Neda Eslahi, - M.SC Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine,Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
ALI Shakeri-Zadeh - Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Khadijeh Ashtari, - PHD Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. -Department of Medical Nanotechnology and Faculty of advanced technology in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Vahid Pirhajati-Mahabadi, - PHD,Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity of GNRs on the viability of spermatogonial cells and mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (EL4s). Methods: Spermatogonial cells were isolated from the neonate mice, following enzymatic digestion and differential plating. GNRs were synthesized, then modified by silica and finally conjugated with folic acid to form F-Si-GNRs. Different doses of F-Si-GNRs ( 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 μM) were used on the both cells. MTT assay was performed to examine the GNRs toxicity. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the identity of the EL4s and spermatogonial cells. Also, the presence of spermatogonial cells asdetermined by the expression of specific spermatogonial genes and transplantation into recipient testes. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexin V/propidium iodide kit. Results: Flow cytometry showed that SSCs and EL4s were respectively PLZF and H-2kb positive. The percentage viability of SSCs and EL4s that were treated with 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 μM of F-Si-GNRs was 65.33±3.51%, 60±3.6%, 51.33±3.51%, 49±3%, 30.66±2.08% and 16.33±2.51% for SSCs and 57.66±0.57%,54.66±1.5%, 39.66±1.52%, 12.33±2.51%, 10±1% and 5.66±1.15% for EL4s respectively. The results of the MTT assay indicated that 100 μM is the optimal dose to reach the highest and lowest level of cell death in EL4s and in spermatogonial cells, respectively. Conclusion: As conclusion, cell death increased alongside increasing concentrations of F-Si- GNRs. Following utilization of F-Si-GNRs, there was a significant difference in the extent of apoptosis between cancer cells and SSCs.

Spermatogonial cells; Gold Nanorods;Mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (EL4s); Folic acid; Cytotoxicity