[Effects of selenium and B-27 supplements on viability and differentiation of neural stem cell in newborn rat].

Objective: To assess how trace element selenium and B27 supplements affect the neural stem cell (NSc) differentiation in vitro.

Methods: The development and differentiation of NSc from the newborn rat were observed with primary culture and subculture during treating by sodium-selenite, and selenium-methyl-cysteine (SMC). The immunocytochemistry techniques were used to identify the NSc and mature protein expression with neuron marker beta-tubulin, astrocyte marker GFAP, and oligodendrocyte marker CNPase. The neurosphere morphology and neurite outgrowth were observed.

Results: Adding the complete B-27 serum-free supplement, Selenium could promote the neurosphere viability, development and differentiation. Without selenium and B-27, neurosphere could not survive and differentiate. Without B-27 in the medium but there containing selenium, the neurosphere could promote the viability and development into neuron, astrocyte and oligodendrocyte, as compared with the no-containing B-27 and selenium groups, these differentiated cells might have more quantity, more branches and better morphological nerve net. The count of the neuron, astrocyte and oligodendrocyte was 11.2/Hp, 16.1/Hp and 9.3/Hp.

Conclusions: The selenium should be very important for neural stem cells' survival. Selenium could promote the neurosphere cells differentiation and development.