Neural stem cells isolated from rat fetus striatum were cultured as spheres in serum free medium containing epidermal growth factor for two months without dissociation. Each non-passaged sphere maintained the potential to differentiate into neurons and glia cells when replated in serum containing medium. The electron microscopical study of the cultured spheres revealed immature cells in the proliferation stage with scant dark cytoplasm. The cells differentiated heterogeneously in the spheres; some had rough endoplasmic reticula-like Nissle bodies and others had long processes rich in intermediate filaments. Cells undergoing apoptosis were also observed in the spheres, mainly in the core of spheres where abundant cellular debris including apoptotic bodies were observed in the large extracellular spaces. These neural spheres exhibiting ongoing cell differentiation could potentially serve as an alternative source for neuronal transplantation. [References: 24]
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