p75 nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in the human brainstem and spinal cord

The distribution of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) immunoreactive profiles was investigated in the adult human brainstem and spinal cord using a monoclonal antibody directed against the primate low affinity (p75) NGFR. In the human brainstem, p75NGFR immunoreactive profiles were seen within the mesencephalic and descending nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, the nucleus and tractus solitarius, glossopharyngeal nerve, hypoglossal nucleus, nucleus subtrigeminalis, subnucleus ventralis of the central nucleus of the medulla, nucleus cuneatus and gracilis. At the level of the upper cervical spinal cord, p75NGFR immunoreactive profiles were also seen within the incoming dorsal roots, zone of Lissauer and substantia gelatanosa (lamina II). Virtually no immunoreactivity was associated with cervical spinal cord motor neurons. The demonstration of the p75NGFR in brainstem and spinal cord regions associated with the central transmission of peripheral sensory information suggests that these systems may be influenced by the trophic substance nerve growth factor.