Abstract: ObjectiveTo characterize the neural progenitor cell in the human amnion mesenchyme and epithelial layer with specific mark proteins of neural stem cell.MethodsExpressions of specific mark proteins of neural stem cell including nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), musashi-1, vimentin and PSA-NCAM in human amnion tissue and cultured amniotic cells were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsExpressions of pluripotent neural stem cell specific makers (nestin, musashi-1, vimentin and PSA-NCAM) were detected in the human amnion mesenchyme and epithelial layer. In addition, cultured amniotic cells were expressed several neural stem cell specific markers including nestin, GFAP and PSA-NCAM. Nestin⁺ and GFAP⁺ double positive cells were identified in the human amnion tissue and cultured amniotic cells by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.ConclusionSpecific mark proteins of neural stem cell are expressed in human amnion tissue and cultured amniotic cells.

Key words: human amnion cell, neural progenitor cell, nestin, musashi-1