title: [In vitro differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells into photoreceptors].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To isolate and culture rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induce them to differentiate into photoreceptor cells in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  It was a experimental study. MSCs were isolated and attached to the wall of culture dishes by their specific adherent ability. Then the cells were characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were induced by murine EGF for 8-10 days in-vitro. Then we used immunohistochemistry staining and flow cytometry to see whether they could express rhodopsin and differentiated into photoreceptor cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Many MSCs, which were highly purified, were obtained. After induction by EGF, 15.32% MSCs expressed rhodopsin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After induction by EGF, approximately 15.32% MSCs could differentiate into photoreceptor cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
authors.forename: Zhi-qiao
authors.initials: ZQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Fang-tian
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley