Maintenance of a Schwann-Like Phenotype in Differentiated Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Requires the Synergistic Action of Multiple Growth Factors

Figure 2

Cells treated with all stimulating factors have an increased aspect ratio compared to those treated with GGF-2 alone. (a) Spindle-shaped cells are clearly visible in dASC⁺ phalloidin-stained cells. Cells were photographed at 4x magnification. (b) dASC^−/+GGFphalloidin-stained cells exhibit fewer spindle-shaped cells. (c) dASC⁺ had a significantly higher AR when compared to dASC^−/+GGF (4.752 ± 0.144 in dASC⁺ versus 4.248 ± 0.107 in dASC^−/+GGF, , ). (d) A total of 249 dASC⁺ cells and 304 dASC^−/+GGF cells were analysed, and the relative frequency of each AR was determined. There was a higher percentage of cells with in the dASC^−/+GGF group (63% versus 53% in dASC⁺) and a higher percentage of spindle-shaped cells (AR ≥ 5) in the dASC⁺ group (47% versus 37% in dASC^−/+GGF).

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