Objective To study the effect of Danshensu (DSS) on directional
differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into neuron
like cells. Methods MSC were separated from bone marrow with density gradient centrifugation, wall sticking screening and amplified in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to monitor the expression of surface antigens. DSS contained in non serum L DMEM was used to induce
differentiation of MSC to neuron like cells, and the effect of DSS when different concentration and acting time used was explored. And levels of neuron specific enolase (NSE), neurofilament protein (NF M), nestin, and expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured by immunohistochemical method. Results After being propagated and amplified in vitro, MSC were positively
expressed for CD29, CD44, CD166, and negatively expressed for CD14, CD34, CD45、HLA DR. After induction of DSS, MSC exhibited the typical form of perikaryon with pyknotic cell body and prominence projected like that of neuron. These cells were positively expressed in NSE, NF M and nestin, and negatively expressed in GFAP. Conclusion DSS could induce differentiation of MSC to neuron like cells in vitro, the action is concentration and time dependent.