Immune or inflammatory response by the host brain suppresses neuronal differentiation of transplanted ES cell-derived neural precursor cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a promising donor source for transplantation therapy, but several problems must be solved before they can be clinically useful. One of these is the host immune reaction to allogeneic grafts. In this article, we examine the effect of the host immune reaction on survival and differentiation of grafted ES cell-derived neural precursor cells (NPCs). We induced NPCs from mouse ES cells by stromal cell-derived inducing activity and then transplanted them into mouse brains with or without administering the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA). Two and 8 weeks following transplantation, the accumulation of host-derived microglia/macrophages and lymphocytes was observed around the graft. This effect was reduced by CsA treatment, although no significant difference in graft volume was observed. These data suggest that an immune response occurs in allografts of ES cell-derived NPCs. Intriguingly, however, the ratio of neurons to astrocytes in the graft was higher in immunosuppressed mice. Because inflammatory or immune cells produce various cytokines, we examined the effect of IL-1beta, IL-6, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha on the differentiation of NPCs in vitro. Only IL-6 promoted glial cell fate, and this effect could be reversed by the addition of an IL-6 neutralizing antibody. These results suggest that allogeneic ES cell-derived NPCs can cause an immune response by the host brain, but it is not strong enough to reject the graft. More important, activated microglia and lymphocytes can suppress neuronal differentiation of grafted NPCs in vivo by producing cytokines such as IL-6.     

Differentiation of embryonic versus adult rat neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons in vitro*☆

BACKGROUND：It has been reported that the conversion of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons in vitro can be increased through specific cytokine combinations. Such neural stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons could be used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, little is known about the differences in dopaminergic differentiation between neural stem cells derived from adult and embryonic rats. OBJECTIVE： To study the ability of rat adult and embryonic-derived neural stem cells to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in vitro. DESIGN： Randomized grouping design. SETTING： Department of Neurosurgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. MATERIALS： This experiment was performed at the Surgical Laboratory in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University （Guangzhou, Guangdong, China） from June to December 2007. Eight, adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats and eight, pregnant, Sprague Dawley rats （embryonic day 14 or 15） were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University. METHODS： Neural stem cells derived from adult and embryonic rats were respectively cultivated in serum-free culture medium containing epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. After passaging, neural stem cells were differentiated in medium containing interleukin-1α, interleukin-11, human leukemia inhibition factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Six days later, cells were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Alterations in cellular morphology after differentiation of neural stem cells derived from adult and embryonic rats; and percentage of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the differentiated cells. RESULTS： Neural stem cells derived from adult and embryonic rats were cultivated in differentiation medium. Six days later, differentiated cells were immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase. The percentage of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons was （5.6 ± 2.8）% and （17.8     

Differentiation of embryonic versus adult rat neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons in vitro

BACKGROUND:It has been reported that the conversion of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons in vitro can be increased through specific cytokine combinations. Such neural stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons could be used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, little is known about the differences in dopaminergic differentiation between neural stem cells derived from adult and embryonic rats. OBJECTIVE: To study the ability of rat adult and embryonic-derived neural stem cells to differen...     

Culture method for the induction of neurospheres from mouse embryonic stem cells by coculture with PA6 stromal cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells proliferate and maintain their pluripotency for over 1 year in vitro and may therefore provide a sufficient source for cell therapies. However, most of the previously reported methods for obtaining a source for cell therapies have not been simple. We describe here a novel method for induction of neurospheres from mouse ES cells by coculturing on PA6 cells instead of the formation of embryoid bodies. The ES cells cocultured with the PA6 stromal cell line for at least 3 days were capable of differentiating into spheres. The cells in the spheres were all green fluorescent protein (GFP) positive, showing that they were derived from GFP-expressing D3-ES cells. The spheres contained nestin-positive cells. The number of spheres increased when they were cocultured with PA6 for a longer period. Sphere formation was observed even after 10 mechanical dissociations and subculturings, showing its self-renewal ability. The cells differentiated into microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2)-positive neuronal cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive glial cells. gamma-Aminobutyric acid-positive cells and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells were also observed in the spheres. The percentages of the MAP2- or GFAP-positive cells in the sphere changed according to the period of coculture on PA6 cells. At an early stage of coculture, more neurons were generated and, at a later period, more glial cells were generated. These results suggested that neurosphere could be generated from ES cells by coculturing with PA6, and that these cells resembled neural stem cells derived from mouse fetal brain tissue.     

Heterogeneous population of dopaminergic neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells: preliminary phenotyping based on receptor expression and function

The possibility exists that directed differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells is capable of yielding enriched populations of dopaminergic neurons, but at present there is little understanding of the pharmacological properties of these cells; or whether such cells represent a pharmacologically, phenotypically similar population. In this study we used a simple culture protocol to generate dopaminergic neurons and offer a preliminary pharmacological investigation of these cells using Ca2+ imaging and [3H]-dopamine release studies. In fluo-4 AM loaded cells, 13-17 days postplating, and after the addition of tetrodotoxin some of the population of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neurons responded to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), noradrenaline (NA), acetylcholine (ACh) and L-glutamate (L-glut) with elevations of Ca2+ influx. Within the microtubule-associated protein and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell population adenosine triphosphate, noradrenaline, acetylcholine and L-glutamate elicited positive elevations of Ca2+ in 74, 66, 58 and 67% of the population; cells could be further subdivided into three major pharmacologically distinct populations based on the combinations of agonist they responded to. Acetylcholine (30 microM) and noradrenaline (30 microM) were the only agonists to elicit significant tritium overflow from [3H]-dopamine loaded cells. The acetylcholine effect was blocked by atropine (1 microM) and tetrodotoxin (1 microM) and elevated by haloperidol (100 nM). The noradrenaline effects were reduced by cocaine (10 microM), but not by tetrodotoxin (100 nM). These data indicate that the dopaminergic neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells represent a heterogeneous population possessing combinations of purinergic, adrenergic, cholinergic and glutamatergic receptors located on the cell soma.     

Production, characterization, and efficient transfection of highly pure oligodendrocyte precursor cultures from mouse embryonic neural progenitors

Much current knowledge of oligodendrocyte biology, the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system, comes from cell culture studies mainly from postnatal rat tissue but mouse cells have been much more difficult to produce in large quantities. We have developed a high yield protocol for production of oligodendrocyte precursor cells from mouse embryonic neural progenitors grown as neurospheres. Neurospheres can be maintained and expanded for long periods in culture in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). When floating neurospheres were plated on substrate-coated dishes in media supplemented with platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), the spheres attached and generated migrating cells that were predominantly oligodendrocyte-lineage cells. Furthermore, cells in spheres could be shifted to the oligodendrocyte phenotype prior to plating on substrate, by incubation in suspension with PDGF/bFGF. Single cell suspensions plated after dissociation of either EGF-treated neurospheres or PDGF/bFGF-treated oligospheres had the bipolar, elongated morphology characteristic of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. mRNA and protein expression analysis of the cells generated by this method confirmed their oligodendrocyte lineage. Oligodendrocyte precursors generated by this method matured in response to ciliary neurotrophic factor treatment, producing cells with multiple processes and myelin-like membranes. The most important aspect of this protocol is the ability to generate very high numbers of relatively pure mouse oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which can be easily transfected. These studies open up many kinds of investigations on transgenic and mutant mouse oligodendrocytes, thereby providing a valuable tool to study oligodendrocyte biology and development.     

Panax notoginseng saponins influence on transplantation of neural stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

BACKGROUND:Dopaminergic neurons differentiated from neural stem cells have been successfully used in the treatment of rat models of Parkinson's disease;however,the survival rate of transplanted cells has been low.Most cells die by apoptosis as a result of overloaded intracellular calcium and the formation of oxygen free radicals.OBJECTIVE:To observe whether survival of transplanted cells,transplantation efficacy.and dopaminergic differentiation from neural stem cells is altered by Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:Cellular and molecular biology experiments with randomized group design.The experiment was performed at the Animal Experimental Center,First Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April to October 2007.MATERIALS:Thirty-two adult,healthy,male Sprague Dawley rats,and four healthy Sprague Dawley rat embryos at gestational days 14-15 were selected.The right ventral mesenceDhalon was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine to establish a model of Parkinson's disease.6-hydroxydopamine and apomorphine were purchased from Sigma.USA.METHODS:Neural stem cells derived from the mesencephalon of embryonic rats were cultivated and passaged in serum-free culture medium.Lesioned animals were randomly divided into four groups(n=8):dopaminergic neuron,dopaminergic neuron PNS,PNS,and control.The dopaminergic neuron group was iniected with 3 μ L cell suspension containing dopaminergic neurons difierentiated from neural stem cells.The dopaminergic neurons PNS group received 3 μ L dopaminergic cell suspension combined with PNS (250 mg/L).The PNS group received 3 μL PNS(250 mg/L),and the control group received 3 μL DMEM/F12 culture medium.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The rats were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde at 60 days post-grafting for immunohistochemistry.The rats were intraperitoneally injected with apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg)to induce rotational behavior.RESULTS:Cell counts of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the dopaminergic neuron PNS group were(732±82.6)cells/400-fold field.This was significantly greater than the dopaminergic neuron group [(326±34.8)cells/400-fold field,P<0.01].Compared to the control group,the rotational asymmetry of rats that received dopaminergic neuron transplants was significantly decreased,beginning at 20 days after operation(P<0.0 1).Rotational asymmetry was fugher reduced between 10～60 days post-surgery in the dopaminergic neuron PNS group,compared to the dopaminergic neuron group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Panax notoginseng saponins can increase survival and effectiveness of dopaminergic neurons differentiated from neural stem cells for transplantation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.     

Effect of neurosphere size on the growth rate of human neural stem/progenitor cells

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) proliferate as aggregates in vitro, but the mechanism of aggregation is not fully understood. Here, we report that aggregation promotes the proliferation of NSPCs. We found that the proliferation rate was linear and depended on the size of the aggregate; that is, the population doubling time of the NSPCs gradually decreased as the diameter approached 250 micro m and flattened to a nearly constant value beyond this diameter. Given this finding, and with the intent of enhancing the efficiency of human NSPC expansion, we induced the NSPCs to form aggregates close to 250 micro m in diameter quickly by culturing them in plates with U-bottomed wells. The NSPCs formed aggregates effectively in the U-bottomed wells, with cell numbers approximately 1.5 times greater than those in the aggregates that formed spontaneously in flat-bottomed wells. In addition, this effect of aggregation involved cell-cell signaling molecules of the Notch1 pathway. In the U-bottomed wells, Hes1 and Hes5, which are target genes of the Notch signal, were expressed at higher levels than in the control, flat-bottomed wells. The amount of cleaved Notch1 was also higher in the cells cultured in the U-bottomed wells. The addition of gamma-secretase inhibitor, which blocks Notch signaling, suppressed cell proliferation in the U-bottomed wells. These results suggest that the three-dimensional architecture of NSPC aggregates would create a microenvironment that promotes the proliferation of human NSPCs.     

Functional properties and synaptic integration of genetically labelled dopaminergic neurons in intrastriatal grafts

Intrastriatal grafts of fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue, rich in dopaminergic neurons, can reverse symptoms in Parkinson's disease. For development of effective cell replacement therapy, other sources of dopaminergic neurons, e.g. derived from stem cells, are needed. However, the electrophysiological properties grafted cells need to have in order to induce substantial functional recovery are poorly defined. It has not been possible to prospectively identify and record from dopaminergic neurons in fetal transplants. Here we used transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein under control of the rat tyrosine hydroxylase promoter for whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of endogenous and grafted dopaminergic neurons. We transplanted ventral mesencephalic tissue from E12.5 transgenic mice into striatum of neonatal rats with or without lesions of the nigrostriatal dopamine system. The transplanted cells exhibited intrinsic electrophysiological properties typical of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, i.e. broad action potentials, inward rectifying currents with characteristic 'sag', and spontaneous action potentials. The grafted dopaminergic neurons also received functional excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs from the host brain, as shown by the presence of both spontaneous and stimulation-evoked excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Occurrence of spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory currents was lower, and of spontaneous action potentials was higher, in neurons placed in the dopamine-depleted striatum than of those in the intact striatum. Our findings define specific electrophysiological characteristics of transplanted fetal dopaminergic neurons, and we provide the first direct evidence of functional synaptic integration of these neurons into host neural circuitries.     

Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and dopaminergic neuronal function in human embryonic stem cells An electrophysiological validation

BACKGROUND: Induced differentiation strategies and cytochemical properties of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been investigated. However, the electrophysiological functions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells derived from hESCs remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differentiation efficiency of TH-positive cells from hESCs in vitro using modified four-step culture methods, including embryoid body formation, and to examine the functional characteristics of the differentiated TH-positive cells using electrophysiological techniques.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Neuroelectrophysiology was performed at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, and the Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Peking University, from September 2004 to August 2008.MATERIALS: The hESC line, PKU-1.1, a monoclonal cell line derived from a pre-implantation human blastocyst in the Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Third Hospital. The patch clamp recording system was provided by the Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Peking University. METHODS: The hESC line was induced to differentiate into TH-positive cells in vitro using a modified four-step culture method, including the formation of embryoid body, as well as the presence of sonic hedgehog and fibroblast growth factor 8. The cell karyotype was assessed by G-banding karyotype analysis techniques and specific markers were detected immunocytochemically. Whole-cell configuration was obtained after obtaining a tight seal of over 1 GΩ. Ionic currents were detected by holding the cells at -70 mV and stepping to test voltages between 80 and 40 mV in 10-mV increments in voltage-clamp configuration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured the cell karyotype, specific cell markers, and the electrophysiological properties of the voltage-gated ion channels on the cell membrane of TH-positive dopaminergic cells differentiated from our hESCs line in vitro. RESULTS: The differentiated cells had a consistent appearance, and the majority of cells (> 90%) expressed TH and (3-tubulion, as well as the neural progenitor marker, nestin. Cell karyotype analysis demonstrated that all of the hESCs had a stable and normal karyotype (46, XX) after differentiation. In addition, patch clamp recording showed that the 10 recorded TH-positive cells exhibited a fast inward current when the test voltage depolarized to 30 mV, and a delayed outward current when the test voltage depolarized to -10 mV. The peak of inward current was obtained at voltage between -10 mV and 0 mV, while the peak of outward current was obtained at 40 mV. The average peak of inward current density was (-50.05 ± 15.50) pA/pF, and the average peak of outward current density was (41.98 ± 13.55) pA/pF.CONCLUSION: More than 90% of the differentiated hESC-derived cells induced by the modified four-step culture method exhibit dopaminergic neuronal properties, including general electrophysiological functional properties, such as functional potassium and sodium channels.     

