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Differential expression of acidic and basic FGF in the rat substantia nigra during development
A J Bean1, C Oellig, R F Pettersson
1Department of Histology and Neurobiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Neuroreport
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is present throughout development in rat ventral mesencephalon. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) expression emerges later, suggesting distinct developmental roles for these growth factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Acidic (aFGF) and basic (bFGF) fibroblast growth factors are found in adult rat ventral mesencephalon.
- These factors influence cultured mesencephalic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression patterns of aFGF and bFGF.
- To understand the differential roles of aFGF and bFGF in the developing rat ventral mesencephalon.
Main Methods:
- Examined aFGF and bFGF expression across various developmental stages.
- Utilized techniques to detect growth factor presence from embryonic day 16 (E16) to postnatal day 90 (P90).
Main Results:
- bFGF was detected at all developmental stages examined (E16-P90).
- aFGF was undetectable in embryonic and early postnatal stages.
- aFGF expression became apparent at later postnatal stages (P20, P60, P90).
Conclusions:
- aFGF and bFGF exhibit distinct temporal expression profiles in the developing rat ventral mesencephalon.
- These differential expression patterns suggest unique functions for aFGF and bFGF in mesencephalic dopamine neurons during different developmental periods.
