The role of c-kit on the development of enteric neurons

Objective To investigate the possible role of c-kit on the development of enteric neurons. Methods Enteric neurons and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were harvested and cultured from rats. At passage 4,BMSCs were induced into enteric neurons by GDNF of 10ng/ml in fetal gut condition medium (FGCM) for 7 days. Primary enteric neurons were identified by neurofilament (NF) and induced enteric neurons were identified by va～active intestinal peptide (VIP) and NF with immunohistochemical assay. The expression of c-kit was detected by RT-PCR. Results After purification, primary enteric neurons showed expression of NF. BMSCs at passage 4 were CD90 positive and CD45 negative detected by flow cytometry. After 7 days of induction, induced enteric neurons expressed VIP,while BMSCs were VLP negative in the control group. Primary enteric neurons and BMSCs didn't express c-kit mRNA. The expression of c-kit mRNA of induced enteric neurons increased highly after induction. Conclusions Enteric neurons and BMSCs can be harvested and cultured in vitro,and BMSCs can be induced to differentiate into enteric neurons. C-kit may play a role at a certain stage of development of enteric nervous system and be blocked after receiving a signal of mature enteric neurons. Key words: Enteric neurons) Cell differentiation;  c-kit