Effect of Zhichan Decoction on Neural Stem Cell Differentiation in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats

This study was aimed at discussing the effect of Zhichan decoction (ZCD) on neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation in Parkinson's disease (PD) model rats. PD model rats were divided into four groups. In the normal group and model group, 0.9% normal saline was administered intragastrically. Normal culture medium was transplanted in the brain. ZCD was administered intragastrically in the treatment group after NSC transplantation. TH protein was checked with the immunohistochemical method, and mRNA expression of Ptx3, Nurrl, and Shh was checked with RT-PCR from brain slices on 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d, respectively. The results showed that TH protein was significantly increased in the treatment group on 7 d and 14 d as compared with the control group. The mRNA expression of Ptx3 and Shh was significantly increased at some time points. It is concluded that ZCD has the effect of promoting NSC differentiation in PD model rats.