RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the possibility of differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) into epidemic cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>hMSCs were segregated from normal adult human bone marrow by Percoll solution (1.073 g/ml) , and were cultured, purified, and amplified to 3th passage in vitro. Then the hMSCs were randomly divided into control group ( with treatment of normal L-DMEM medium) and experimental group (with treatment of L-DMEM medium containing epidermal growth factor,insulin,tretinoin, calcium chloride). After 7 days of culture, the morphologic changes of hMSCs in the 2 groups were observed with inverted phase contrast microscope. The expressions of P63 and PCK of hMSCs were assessed with immunohistochemical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The shape of hMSCs in experimental group became irregular or oblong in shape, while that in control group were still in spindle shape. Immunohistochemical results showed that hMSCs were P63 and PCK positive in the experimental group, while those in control group were negative.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Human mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into epidemic cell in vitro.</p>