Neurotrophic effects of polyhydroxylated steroids and steroid glycosides in cultured neuroblastoma cells.

The effects of steroid compounds from Pacific Ocean starfishes were studied using cultured neuroblastoma C-1300 cells. Vital observations and examination of silver-impregnated preparations showed that the test substances in a concentration of 2-10 microM stimulate differentiation and improves survival of neuroblastoma cells under adverse conditions (similarly to neurotrophins). These substances in high concentrations (20-40 microM) had no effect or exhibited cytotoxic activity. The screening test allowed us to select several compounds for further studies of neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties.