In vitro culture and differentiation characteristics of neural stem cells derived from embryonic mouse spinal cord and striatum

Objective To investigate the isolation and culture of the neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from the embryonic mouse spinal cord and striatum, and observe the differences in their proliferation and differentiation characteristics in vitro, thereby providing evidences for identifying more suitable seed cells for repainng spinal cord injuries. Methods The spinal cord and striatum of 14-day-old embryonic mice were dissected for primary NSC culture. After 4 passages, the cells were examined for the expression ofnestin, β-tubulin Ⅲ, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and MAG using immunohistochemistry. Results The NSCs derived from the spinal cord and the striatum both possessed in vitro proliferation capacity and expressed nestin antigen. After induced differentiation, the NSCs expressed specific antigens of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Conclusion Multipotent NSCs can be obtained from embryonic mouse spinal cord and striatum through different in vitro culture methods under different conditions. According to the differenees between the two kinds of NSCs in culture situation and differentiation, the striatum derived NSC is suitable for transplantation to repair spinal cord injury. Key words: Striatum;  Spinal cord;  Neural stem cells;  Cell culture