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NGF mRNA expression in developing cutaneous epithelium related to innervation density
1Department of Anatomy, St George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, London, UK.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) mRNA levels in embryonic skin correlate with final innervation density. Higher NGF mRNA in target tissues suggests it regulates neuron survival and innervation patterns during development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal survival and development.
- Innervation density varies across different skin territories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between initial NGF mRNA levels in embryonic cutaneous epithelium and final innervation density.
- To understand the role of NGF in regulating neuronal survival and target innervation patterns.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of NGF mRNA concentration in the epithelia of maxillary, mandibular, and ophthalmic territories of embryonic mouse trigeminal ganglia.
- Analysis of regional differences in NGF mRNA levels during early stages of target field innervation.
Main Results:
- Marked differences in NGF mRNA concentration were observed across epithelial territories at the onset of neuronal death.
- Highest NGF mRNA levels were found in the densely innervated maxillary territory, with lower levels in mandibular and ophthalmic territories.
- The percentage of cell death was consistent across trigeminal neuron subsets innervating different territories.
Conclusions:
- Regional differences in NGF production within target field cells, not differential access to NGF, govern neuron survival.
- NGF synthesis differences maintain pre-existing innervation density variations rather than establishing them.
- Initial NGF mRNA levels play a key role in determining final innervation density in developing cutaneous epithelium.