular signal transduction in the central nervous system. We and others recently discovered a novel class of phospholipase C, phospholipase Cepsilon, which is regulated by Ras and Rap small GTPases. As a first step toward analysis of its function, we have examined the spatial and temporal expression patterns of phospholipase Cepsilon during mouse development by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Around embryonic day 10.5, abundant expression of phospholipase Cepsilon is observed specifically in the outermost layer of the neural tube. On embryonic day 12 and later, it is observed mainly in the marginal zone of developing brain and spinal cord as well as in other regions undergoing neuronal differentiation, such as the retina and olfactory epithelium. The phospholipase Cepsilon-expressing cells almost invariably express microtubule-associated protein 2, but hardly express nestin or glial fibrillary acidic protein, indicating that the expression of phospholipase Cepsilon is induced specifically in cells committed to the neuronal lineage. The expression of phospholipase Cepsilon persists in the terminally differentiated neurons and exhibits no regional specificity. Further, an in vitro culture system of neuroepithelial stem cells is employed to show that abundant expression of phospholipase Cepsilon occurs in parallel with the loss of nestin expression as well as with the induction of microtubule-associated protein 2 expression and neuronal morphology. Also, glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive glial lineage cells do not exhibit the high phospholipase Cepsilon expression. These results suggest that the induction of phospholipase Cepsilon expression may be a specific event associated with the commitment of the neural precursor cells to the neuronal lineage.     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子等体外诱导成人骨髓间充质干细胞分化为神经元样细胞的研究

目的 成人骨髓间充质干细胞(hMSCs)体外定向诱导分化为神经元样细胞。方法 采用Percoll分离液离心分离hMSCs，体外扩增，分别采用含碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)和2-巯基乙醇(2-ME)等无血清DMEM诱导hMSCs分化为神经元。免疫组化鉴定神经元烯醇化酶(NSE)、神经丝蛋白(NF)、胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)。结果 hMSCs在体外扩增传至5代后，流式细胞仪显示99．5％，97．8％，98．8％hMSCs表面抗原CD29、CD44、CD90表达阳性。接种到12孔板，3d后加入bFGF和2-ME联合或2-ME单种诱导剂诱导后，hMSCs胞体收缩，突起伸出；免疫组化显示诱导出的神经元样细胞NSE、NF表达阳性，GFAP阴性。结论 成人骨髓间干细胞在体外可以分化为神经元样细胞。