Growth and differentiation of human embryonic neural stem cells boosted by rat Schwann cells

Objective To investigate the function of rat Schwann cells on the growth and differentiation of human embryonic neural stem cells. Methods The samples were divided into three groups. In Group One, neural stem cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 in which Schwann cells had grown for one day. In Group Two, neural stem cells and Schwann cells were co cultured. In Group Three, neural stem cells were cultured in DMEM/F12. The morphology of neural stem cells were abserved and tubulin β, GalC, Hoechst 33342 and GFAP were detected. Results In Group One, all neural spheres attached to the bottom and differentiated. The majority of them were tubulin β positive while a few of cells were GFAP or GalC positive. In group Two, neural spheres kept undifferentiatied and their growth were inhibited in place where Schwann cells were eugonic. While in place where there were few Schwann cells, neural stem cells performed like those in Group One. In Group Three, the cell growth state deteriorated day after a day. On the 7th day, most neural stem cells died. Conclusions The secretion of rat Schwann cells had the growth supportive and differentiation inducing effect on human embryonic neural stem cells.