Abstract:To investigate the characters of nerve differentiation procession induced from mouse embryonic stem cells(ESCs) through lineage selection method and then develop the neural differentiation model in vitro.Methods Dopaminergic neurons development model was induced from undifferentiated ESCs through pendent drop and suspension culture, lineage selection culture,neuron-like cells proliferation and differentiation culture of nerve cells. The morphology was observed and the detection of characteristics of neural specific genes and proteins expression at various differentiation stages was performed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence and immunochemistry. The secretion ability of neurotransmitter dopamine at each stages was detected by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Results With the extending of differentiation time,numerous neuron-like cells were observed in differentiating cells and some neuron structures including synapses were clearly visible in the later differentiation period.In initial differentiation period,only a limited number of neural specific genes and proteins were expressed in low levels while all relating genes and proteins expressed in significantly increased levels with culture proceeding.The neurotransmitter dopamine had not been detected in the undifferentiated and initially differentiating stages but there was a remarkable rising trend in later period.Conclusion The cells acquired from the ESCs differentiation using ITSFn culture has the properties of dopaminergic neurons and this is an available model for developmental neurotoxicity research.