http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2015v28n4p1 The neural crest (NC) corresponds to a collection of multipotent and oligopotent progenitors endowed with both neural and mesenchymal potential. The derivatives of the NC at the trunk level include neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, melanocytes, smooth muscle cells and some endocrine cells. The present work investigated, for the first time, the influence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and the flavonoid rutin on the survival and proliferation of NC and NC-derived melanocytes. Quail NC cell cultures were treated with AFB1 (30 μM) and/or rutin (20 μM) for 6 days. Cell viability was assessed by MTT and trypan blue analyses and cell proliferation by BrdU staining. Melanocytes were identified by immunocytochemistry against the melanocyte-specific cellular marker MelEM. The AFB1 treatment decreased both NC cell viability and proliferation. The total number of MelEM-positive cells was also reduced after this treatment, an effect partially prevented by the addition of rutin. On the other hand, rutin added alone did not influence the NC cell population. Our results demonstrated that rutin increases the survival of the NC after damage caused by AFB1. However, additional studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in AFB1 and rutin interactions.
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