[Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on functional expression of human neural stem cells: a patch clamp study].

Objective: To observe the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the functional expression of human neural stem cells (hNSCs).

Method: The membrane electrophysiological properties and sodium and potassium ion channels in the hNSCs induced by Rg1 were analyzed using the whole-cell patch-clamp.

Result: On the 7th day, the neuron-like cells derived from ginsenoside Rg1 (20 mg x L(-1))-induced NSCs show: (1) The resting membrane potential: (-45.70 +/- 2.63) mV, the membrane capacitance: (26.89 +/- 1.91) pF, the membrane input impedance: (877.51 +/- 20.44) MH (P < 0.05 compared with the control group, respectively); (2) The detection rate of inward sodium current which is rapidly activated and inactivated in voltage-dependence was 50%, and its average peak value was (711.48 +/- 158.03) pA (P < 0.05 compared with the control group); (3) The outward potassium currents were composed of rapidly activated and inactivated transient outward potassium current and delayed rectifier outward potassium current, and its average peak value was (1 070.42 +/- 177.18) pA (P < 0.05 compared with the control group).

Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg1 can promote the functional expression and maturity of hNSCs.