The Effects of Hypoxia on the Differentiation of Cultured Nscs from Embryonic Rats in Vitro

Objective To isolate and culture neural stem cells (NSCs) from rat embryonic brain cortex and explore the effects of hypoxia on the differentiation of the NSCs in vitro.Methods The NSCs from brain cortex of E14d SD rats were isolated.The NSCs were cultured in vitro in the serum - free medium at first,and then differentiation with 10% FBS medium.The P3 NSCs were divided into experimental groups (10% 0_2,5% O_2) and normal control group.The cells in experimental groups were cultured with serum - free medium in incubator for 7 days first in 5% 0_2 and 10% O_2 for 24,72 or 120h,then in normal O_2.Then NSCs of different groups were differentiated cultured with 10% FBS medium. The NSCs activity was detected by light microscope,and the nestin and neural cell specific antigens were detected using immunocytochemistry or immumofluorence staining.Results 5% O_2 groups,especially 72h group could promote NSCs to differentiate into neurons.Conclusion Our results indicate that hypoxia may have great effect on the natural differentiation of NSCs.In vitro,fitness hypoxia may promote NSCs to differentiate into neurons.