The Effects of Selenium on Growth and Differentiation of Cultured Neuron from Rat Embryo Midbrain

The effects of selenium on growth and differentiation of primary cultured neuron from thirteenth rat embryo midbrain were investigated.The cultures of cells were exposed to 0 01～10 0μmol/L Na₂SeO₃ and observed the changes of proliferation of neurons using MTT stain. The degree of differentiation and morphological changes of neurons were examined by means of scanning electron microscope and phase-contrast microscope.The results showed that low Se concentration (0.01～0.1μmol/L) can stimulate proliferation and differentiation of cultured neurons with a relationship of does-effect response.While the higher Se concentration (over 1.0μmol/L) can inhibit it, highest Se concentration(10μmol/L) can cause cytotoxicity.Low Se concentratation is helpful to growth and differentiation of neurons from rat embryo.