Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the effects of Panaxydol (PND) on the expression of NGF and myelin protein in cultured RSC96 cells.　Methods　RSC96 cells were cultured and decided the optimal culture condition by adjusting the serum concentration. After detecting the proliferation of RSC96 cells by MTT assay, the cultures were added with PND (10 μmol/L), or without PND as the control. After 24 h, the expression and secretion of NGF and BDNF in cultured cells were examined by RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. For exploring the possible intracellular signals involved in PND effects, N-type Ca2+ channel blocker - Nifedipine was co-cultured for 4 h before the addition of PND.　Results　The result showed that, 4 mmol/L serum in the culture medium was the best concentration for the growth of RSC96 cells. PND significantly enhanced the expression and release of NGF and BDNF of RSC96 cells. However, the effects of PND on the RSC96 cells can be partly eliminated by Nifedipine.　Conclusions　The results indicate that RSC96 cells cultured in an optimal serum medium could replace primary Schwann cells as the subject for in vitro researches, furthermore, the effect of PND on the RSC96 cells is mediated partly via Ca2+ signal.

Key words: Panaxydol, RSC96 Schwann cells, Neurotrophins, Ca ²⁺