Effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Proliferation and Differentiation of Rat Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal of rat hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. Rat hippocampal NSCs were isolated from post-natal day 1 (P1) rats and cultured in a serum-free medium. The neurospheres were identified by the expressions of nestin, class III β-tublin (Tuj-1) and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP). The cells were given PNS and subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) as an in vitro model of brain ischemia reperfusion. The proliferation of NSCs was determined by MTT colorimetry, nestin/BrdU immunofluorescent double-labeling and RT-PCR. Differentiation of NSCs was assessed by immunofluorescent double-labeling of nestin/BrdU, nestin/vimentin, and nestin/Tuj-1. The primary cells and the first two passages of cells formed certain amount of neurospheres, the cells derived from a single cell clone also formed neurospheres. Nestin, BrdU, GFAP and Tuj-1-positive cells appeared in those neurospheres. Compared to the control group, PNS significantly promoted NSC proliferation and the expression of nestin/BrdU, and also enhanced Tuj-1, vimentin, and nestin mRNA expressions in hippocampal NSCs. PNS significantly increased area density, optical density and numbers of nestin/BrdU, nestin/vimentin, and nestin/Tuj-1 positive cells following OGD. These results indicate that PNS can promote proliferation and differentiation of hippocampus NCSs in vitro after OGD, suggesting its potential benefits on neurogenesis and neuroregeneration in brain ischemic injury.

Panax notoginseng saponins provide neuroprotection by regulating NgR1/RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression, in vitro and in vivo

“…Extractions of Panax notoginseng, such as PNS injections described in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2010), have been widely applied in clinical situations in China (Li et al, 2009). Previous studies demonstrated that PNS promotes neuronal plasticity, attenuates apoptosis and caspase activation (Li et al, 2009), and reduces cytokines and blood-brain barrier permeability (Si et al, 2011). Our previous study demonstrated that PNS reduces overexpression of NogoA in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) injuries .…”

Notoginsenoside R<sub>1</sub> Attenuates Hypoxia and Hypercapnia-Induced Vasoconstriction <i>In Vitro</i> by Reducing the Expression of p38

“…Mechanisms associated with HHPV in PASMCs was calcium, which released from the smooth muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum via ryanodine receptors pivotal [28] It is generally agreed that PNS participates in the process of cell differentiation, proliferation and in Ca 2+ entry [35], regulates the balance of cell apoptosis and autophagy. Recently, compelling evidence has recently appeared that PNS has effect on pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary heart disease.…”

Notoginsenoside R1 Attenuates Hypoxia and Hypercapnia-Induced Vasoconstriction in Isolated Rat Pulmonary Arterial Rings by Reducing the Expression of ERK

“…It is generally admitted that PNS is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, regulation of apoptosis, and in Ca 2þ -overload blocking (Sun et al, 2003;Si et al, 2011;Xu et al, 2011). Clinically, PNS was mainly employed to treat cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and diseases of the central nervous system.…”