OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of nuclear factor-kappaB (NK-kappaB) on differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) into neurons induced by baicalin.

METHODSUsing baicalin as main inducer, differentiation of rats' MSC was induced into NC in serum-free medium, at the same time, untreated cells were cultured in serum-free medium as the control group. The expression of NC special marker protein and the presence of NK-kappaB subunits RelA (P65) translocated into nucleus were determined by immunofluorescent cytochemical stain, the change of expression of NK-kappaB inhibitory protein (IkappaBalpha) were determined by Western blot, and the apoptotic index was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTSMSC displayed typical shape of NC and expressed several NC marker protein after induced by baicalin, while those changes were not revealed in the control group. but showed translocation of P65 from cytoplasm to nucleus, and the markedly reduction of IkappaBalpha expression, the apoptotic index being 28.2+/-6.1 %. After induced by baicalin, the P65 still revealed mainly in cytoplasm with the level of IkappaBalpha expression decreased lesser and the number of apoptosis cell (12.2+/-2.8%) lower than those in the control group, P <0.01.

CONCLUSIONBaicalin could inhibit NK-kappaB activation, and it has certain effect in inducing the differentiation of MSC into NC.