| Objective To investigate the effects of aluminum on division and differentiation of rat neural stem cells in vitro.Methods The neural stem cells derived from 12-12.5 day embryonic rat cortex were planted in suspended condition (three-dimension) and on coverslip precoated by poly-L-lysine. Neural stem cells were identified by Nestin immunohistochemistry. The cells were exposed to various concentration of Al3+ (400, 200, 100μM) for 24 hours on its logarithmic growth. The survival and proliferation of the neural stem cells were examined by live/dead viability/cytotoxicity kit and BrdU incorporation method. The cells were processed for immunohistochemistry staining after one week culture, and the formation rate of MAP2-positive cells among the experimental groups was compared. The neuron dendritic branches and optical density were detected using MataMorph.Results With the increase of Al3+ dose, it strengthened cytotoxicity of the neural stem cell gradually (trypan blue: r=-0.974, P<0.05; live/dead viability/cytotoxicity kit: r= -0.958, P<0.05), inhibited proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cell into neuron-like cells gradually (r=-0.798, P<0.05; r=-0.904, P<0.05, respectively) and decreased neuron dendritic branches and optical density of MAP2-positive cells gradually (r=-0.904, P<0.05; r=-0.858, P<0.05, respectively).Conclusions The results indicate that Aluminum not only induced cytotoxicity on cultured neural stem cell was displayed in this study, but also can inhibit proliferation... |
