Optimal time point for the transplantation of neural stem cells induced to differentiate with retinoic acid

Previous studies have demonstrated that differentiated neural stem cells (NSCs) are more suitable for transplantation than non-differentiated NSCs. In this study, NSCs were expanded in vitro for two passages, induced with retinoic acid to differentiate, and harvested between 1-6 days later. They were subsequently cultured in artificial cerebrospinal fluid for an additional 3 days, during which their growth and morphology was monitored. NSCs induced for 4 days exhibited a peak rate of cells differentiating into neurons and robust growth. Our results indicate that the optimal time point for transplanting NSCs is following a 4-day period of induced differentiation.