The Effect of Different Concentrations of Methylprednisolone on Survival, Proliferation, and Migration of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

INTRODUCTION: The present study addressed whether methylprednisolone (MP) as an anti-inflammatory drug used in neurodegenerative diseases and neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) is safe. METHODS: First, embryonic rat NS/PCs were exposed to different concentrations of MP, and then we evaluated their survival by MTT assay, proliferation by analyzing the number and diameter of neurospheres, and the migration of the cells by neurosphere assay. RESULTS: The viability of NS/PCs was reduced following exposure to 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL of MP. In addition, although the number of neurospheres did not change, exposure to different concentrations of MP resulted in the formation of smaller neurospheres. Despite these undesirable effects, the highest concentration of MP (20 μg/mL) increased the migration capacity of the NS/PCs. CONCLUSION: The combination of MP and NS/PCs is not recommended due to the adverse effects of MP on the survival and proliferation of NS/PCs. HIGHLIGHTS: Methylprednisolone reduced survival of neural stem/progenitor cells. Methylprednisolone decreased proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells. The highest concentration of MP (20 μg/mL) increased the migration capacity of the neural stem/progenitor cells. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: In this study, we evaluate the effect of the exposure of neural stem/progenitor cells to methylprednisolone. Based on the results, combination of neural stem/progenitor cells and methylprednisolone not recommended due to reduction of survival and proliferation of the cells.