Neural cell injury microenvironment induces neural differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

This study aimed to investigate the neural differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) under the induction of injured neural cells. After in vitro isolation and culture, passage 5 hUCMSCs were used for experimentation. hUCMSCs were co-cultured with normal or Aβ_1-40-injured PC12 cells, PC12 cell supernatant or PC12 cell lysate in a Transwell co-culture system. Western blot analysis and flow cytometry results showed that choline acetyltransferase and microtubule-associated protein 2, a specific marker for neural cells, were expressed in hUCMSCs under various culture conditions, and highest expression was observed in the hUCMSCs co-cultured with injured PC12 cells. Choline acetyltransferase and microtubule-associated protein 2 were not expressed in hUCMSCs cultured alone (no treatment). Cell Counting Kit-8 assay results showed that hUCMSCs under co-culture conditions promoted the proliferation of injured PC12 cells. These findings suggest that the microenvironment during neural tissue injury can effectively induce neural cell differentiation of hUCMSCs. These differentiated hUCMSCs likely accelerate the repair of injured neural cells.     

Mesenchymal stem cells expressing neural antigens instruct a neurogenic cell fate on neural stem cells

The neurogenic response to injury in the postnatal brain is limited and insufficient for restoration of function. Recent evidence suggests that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the injured brain is associated with improved functional recovery, mediated in part through amplification in the endogenous neurogenic response to injury. In the current study we investigate the interactions between bone marrow-derived MSCs and embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) plus their differentiated progeny using an in vitro co-culture system. Two populations of MSCs were used, MSCs induced to express neural antigens (nestin+, Tuj-1+, GFAP+) and neural antigen negative MSCs. Following co-culture of induced MSCs with differentiating NSC/progenitor cells a significant increase in Tuj-1+ neurons was detected compared to co-cultures of non-induced MSCs in which an increase in astrocyte (GFAP+) differentiation was observed. The effect was mediated by soluble interactions between the two cell populations and was independent of any effect on cell death and proliferation. Induced and non-induced MSCs also promoted the survival of Tuj-1+ cell progeny in long-term cultures and both promoted axonal growth, an effect also seen in differentiating neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, MSCs provide instructive signals that are able to direct the differentiation of NSCs and promote axonal development in neuronal progeny. The data indicates that the nature of MSC derived signals is dependent not only on their microenvironment but on the developmental status of the MSCs. Pre-manipulation of MSCs prior to transplantation in vivo may be an effective means of enhancing the endogenous neurogenic response to injury.     

大黄酚对神经细胞缺氧损伤的保护作用

目的 观察大黄酚对缺氧PC12细胞损伤的保护作用;方法 培养PC12细胞,建立缺氧致神经细胞损伤模型;缺氧前后四甲基偶氮唑盐法（MTT）检测PC12细胞增殖活性、光镜观察PC12细胞形态、测定上清液中乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）活性、早期癌基因表达产物（c-fos）荧光免疫组化表达和逆转录酶聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）分析神经型一氧化氮合酶（nNOS）、诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）mRNA的表达;结果 大黄酚明显改善缺氧PC12细胞的活力,对损伤细胞形态有改善作用,使损伤细胞的培养上清液中的LDH明显减少;c-fos表达减少,PCR结果分析显示nNOS mRNA在缺氧早期表达.iNOSmRNA主要在缺氧晚期表达.结论 本缺氧模型能够引起PC12细胞凋亡现象,大黄酚能减轻PC12细胞缺氧损伤,对神经元细胞有保护作用.     

骨髓基质细胞分泌物促进PC12细胞的分化和存活

目的体外检测骨髓基质细胞分泌物对PC12细胞的活性作用，并探讨其产生的可能机制。方法收集培养至第4代第7天的SD大鼠MSCs培养上清，按不同的体积百分比浓度加入到PC12细胞培养体系中，在倒置相差显微镜下观察1d和4d的细胞形态学改变；用丙二酸钠对PC12细胞造成氧化应激损伤，同时加入不同体积百分比浓度的MSCs培养上清，采用MTT法测定24h后的细胞活性。结果有突细胞／总细胞数、最长突起长度随培养时间及MSC培养上清体积百分比的增加而增加：PC12细胞氧化损伤后．加入一定浓度MSC培养上清组的PC12细胞活性较未加入组增高，差异有显著性。结论MSCs能够合成和分泌具有神经营养活性的物质，该物质能诱导PC12细胞分化并减轻氧化应激对PC12细胞的损伤。     

CDNF基因修饰的大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞对6-OHDA诱导PC12细胞凋亡的抑制作用

目的探讨CDNF对6-羟多巴胺(6-OHDA)诱导的细胞凋亡效应的抑制作用。方法应用Li-po2000将重组真核表达质粒pDsRed-C1-CDNF转染至BMSCs,经G418筛选后获得稳定表达CDNF的MSCs细胞株(重命名为CDNF-MSCs细胞株)。应用MTT法和AnnexinⅤ-FITC细胞凋亡分析法分别检测CDNF-MSCs细胞上清液对6-OHDA诱导的PC12细胞凋亡作用的影响。结果通过G418筛选成功获得稳定表达CDNF的MSCs转染细胞,CDNF-MSCs细胞上清液预处理的PC12细胞对6-OHDA诱导的凋亡效应具有抑制作用,能有效的降低细胞的凋亡率。结论 CDNF作为一种分泌性蛋白,可显著抑制6-OHDA诱导PC12细胞凋亡。     

Phenotypic and functional characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells differentiated along a Schwann cell lineage

We have investigated the phenotypic and bioassay characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiated along a Schwann cell lineage using glial growth factor. Expression of the Schwann cell markers S100, P75, and GFAP was determined by immunocytochemical staining and Western blotting. The levels of the stem cell markers Stro-1 and alkaline phosphatase and the neural progenitor marker nestin were also examined throughout the differentiation process. The phenotypic properties of cells differentiated at different passages were also compared. In addition to a phenotypic characterization, the functional ability of differentiated MSCs has been investigated employing a co-culture bioassay with dissociated primary sensory neurons. Following differentiation, MSCs underwent morphological changes similar to those of cultured Schwann cells and stained positively for all three Schwann cell markers. Quantitative Western blot analysis showed that the levels of S100 and P75 protein were significantly elevated upon differentiation. Differentiated MSCs were also found to enhance neurite outgrowth in co-culture with sensory neurons to a level equivalent or superior to that produced by Schwann cells. These findings support the assertion that MSCs can be differentiated into cells that are Schwann cell-like in terms of both phenotype and function.     

星形胶质细胞诱导成年骨髓基质细胞分化成神经元样细胞的实验研究

目的探讨星形胶质细胞能否在体外诱导成年大鼠骨髓基质细胞向神经元方向分化。方法采用新生鼠海马组织来源的星形胶质细胞与转染有绿色荧光蛋白基因的骨髓基质细胞(MSCs)进行共培养,并分成三组:共培养组、共培养 脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)组、单纯碱性成纤维生长因子(bFGF) BDNF诱导分化组,在相差显微镜下每日观察、记录MSCs的诱导分化状况,并应用免疫荧光染色技术对分化后的MSCs进行鉴定,同时应用流式细胞术测定MSCs分化前后及星形胶质细胞的DNA含量。结果共培养第4天,部分MSCs已初步具备神经元形态:折光性强的锥形或圆形胞体及长的多极突起,免疫荧光染色呈微管相关蛋白(MAP-2ab)、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)阳性;DNA的含量测定结果显示诱导分化后第7天未发现有四倍体、六倍体细胞。结论(1)星形胶质细胞可以在体外诱导成年大鼠MSCs向神经元方向分化,这种分化并不是由细胞融合引起的。(2)星形胶质细胞具有调控神经元的分化、促进神经元成熟的功能。     

Schwann cells fail to differentiate when co-cultured in contact with PC12 neurites

Schwann cells derived from mouse or rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were co-cultured with either DRG neurons or nerve growth factor (NGF)-responsive PC12 pheochromocytoma cells for up to 7 weeks. When Schwann cells were grown in the presence of DRG neurites, they displayed normal ensheathing behavior and produced basal laminae and small diameter collagen fibrils within 5-19 days in vitro. However, when Schwann cells were co-cultured in direct contact with PC12 cells and without DRG neurons, they largely failed to ensheath PC12 neurites, and failed to assemble either basal lamina or small diameter collagen fibrils at any point during 7 weeks. Schwann cell proliferation continued in the presence of PC12 neurites, indicating that PC12 cells produced a mitogenic activity for Schwann cells functionally similar to previously described neurite-associated activities. These results demonstrate that Schwann cell contact with PC12 cells does not elicit the final morphogenetic events in Schwann cells (ensheathment, basal lamina formation and collagen fibril assembly) that normally occur when Schwann cells are co-cultured in contact with DRG neurons.     

骨髓基质细胞对缺血／再灌注损伤海马片的保护作用

目的:探讨骨髓基质细胞对缺血/再灌注海马片的保护作用。方法:缺血/再灌注的大鼠海马片与骨髓基质细胞联合培养。观察海马片细胞死亡及细胞超微结构变化。结果:海马片细胞死亡及超微结构破坏以单纯缺血组最明显,条件培养液组次之,联合培养组最轻。结论:骨髓基质细胞可能通过分泌可溶性营养分子发挥对缺血/再灌注海马片的保护作用;两者的联合培养使骨髓基质细胞对损伤海马片的保护作用显著增强。     

大鼠脑创伤后小胶质细胞激活的时程及形态变化研究

目的探讨大鼠脑创伤后小胶质细胞激活的时程及形态变化。方法采用改良的Feeney等人的方法造成大鼠颅脑损伤模型,21只SD大鼠随机分为对照组和创伤组,后者根据伤后处死时间点不同,再分为伤后1h,6h,12h,24h,48h和72h组,每组动物3只,在伤后不同时间点处死动物,取伤区脑组织行抗OX-42免疫组织化学染色。结果正常大鼠脑内小胶质细胞一般为静息状态,OX-42为阴性,在切片上不易发现或细胞形态不清晰;伤后1h,小胶质细胞为轻度反应,OX-42浅染,细胞形态隐约可见,不规则;伤后6h,小胶质细胞反应明显,由静息状态变为早期反应状态,OX-42深染,细胞形态清楚;伤后12h,小胶质细胞反应达高峰,细胞形态更清楚,突起上可见到小棘;24h以后,反应减弱,OX-42浅染,细胞数量减少。结论大鼠脑创伤后小胶质细胞被激活,细胞形态发生改变,海马区亦有激活改变;反应的时程变化是伤后1h出现激活,6h反应明显,12h达高峰,以后逐渐减弱。     

Melatonin suppression of PC12 cell growth and death

Melatonin has previously been reported to influence cell differentiation and growth in a number of cell culture systems in vitro. In this paper, we describe the effects of high pharmacological and low physiological concentrations of melatonin on cell growth in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells). Melatonin produced a biphasic response with respect to cell growth in PC12 cells. At low concentrations (1–10 nM) melatonin suppressed PC12 cell growth whereas at higher concentration (10 μM) it prevented cell death. Cultures treated with high concentrations of melatonin displayed an increase in cell number and a decreased release of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture media, indicating that melatonin was enhancing cell survival as opposed to stimulating cell proliferation. Inhibition of cell death by high concentrations of melatonin was both time and concentration-dependent and did not require the continued presence of melatonin throughout the entire time of incubation. These studies suggest melatonin is preventing either apoptosis or programmed cell death. In contrast, concentrations of melatonin (1–10 nM) at or near the binding affinity for the nuclear receptor, RZRβ, suppressed PC12 cell growth. At these concentrations, melatonin failed to inhibit forskolin-induced cAMP formation and process outgrowth as well as prevent forskolin suppression of cell growth. These data indicate that PC12 cells probably lack functionally active cell surface receptors for melatonin and suggest the interaction of melatonin with the nuclear receptor may be responsible for suppression of PC12 cell growth.     

三维共培养兔髓核细胞诱导骨髓间充质干细胞分化*☆

背景：在椎间盘组织工程研究领域,种子细胞主要有髓核细胞与骨髓间充质干细胞。髓核细胞来源有限,取材不便,增殖能力差,体外培养困难。 目的：利用海藻酸盐微球模拟的三维环境下,将兔髓核细胞与骨髓间充质干细胞共培养,观察骨髓间充质干细胞的分化情况。 设计、时间及地点：细胞观察实验,于2007-12/2008-10在华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院骨科实验室进行。 材料：4月龄健康新西兰大耳白兔6只,购自华中科技大学同济医学院动物实验中心。 方法：应用密度梯度离心法及贴壁法分离纯化兔骨髓间充质干细胞,应用Ⅱ型胶原酶消化法及贴壁法分离培养兔椎间盘髓核细胞。取传至第3代骨髓间充质干细胞,用脂质体介导法将绿色荧光蛋白质粒转入,经G418筛选后,分为2组：单独培养组将转染后的骨髓间充质干细胞单独培养,共培养组将其与髓核细胞按1∶1比例于海藻酸盐凝胶微球中进行共培养。共培养14 d后,溶解海藻酸盐凝胶珠,通过流式分选收集骨髓间充质干细胞。 主要观察指标：利用RT-PCR法和Western blot技术检测骨髓间充质干细胞中Ⅱ型胶原、聚集蛋白聚糖的表达。 结果：共培养14 d后,共培养组有Ⅱ型胶原、聚集蛋白聚糖mRNA及蛋白的表达,而单独培养组均呈阴性表达。 结论：通过三维共培养,兔椎间盘髓核细胞能够在体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞向髓核样细胞方向分化。     

Activated microglia (BV-2) facilitation of TNF-alpha-mediated motor neuron death in vitro

We have studied the interactions between activated microglia and injured motor neurons using an immortalized murine microglial cell line (BV-2) stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Escherichia coli) or supernatant from serum-deprived motor neurons (NSC-34 cell line). Both stimuli induced BV-2 activation. Although both BV-2 supernatants induced a subsequent increase in NO generation in otherwise healthy NSC-34 cells, only LPS-activated microglial supernatant induced NSC-34 cell death through a TNF-alpha-dependent pathway. However, we observed a 20-fold increase in the amount of TNF-alpha required to kill NSC-34 cells in the absence of LPS-activated BV-2 cell supernatant, indicating that microglia secrete factor(s) that facilitate TNF-alpha-mediated motor neuron death in vitro.     

hBcl-2基因修饰的骨髓基质细胞对体外培养PC12细胞的保护作用

目的观察hBcl-2转染的骨髓基质细胞(MSCs)对体外培养PC12细胞的保护作用,为下一步hBcl-2修饰的MSCs脑内移植治疗奠定基础。方法采用密度梯度离心结合贴壁法分离、培养大鼠MSCs,对培养第3代的MSCs进行鉴定;hBcl-2用脂质体转染MSCs建立MSCs-hBcl-2基因工程细胞;用H2O2建立PC12细胞氧化应激损伤模型;MTT法检测MSCs-hBcl-2基因工程细胞上清对体外培养的PC12细胞活性的影响。结果成功培养出MSCs细胞,免疫组化结果显示培养的细胞CD44、CD71表达阳性,而CD45表达阴性;建立了有稳定高效hBcl-2表达的MSCs-hBcl-2基因工程细胞,并观察到MSCs-hBcl-2基因工程细胞较MSCs更能减轻PC12细胞的氧化损伤(P<0.05)。结论hBcl-2基因修饰的MSCs对PC12细胞的生长、生存有着重要的保护作用。     

Mesenchymal stem cells enhance GABAergic transmission in co-cultured hippocampal neurons

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells endowed with neurotrophic potential combined with immunological properties, making them a promising therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative disorders. However, the mechanisms through which MSCs promote the neurological recovery following injury or inflammation are still largely unknown, although cell replacement and paracrine mechanisms have been hypothesized. In order to find out what are the mechanisms of the trophic action of MSCs, as compared to glial cells, on CNS neurons, we set up a co-culture system where rat MSCs (or cortical astrocytes) were used as a feeding layer for hippocampal neurons without any direct contact between the two cell types. The analysis of hippocampal synaptogenesis, synaptic vesicle recycling and electrical activity show that MSCs were capable to support morphological and functional neuronal differentiation. The proliferation of hippocampal glial cells induced by the release of bioactive substance(s) from MSCs was necessary for neuronal survival. Furthermore, MSCs selectively increased hippocampal GABAergic pre-synapses. This effect was paralleled with a higher expression of the potassium/chloride KCC2 co-transporter and increased frequency and amplitude of mIPSCs and sIPSCs. The enhancement of GABA synapses was impaired by the treatment with K252a, a Trk/neurotrophin receptor blocker, and by TrkB receptor bodies hence suggesting the involvement of BDNF as a mediator of such effects. The results obtained here indicate that MSC-secreted factors induce glial-dependent neuronal survival and trigger an augmented GABAergic transmission in hippocampal cultures, highlighting a new effect by which MSCs could promote CNS repair. Our results suggest that MSCs may be useful in those neurological disorders characterized by an impairment of excitation versus inhibition balance.     

