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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Coculture of Axotomized Rat Retinal Ganglion Neurons with Olfactory Ensheathing Glia, as an In Vitro Model of Adult Axonal Regeneration
Published on: November 2, 2020
Ginsenoside Rg1 promotes proliferation and neurotrophin expression of olfactory ensheathing cells
Zheng-Feng Lu1, Yi-Xin Shen, Peng Zhang
1Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
Abstract:
Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is currently considered to be one of the most promising repair strategies for human spinal cord injury. However, the factors that regulate OECs are still poorly understood. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the phytosterol from Panax ginseng, is a potent neuroprotective agent that promotes axonal regeneration. The aim of this study is to determine whether Rg1 would influence the biological activity of OECs. Primary cultured OECs from the olfactory bulb of neonatal rats were treated with Rg1 of various concentrations and durations. Using MTT and bromodeoxyuridine assays, we found that Rg1 significantly promoted cell proliferation, with an optimal concentration of 40 mug/ml of Rg1 at 72 h. In addition, RT-PCR and ELISA assays showed that Rg1 could upregulate the mRNA expression and secretion of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and nerve growth factor. These results suggest that Rg1 may have a great potential in OEC therapy.
Insights
Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) enhances the proliferation and neurotrophic factor secretion of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). This suggests Rg1 holds significant potential for improving OEC therapy in spinal cord injury repair.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a promising strategy for human spinal cord injury repair.
- Understanding factors that regulate OEC biological activity is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic potential.
- Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a compound from Panax ginseng, exhibits neuroprotective properties and promotes axonal regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) on the biological activity of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs).
- To determine if Rg1 affects OEC proliferation and the expression of key neurotrophic factors.
Main Methods:
- Primary OECs were cultured from neonatal rat olfactory bulbs.
- Cells were treated with various concentrations and durations of Rg1.
- MTT and bromodeoxyuridine assays assessed cell proliferation.
- RT-PCR and ELISA measured mRNA expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors.
Main Results:
- Rg1 significantly promoted OEC proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with optimal effects at 40 μg/ml for 72 hours.
- Rg1 treatment upregulated the mRNA expression and secretion of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF).
- These findings indicate Rg1 positively modulates OEC function.
Conclusions:
- Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) enhances the proliferation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs).
- Rg1 increases the secretion of crucial neurotrophic factors (GDNF, BDNF, NGF) from OECs.
- Rg1 demonstrates significant potential for enhancing OEC-based therapies for spinal cord injury.