Stable expression of a neuronal dopaminergic progenitor phenotype in cell lines derived from human amniotic fluid cells

Cells from human amniotic fluid derived from the fetus are considered a source of multipotent cells. Their properties have not been fully exploited, partially because unlike other embryonic sources such as embryonic stem (ES) cells, cell lines from amniocentesis samples have not been generated. We have established and characterized the properties of eight individual cell lines. Flow cytometry using several cell surface markers showed that all cell lines generated consisted of homogeneous populations that lack HLAII antigenicity. Using a combination of immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-PCR, we found weak expression of Oct4 and nestin and strong expression of tubulin-betaIII, MAP2, and tau. Specific markers for cholinergic, (nor)adrenergic, and GABAergic neurons or glia were weakly expressed or absent, whereas expression of factors implicated in early induction of dopaminergic neurons, TGF-beta3 and beta-catenin were present. Further analysis showed strong expression of EN-1, c-RET, PTX3, and NURR1 essential for induction and survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, TH, AADC, and VMAT2 components of dopamine synthesis and secretion, and syntaxin1A and SNAP-25 necessary for neurotransmitter exocytosis. This phenotype was retained throughout passages and up to the current passage 36. Expression of neuronal and dopaminergic markers in individual AF cell lines was comparable to expression in neurons induced from ES cells and in IMR-32 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastomas. Our data show that cell lines can be derived from subcultures of amniocentesis, and are primarily composed of a population of progenitors with a phenotype similar to that of committed mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons.     

Panax notoginseng saponins influence on transplantation of neural stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease *☆

BACKGROUND： Dopaminergic neurons differentiated from neural stem cells have been successfully used in the treatment of rat models of Parkinson＇s disease; however, the survival rate of transplanted cells has been low. Most cells die by apoptosis as a result of overloaded intracellular calcium and the formation of oxygen free radicals.
OBJECTIVE： To observe whether survival of transplanted cells, transplantation efficacy, and dopaminergic differentiation from neural stem cells is altered by Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） in a rat model of Parkinson＇s disease.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Cellular and molecular biology experiments with randomized group design. The experiment was performed at the Animal Experimental Center, First Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April to October 2007.
MATERIALS： Thirty-two adult, healthy, male Sprague Dawley rats, and four healthy Sprague Dawley rat embryos at gestational days 14-15 were selected. The right ventral mesencephalon was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine to establish a model of Parkinson＇s disease. 6-hydroxydopamine and apomorphine were purchased from Sigma, USA.
METHODS： Neural stem cells derived from the mesencephalon of embryonic rats were cultivated and passaged in serum-free culture medium. Lesioned animals were randomly divided into four groups （n = 8）： dopaminergic neuron, dopaminergic neuron ＋ PNS, PNS, and control. The dopaminergic neuron group was injected with 3 μL cell suspension containing dopaminergic neurons differentiated from neural stem cells. The dopaminergic neurons ＋ PNS group received 3 μ L dopaminergic cell suspension combined with PNS （250 mg/L）. The PNS group received 3 μL PNS （250 mg/L）, and the control group received 3 μL DMEM/F12 culture medium.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The rats were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde at 60 days post-grafting for immunohistochemistry. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with apomorphine （0.5 mg/kg） to induce rotational behavior. RESU     

Directional induction of dopaminergic neurons from neural stem cells using substantia nigra homogenates and basic fibroblast growth factor

To date, complex components of available reagents have been used for directional induction of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons, resulting in a poor ability to repeat experiments. This study sought to investigate whether a homogenate of the substantia nigra of adult rats and/or basic fibroblast growth factor could directionally induce neural stem cells derived from the subventricular zone of embryonic rats to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells were observed exclusively after induction with the homogenate supernatant of the substantia nigra from adult rats and basic fibroblast growth factor for 48 hours in vitro. However, in the groups treated with homogenate supernatant or basic fibroblast growth factor alone, tyrosine hydroxylase expression was not observed. Moreover, the content of dopamine in the culture medium of subventricular zone neurons was significantly increased at 48 hours after induction with the homogenate supernatant of the substantia nigra from adult rats and basic fibroblast growth factor. Experimental findings indicate that the homogenate supernatant of the substantia nigra from adult rats and basic fibroblast growth factor could directionally induce neural stem cells derived from the subventricular zone of embryonic rats to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra with the ability to secrete dopamine.     

Differentiation of neuron-like cells from mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells

Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have pluripotent differentiation potentials,akin to fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells.The aim of this study was to compare the neuronal differentiation potential of parthenogenetic and fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells.Before differentiation,karyotype analysis was performed,with normal karyotypes detected in both parthenogenetic and fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells.Sex chromosomes were identified as XX.Immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR detected high expression of the pluripotent gene,Oct4,at both the mRNA and protein levels,indicating pluripotent differentiation potential of the two embryonic stem cell subtypes.Embryonic stem cells were induced with retinoic acid to form embryoid bodies,and then dispersed into single cells.Single cells were differentiated in N2 differentiation medium for 9 days.Immunocytochemistry showed parthenogenetic and fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells both express the neuronal cell markers nestin,βIII-tubulin and myelin basic protein.Quantitative real-time PCR found expression of neurogenesis related genes(Sox-1,Nestin,GABA,Pax6,Zic5 and Pitx1) in both types of embryonic stem cells,and Oct4 expression was significantly decreased.Nestin and Pax6 expression in parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells was significantly higher than that in fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells.Thus,our experimental findings indicate that parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have stronger neuronal differentiation potential than fertilized embryo-derived embryonic stem cells.     

A comparison of proliferative capacity and passaging potential between neural stem and progenitor cells in adherent and neurosphere cultures

Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) can be isolated from the fetal or adult brain and expanded in culture for potential use in basic research, drug discovery and cell therapy. In the present study, two culture systems have been commonly used to maintain and expand NSPCs isolated from mammalian CNS: neurosphere and adhesive substrate-bound monolayer culture. NSPCs were isolated from the neuroepithelium of E14 embryonic rat cerebral cortex and maintained and expanded on fibronectin substrates or within neurospheres in serum-free medium. Ultrastructural study under transmission electron microscope revealed similar characteristics of immature morphology of NSPCs in adherent and neurosphere cultures. NSPCs cultured on adherent substrates and within neurospheres shared the properties of self-renewal and multipotency, but little is known about proliferation capacity and passaging potential of adherent NSPCs compared to neurosphere culture. We found that the self-renewal capacity of NSPCs in adherent culture was higher than that in neurosphere culture in the P1 and P3 passages, and reduced after the P5 passage. At the same time, comparative analysis using BrdU incorporation and immunostaining for nestin indicated that NSPCs grew significantly faster in primary cultures on adherent substrates than within neurospheres. Whereas, NSPCs in adherent culture could not maintain such robust growth for more than 6 passages. The growth of NSPCs within neurospheres was slower than that in adherent culture, but increased steadily and could be maintained for more than 10 passages. These data provide useful information for large scale in vitro expansion of NSPCs required by potential drug screening and cell therapy.     

嗅鞘细胞诱导神经干细胞分化后神经元电生理特性的研究

目的探索大鼠嗅鞘细胞对神经干细胞(NSC)分化的影响,以及分化后神经元电生理特性。方法取新生鼠大脑皮质,原代培养大鼠NSC。NSC分为实验组和对照组,实验组将无血清培养的NSC中加入嗅鞘细胞条件培养液,对照组单纯无血清培养NSC。光镜下观察细胞分化情况,免疫组化法分别检测巢蛋白(nestin)、神经生长因子受体(NGFRp75)、神经丝蛋白(NF200)和胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)的表达,膜片钳检测神经元电生理特性。结果实验组嗅鞘细胞主要诱导NSC分化为神经元,少量分化为胶质细胞。对照组NSC逐渐萎缩,最终死亡。分化后的神经元记录到快速激活、快速失活能被河豚毒素特异阻断的钠电流,以及慢激活、慢失活能被四乙铵特异阻断的延迟整流性钾电流。结论嗅鞘细胞能诱导NSC分化成神经元,分化后的神经元具有活跃的电生理特性。