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 silverimpregnated preparations showed that the test substances in a concentration of 2–10 µM stimulate differentiation and improves survival of neuroblastoma cells under adverse conditions (similarly to neurotrophins). These substances in high concentrations (20–40 µM) had no effect or exhibited cytotoxic activity. The screening test allowed us to select several compounds for further studies of neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties