The myelin formation in neurospheres of human neural stem cells in vitro

Objective To explore the culture conditions in vitro for human neural stem cells and to investigate the ultrastructure of neurospheres. Methods The cells from the embryonic human cortex were mechanically dissociated. The N2 medium was adopted to culture and expand the cells which were identified by immunocytochemistry. Electron microscope was used to examine the ultrastructure of neurospheres. Results Neural stem cells from human embryonic tissue were successfully cultured, and typical neurospheres were formed in suspension. Most cells expressed vimentin, a marker of neural progenitor cells. The cells could be differentiated into neurons and glia when they were plated on coated plate. In vitro myelin formation in neurospheres was observed at the early stage of culture. Conclusion Human neural stem cells can be cultured from embryonic brain and have the ability to myelinate. These cells may be a potential source for transplantation in the treatment of disorders of demyelination in humans.