In vivo effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on the survival of developing dorsal root ganglion cells.

Abstract

Implantation of silastic membranes between neural tube and somites at somitic levels 20‐24 in 30‐somite‐stage chick embryos results in separation of early migrated neural crest cells of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) anlage from the neural tube and their death within a few hours [Kalcheim and Le Douarin, (1986) Dev. Biol., 116, 451‐460]. The in vivo effects of brain‐derived neutrotrophic factor (BNDF) on survival of HNK‐1 immunoreactive DRG cells separated from the tube were examined by implantation of laminin‐treated silastic membranes (controls) or BDNF/laminin‐treated membranes. In the presence of BDNF/laminin‐treated membranes, 20/25 grafted embryos fixed 10 h after implantation, contained many rescued cells on the operated side. In contrast, only a few rescued cells on the operated side. In contrast, only a few rescued cells were observed in sections on the operated in 2/11 embryos implanted with laminin‐treated silastic membranes, and no rescued cells at all could be detected in embryos implanted with NGF/laminin‐treated (seven embryos) or untreated silastic membranes (12 embryos). The data presented support the hypothesis that early survival and differentiation of neural crest‐derived sensory cells depend on central nervous system‐derived factor(s). Moreover, this is the first evidence for the in vivo activity of BDNF on survival of developing DRG cells.

The microenvironment created by grafting rostral half-somites is mitogenic for neural crest cells.

“…Early DRG have been shown to be dependent on CNSderived factors for their survival (19)(20)(21)(22)(23). For instance, the interposition of an impermeable membrane between the neural tube and the DRG anlage causes in a specific manner the death of all neural crest cells remaining distal to the implant, whether adjacent to RS or to CS regions (20).…”

“…For instance, the interposition of an impermeable membrane between the neural tube and the DRG anlage causes in a specific manner the death of all neural crest cells remaining distal to the implant, whether adjacent to RS or to CS regions (20). Moreover, brain-derived neurotropic factor (24,25) enhances the survival of neural crest cells in vivo (21) and those neural crest cells that develop into substance P immunoreactive neurons in culture (22). Another CNS-derived factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, rescues a population of neural crest-derived nonneuronal cells of DRG expressing the HNK-1 epitope both in vivo and in culture (23).…”

A Postpartum Model in Rat: Behavioral and Gene Expression Changes Induced by Ovarian Steroid Deprivation

“…Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a small basic protein that supports the survival of neurons (65). Several lines of evidence suggest the involvement of BDNF in the neurobiological basis of depression and antidepressant response.…”

Cytokines in context.

“…Likewise, the survival of embryonic sensory neurons requires not only brain-derived neurotrophic factor but also laminin (Kalcheim et al, 1987). The ability of ciliary neurotrophic factor to induce type-2 astrocyte development depends on matrix (Lillien et al, 1990).…”