In Vitro Culture and Induced Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells from ICR Fetal Mouse

To isolate and culture the ICR fetal mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) and efficiently produce inducedneurons in vitro, this study utilised the synergistic effects of EGF and bFGF to promote the proliferation of primary fetal cortical NSCs. The approach with highest neuronal differentiation rate was confirmed through control induction experiments. Immunocytochemistry staining recorded that NSCs had the pluripotency, and the neuronal differentiation rate in pattern of coculture NSCs and sertoli cells (SCs) was up to 60% (P＜5). Therefore, it was proved that EGF(20 ng/mL) and bFGF(20 ng/mL) could efficiently boost the proliferation of NSCs in the serumfree medium, moreover, SCs contributed significantly to inducing NSCs into neurons.