BACKGROUND:In vitro induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) differentiated into neuron-like cells mainly by polypeptide preparations such as nerve growth factor.Pure chemical inducer is not commonly found.OBJECTIVE:To establish a system for isolation and culture of BMSCs and induce it directional differentiation into neuron-like cells in vitro.METHODS:BMSCs were isolated,purified and identified by density gradient centrifugation,adherent culture and digestion time control.BMSCs were induced into neuron-like cells by β-mercaptoethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide.The morphology change was observed.The differentiation ratio analysis of differentiated neuron-like cells was detected by Nissl staining and immunochemical of neuron specific enolase and neurofilament-200.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Separated BMSCs were fibroblast-like cells and they had several nucleoluses.BMSCs could differentiate into neuron-like cells,with the presence of long axons and dendrite-like processes after being induced by β-mercaptoethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide.Both Nissl's body,neurofilament-200 and neuron specific enolase of neurons after induction were positive and the positive rates of neuron specific enolase and neurofilament-200 were(85.6 ±6.7)% and(73.2 ± 5.6)%,respectively.Results demonstrated that density gradient centrifugation,adherent culture and digestion time control can successfully isolate and culture human BMSCs.Human BMSCs can differentiate into neuron-like cells induced by β-mercaptoethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide in vitro.