A fast, economical and simplified method to culture and purify schwann cells in vitro

Objective To explore a fast,simplified and economical method for Schwann cells(SCs) cultured and purified in vitro.In this way,a stable and reliable cell sources can be provided in order to study SCs transplanted in vivo. Methods SCs cultures were prepared from the sciatic and brachial nerves of 3 to 5-day-old SD neonatal rats with double enzyme digestion method to acquire dissociated cells and one enzyme digestion method to acquire incomplete digested tissues. Results With the same number of neonatal rats,one enzyme digestion(hemi-explant)method acquired at least two times more SCs than double enzyme digestion(single cell) method did and saved at least 40 minutes.96% of S-100 positive SCs cultured were shown by immunohistochemical staining.Conclusion When the one enzyme digestion method(hemi-explant) is used to culture SCs,sufficient SCs with qualified purity can be acquired in a short time.