Abstract
ObjectOur objective was to explore the protective effects of hypoxic preconditioning on induced Schwann cells exposed to an environment with low concentrations of oxygen. It has been observed that hypoxic preconditioning of induced Schwann cells can promote axonal regeneration under low oxygen conditions.MethodRat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into Schwann cells and divided into a normal oxygen control group, a hypoxia-preconditioning group and a hypoxia group. The ultrastructure of each of these groups of cells was observed by electron microscopy. In addition, flow cytometry was used to measure changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect apoptosis, and Western blots were used to detect the expression of Bcl-2/Bax. Fluorescence microscopic observations of axonal growth in NG-108 cells under hypoxic conditions were also performed.ResultsThe hypoxia-preconditioning group maintained mitochondrial cell membrane and crista integrity, and these cells exhibited less edema than the hypoxia group. In addition, the cells in the hypoxia-preconditioning group were found to be in early stages of apoptosis, whereas cells from the hypoxia group were in the later stages of apoptosis. The hypoxia-preconditioning group also had higher levels of Bcl-2/Bax expression and longer NG-108 cell axons than were observed in the hypoxia group.ConclusionHypoxic preconditioning can improve the physiological state of Schwann cells in a severe hypoxia environment and improve the ability to promote neurite outgrowth.
Highlights
Schwann cells are an important part of the peripheral nerve myelin sheath, and they play an essential role in peripheral nerve regeneration
Hypoxic preconditioning can improve the physiological state of Schwann cells in a severe hypoxia environment and improve the ability to promote neurite outgrowth
This study examined the protective effects of hypoxic preconditioning and the mechanisms underlying these effects in induced Schwann cells under hypoxic conditions
Summary
Schwann cells are an important part of the peripheral nerve myelin sheath, and they play an essential role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Schwann cells have a long growth cycle and are difficult to amplify. They are difficult to use for clinical applications. Several studies have reported that bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into Schwann cells. In vitro studies have shown that these induced Schwann cells have Schwann cell phenotypes, and that they can promote axonal growth [4,5]. All of these studies have been performed at conventional in vitro oxygen concentrations
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