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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor rescues developing avian motoneurons from cell death
R W Oppenheim1, Q W Yin, D Prevette
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1010.
Nature
|December 24, 1992
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) prevents natural motoneuron death during development. BDNF also protects motoneurons from degeneration caused by target removal or deafferentation in avian embryos.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vertebrate development involves significant spinal motoneuron loss through programmed cell death.
- Developing motoneurons are also vulnerable to degeneration following target or afferent removal.
- Neurotrophic agents and central nervous system extracts can prevent motoneuron death in vitro and in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in preventing naturally occurring motoneuron death.
- To determine if BDNF can protect motoneurons from induced cell death following deafferentation.
Main Methods:
- In vivo treatment of chick embryos with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
- Assessment of motoneuron survival after naturally occurring cell death.
- Evaluation of motoneuron survival following induced deafferentation.
Main Results:
- In vivo treatment with BDNF significantly rescued motoneurons from naturally occurring cell death.
- BDNF, along with nerve growth factor, prevented motoneuron death induced by deafferentation.
- These findings highlight the neurotrophin family's ability to promote avian motoneuron survival.
Conclusions:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor in promoting the survival of developing avian motoneurons.
- Neurotrophins, including BDNF, play a critical role in regulating motoneuron survival during development and in response to injury.
- The study identifies BDNF as a potent agent for preventing both programmed and induced motoneuron cell death.
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