BACKGROUND: An ideal marked molecule has not been found to detarmine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) so as to make sure the homogenicity.OBJECTIVE: To verify the in vitro differentiation from BrdU-treced MSCs into osteoblasts.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A cytological observation/n vitro was performed in Shanxi Medical University from January to October 2008.MATERIALS: Wistar rats aging 4 weeks old were provided by Experimental Animal Center of Shanxi Medical University.METHODS: MSCs were isolated and cultured by using density gradient cantrifugation combined with attachment culture method.At about 80% confluence, trypsin was used for passage and amplification. MSCs at density of 5×1010/L were inoculated in a 25-mm culture dish with L-DMDM culture medium containing dexamethasone, β -phosphoglycarol, vitamin C, and 10% fetal bovine serum. The third-passaged MSCs were labeled in vitro with 10 μmol/L BrdU tracer. Thereafter, 10 visual fields were randomly selected to calculate numbers of positive and negative ceils so as to obtain BrdU tracing rate under a fluorescence microscope (×200).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inverted microscope was used to observe cell morphology; flow cytometry was used to detect cell surface antigen, differentiation into osteoblasts, and BrdU tracing rate in vitro.RESULTS: The purified MSCs which were like fibroblasts were adherent and fusiform. The third-passaged cells were changed equidirectionally and whirlpool-arranged, and the survival rate was more than 95%. The seventh-passaged cells still grew rapidly.CD44, CD71, and CD105 expressions were positive, but CD45 expression was negative. Black particles were visualized in MSCs after Von kossa staining. BrdU tracing rate was more than 90%.CONCLUSION: Density gradient centrifugation combined with attachment culture method can effectively isolate and purify rat MSCs which are cultured in vitro for a long period and differentiated into osteoblasts. BrdU tracer is safe, effective, and convenient to successfully label MSCs.