Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on proliferation of Schwann cells in culture.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of Ginsenoside Rb(1) on the proliferation of Schwann cells in culture.


METHODS
Applying MTT assay and Thymidine incorporation assay, the effects of Ginsenoside Rb(1) on the proliferation of Schwann cells isolated from the sciatic nerve of adult rat were studied.


RESULTS
Ginsenoside Rb(1) (10 microg/ml) significantly induced Schwann cell proliferation, the effect was similar to NGF (50 microg/ml). At high concentrations of Ginsenoside Rb(1) (1 mg/ml), the proliferation of Schwann cells was significantly inhibited.


CONCLUSIONS
Ginsenoside Rb(1) at the optimal concentrations is found to be effective in inducing the proliferation of Schwann cells, but at higher concentrations the drug is cytotoxic for Schwann cells.
Hu
Xitang
X
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. haytongwu@cuhk.edu.hk
Chen
Xiaoxiang
X
Xiong
Liangjian
L
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D036145:Ginsenosides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D011336:Probability; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D036145:Ginsenosides; C442759:ginsenoside Rb1