Valproic acid impairs astroglial differentiation of neural stem cells by inhibition of PI3-kinase/Akt/NFkB pathway

Background: VPA is a known inhibitor of PI3-kinase/Akt pathway. Inhibitory effects on GSK-3 (downstream effector of PI3-kinase), as well as direct effects on PI3-kinase are reported. Own previous studies showed that wortmannin (PI3-kinase inhibitor) and SN50 (NFkB-inhibitor) blocked astroglial differentiation of mesencephalic neural stem cells (NSCs). Neural differentiation promoting effects of VPA are as well discussed as effects inhibiting astroglial differentiation. Here we examined the effect of VPA on astroglial, oligodendroglial and neuronal differentiation. Toxic effects of VPA in used dosages were exclud…