Differentiation of PC12 cells into neurons induced by NGF

Objective To study the condition of pheochromocytoma cells(PC12 cells)differentiation into neurons induced by nerve growth factor(NGF).Methods There were five groups :10,20,50,and 80 μg·L-1 NGF groups and control group which contained 10% fetal calf serum.PC12 cells were exposed to NGF with different concentrations for 72 h and the lengh of neurite and max diameter of PC12 cells were observed at 24,48,and 72 h,respectively.The expression of MAP2 was detected by immunocytochemistry after PC12 cells were exposed to NGF for 72 h.Results The number of MAP2 positive cells was significantly increased in 20,50,and 80 μg·L-1 groups compared with control group and the most significant concentration was 50 μg·L-1(P0.05).The length of total primary neurite and max diameter of PC12 cells in 20,50,and 80 μg·L-1 NGF groups were obviously longer and bigger than those in control group and the most significant concentration also was 50 μg·L-1(P0.01).Conclusion PC12 cells could differentiate into neurons induced by NGF,and 50 μg·L-1 is the optimal concentration in which NGF could induce PC12 cells to differentiate into neurons.