Abstract
Background: Neuroblastoma is a devastating childhood cancer that occurs once out of every 8000 live births. There is no cure for this neuronal cancer. Neuroblastoma cells are undifferentiated and create tumors in the thoracic region. Research done previously shows that with treatment of retinoic acid over a period of time affects the arrest of cell growth and morphological differentiation of neuroblastoma cells.
Methods: Before any experiments could be performed, SK-N-SH cells were cultured. Once at 100 percent confluency, they were ready to begin treatment. 0.2mL Retinoic acid was added to two dishes. 0.2 mL of control was added to the two other dishes. After 11 days, some cells were stained with methylene blue, and others with immunofluorescent to observe morphological changes. Treated cells were also tested for conductivity.
Results: When observing the morphological changes of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells we saw characteristics similar to those of neurons. These cells had long projections and high concentrations of neuronal proteins. The functional traits of treated cells resemble those of neurons with high sodium spikes and high action potential versus the low sodium spikes and action potential observed in the control cells.
Conclusion:These differentiated cells can provide clues for researchers in the future and act as the building blocks for finding a cure for neuroblastoma since there is much promise in this method.
Methods: Before any experiments could be performed, SK-N-SH cells were cultured. Once at 100 percent confluency, they were ready to begin treatment. 0.2mL Retinoic acid was added to two dishes. 0.2 mL of control was added to the two other dishes. After 11 days, some cells were stained with methylene blue, and others with immunofluorescent to observe morphological changes. Treated cells were also tested for conductivity.
Results: When observing the morphological changes of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells we saw characteristics similar to those of neurons. These cells had long projections and high concentrations of neuronal proteins. The functional traits of treated cells resemble those of neurons with high sodium spikes and high action potential versus the low sodium spikes and action potential observed in the control cells.
Conclusion:These differentiated cells can provide clues for researchers in the future and act as the building blocks for finding a cure for neuroblastoma since there is much promise in this method.