Secretion of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor in co-culture of four cell types in cerebrospinal fluid-containing medium

This study investigates the potential of co-culturing different human cell types to promote the secretion of neurotrophic factors, which are crucial for nerve regeneration. Specifically, it examines olfactory ensheathing cells, Schwann cells, amniotic epithelial cells, and vascular endothelial cells. The cells were cultured in a medium containing cerebrospinal fluid to mimic the environment of the spinal cord after injury. The levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secreted by these cells were then measured. The findings suggest that this co-culture approach enhances the production of these neurotrophic factors, potentially creating a more favorable environment for nerve repair following spinal cord injury. Reducing cerebrospinal fluid extravasation is beneficial.

• 1
  The number of all cell types in the co-culture reached a peak at 7–10 days, and the expression of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor peaked at 9 days.
• 2
  NGF levels were four-fold higher than BDNF, which was three-fold higher than GDNF, indicating a specific ratio of neurotrophic factor secretion in the co-culture.
• 3
  Increasing concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid in the growth medium caused a decrease of neurotrophic factor secretion, suggesting that factors in cerebrospinal fluid may inhibit neurotrophic factor production.