Caffeine Prevents Memory Impairment Induced by Hyperhomocysteinemia

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising prospect for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the underlying mechanisms by which MSCs mediate positive effects are still unclear. We speculated that MSCs mediate microglial autophagy and enhance the clearance of Aβ. To test this hypothesis, we cultured BV2 microglial cells with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium (ucMSCs-CM) in the presence or absence of Aβ25–35 oligomers. We investigated BV2 cell proliferation, cell death, and Aβ25–35 phagocytosis as well as protein expression levels of LC3, Beclin-1, p62, insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), and neprilysin (Nep) with western blotting. The results showed that ucMSCs-CM inhibited the proliferation and decreased cell death of BV2 cells induced by Aβ25–35. ucMSCs-CM also promoted the phagocytosis of Aβ25–35 by BV2 cells and changed the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3, Beclin-1, and p62. Treatment also upregulated the expression of Aβ-degrading enzymes IDE and Nep. Furthermore, the culture medium in BV2 cells with Aβ25–35 and ucMSCs-CM prevented neuronal cell SH-SY5Y from cell death compared to control medium without ucMSCs-CM. Altogether, these data suggested that ucMSCs-CM protect microglial and neuronal cells from Aβ25–35-induced cell death and promote Aβ phagocytosis by modulating autophagy and enhancing the expression of Aβ-degrading enzymes in microglia.     

Neuron-derived exosomes with high miR-21-5p expression promoted polarization of M1 microglia in culture

BackgroundNeuroinflammation is a characteristic pathological change of acute neurological deficit and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Microglia are the key cell involved in neuroinflammation and neuronal injury. The type of microglia polarization determines the direction of neuroinflammation. MiR-21-5p elevated in neurons and microglia after TBI in our previous research. In this study, we explore the influence of miR-21-5p for neuroinflammation by regulating microglia polarization.MethodsIn this study, PC12 and BV2 used to instead of neuron and microglia respectively. The co-cultured transwell system used to simulate interaction of PC12 and BV2 cells in vivo environment.ResultsWe found that PC12-derived exosomes with containing miR-21-5p were phagocytosed by microglia and induced microglia polarization, meanwhile, the expression of miR-21-5p was increased in M1 microglia cells. Polarization of M1 microglia aggravated the release of neuroinflammation factors, inhibited the neurite outgrowth, increased accumulation of P-tau and promoted the apoptosis of PC12 cells, which formed a model of cyclic cumulative damage. Simultaneously, we also got similar results in vivo experiments.ConclusionsPC12-derived exosomes with containing miR-21-5p is the essential of this cyclic cumulative damage model. Therefore, regulating the expression of miR-21-5p or the secretion of exosomes may be an important novel strategy for the treatment of neuroinflammation after TBI.     

Melatonin-induced suppression of PC12 cell growth is mediated by its Gi coupled transmembrane receptors

The effects of pertussis toxin, an uncoupler of Gi protein from adenylate cyclase, and luzindole, a competitive inhibitor of melatonin receptor binding, were examined for their ability to inhibit melatonin-induced suppression of PC12 cell growth. Both agents inhibited the melatonin response suggesting that melatonin may be acting through one of its Gi coupled cell surface receptors. This is confirmed by Western blots demonstrating the presence of MT1 receptors in PC12 cells. Coupling of the Gi protein to these receptors is demonstrated by failure of melatonin to suppress cell growth in PKA deficient A126-1B2-1 mutant PC12 cells. Similarly, melatonin failed to prevent cell proliferation when cells were incubated in the presence of the PKA inhibitor, Rp-cAMP. Retinoic acid and dexamethasone, agents known to effect PC12 cell growth and/or differentiation, displayed differential effects on the actions of melatonin. In the presence of melatonin and low concentrations of retinoic acid (100 nM), PC12 cell proliferation was stimulated compared to that seen with either agent alone, whereas no increase in cell proliferation was observed when higher concentrations of retinoic acid (100 microM) were used. The effects of dexamethasone on suppression of PC12 cell growth were additive with that of melatonin whereas, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (IC(50)=10 nM), which by itself had no effect on PC12 cell growth, was found to inhibit the melatonin response. This study demonstrates that inhibition of PC12 cell growth, at physiological concentrations of melatonin, is mediated by cAMP-dependent cell surface receptors and this response is altered by other growth factors known to effect PC12 cell proliferation and differentiation.     

骨髓间充质干细胞与肝细胞生长因子在组织修复中的作用

当组织损伤发生后，骨髓间充质干细胞逆趋化因子浓度梯度迁移至病变处，通过分化为受损细胞、分泌多种细胞因子，如肝细胞生长因子等，及其免疫调节等机制，发挥组织修复作用；肝细胞生长因子是间充质干细胞的重要趋化因子，它可抑制间充质干细胞的增殖、并诱导其向肝细胞及上皮细胞系分化。骨髓间充质干细胞参与受损组织的修复过程是复杂的，其作用机制主要表现在归巢至受损部位，局部微环境下的正确定向分化和抑制宿主的免疫等方面。随着研究的进一步深入，骨髓间充质干细胞参与受损组织修复作用机制将会逐步被明确，移植有治疗效果的行基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞，及采取其他可增强细胞移植的治疗效果，增强干细胞的修复作用，有望更好的用于指导临床治疗工作。     

骨髓间充质干细胞对1-甲基-4-苯基吡啶离子损伤的离体纹状体-黑质脑片多巴胺能神经元的保护作用

BACKGROUND： To date, the use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease have solely focused on in vivo animal models. Because of the number of influencing factors, it has been difficult to determine a consistent outcome.
OBJECTIVE： To establish an injury model in brain slices of substantia nigra and striatum using 1-methyl-4-phenylpytidinium ion （MPP＋）, and to investigate the effect of MSCs on dopaminergic neurons following MPP＋ induced damage.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An in vitro, randomized, controlled, animal experiment using I mmunohistochemistry was performed at the Laboratory of the Department of Anatomy, Fudan University between January 2004 and December 2006.
MATERIALS： Primary MSC cultures were obtained from femurs and tibias of adult Sprague Dawley rats. Organotypic brain slices were isolated from substantia nigra and striatum of 1-day-old Sprague Dawley rat pups. Monoclonal antibodies for tyrosine hydroxylase （TH, 1：5 000） were from Santa Cruz （USA）; goat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies labeled with FITC were from Boster Company （China）.
METHODS： Organotypic brain slices were cultured for 5 days in whole culture medium supplemented with 50% DMEM, 25% equine serum, and 25% Tyrode’s balanced salt solution. The medium was supplemented with 5 μg/mL Ara-C, and the culture was continued for an additional 5 days. The undergrowth of brain slices was discarded at day 10. Eugonic brain slices were cultured with basal media for an additional 7 days. The brain slices were divided into three groups： control, MPP＋ exposure, and co-culture. For the MPP＋ group, MPP＋ （30 μmol/L） was added to the media at day 17 and brain slices were cultured for 4 days, followed by control media. For the co-culture group, the MPP＋ injured brain slices were placed over MSCs in the well and were further cultured for 7 days.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 28 days in culture, neurite outgrowth was examined in the brain slices under phase-contrast microscopy. The percent of area containing dead cells in each brain slice was calculated with the help of propidium iodide fluorescence. Brain slices were stained with antibodies for TH to indicate the presence of dopaminergic neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to determine the effect of MSCs on neuronal ultrastructure.
RESULTS： Massive cell death and neurite breakage was observed in the MPP＋ group. In addition, TH expression was significantly reduced, compared to the control group （P 〈 0.01）. After 7 days in culture with MSCs, the co-culture group presented with less cell damage and reduced neurite breakage, and TH expression was increased. However, these changes were not significantly different from the MPP＋ group （P 〈 0.01）. Electron microscopy revealed reduced ultrastructural injury to cells in the brain slices. However, vacuoles were present in cells, with some autophagic vacuoles.
CONCLUSION： Bone marrow-derived MSCs can promote survival of dopaminergic neurons following MPP＋-induced neurotoxicity in co-cultures with substantia nigra and striatum brain slices.