Study on differentiation of rat adipose tissue-derived stromal cells into Schwann-like cells / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the phenotypic, molecular and biological characteristics of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) differentiated alonely a Schwann cells (SCs) lineage and to provide a new cells' seed source for nerve tissue engineering or cell therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured ADSCs were isolated from SD rats and the undifferentiated ADSCs were confirmed by detection of MSC-specific cell-surface markers. The ADSCs were differentiated along a glial cell lineage using an established cocktail of growth factors. Following differention, we used immunofluorescene staining and RT-PCR to evaluate the characteristics of differentiated WJMSCs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ADSCs were successfully isolated from the rats' fat tissue. The isolated ADSCs expressed CD29, CD90 but not CD34, CD44 nor CD45. Osteogenic differentiation was detected by Alizarin red staining and adipogenic differentiation was comfirmed by Oil-red O staining. ADSCs treated with a mixture of glial growth factors adopted a spindle-like morphology similar to Schwann cells. Immunocytochemical staining and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the treated cells expressed the glial markers S100, P75 and glial fibrillary acidic protein indicative of differentiation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ADSCs can be differentiated into cells that are Schwann-like in terms of morphologic features and phenotype and could be suitable Schwann-cell substitutes for nerve repair in clinical applications.</p>

Molluscicidal activity of methanol extracts of Jatropha curcas leaves against Ampullaria gigas / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the molluscicidal activities of methanol extract of Jatropha curcas leaves against Ampullaria gigas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Young snails, adult snails and eggs of Ampullaria gigas were treated with the methanol extract of J. curcas leaves at different doses for different time lengths and the molluscicidal effects of the extract were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The methanol extract showed a significant molluscicidal effect on the young snails at a low concentration, and treatment with 75 mg/L extract for more than 3 days resulted in a 100% mortality rate of the young snails. The Jatropha leaf methanol extract also showed toxicity to adult snails and eggs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Jatropha leaves have a great potential for developing green pesticides to control Ampullaria gigas, but its biochemical mechanism needs further research.</p>