[Changes in the distribution of adenylate cyclase activity in PC 12 cells under the influence of nerve growth factor]

Changes in distribution of adenylate cyclase in PC 12 cells under the influence of nerve growth factor (NGF) have been studied using cytochemical methods. The adenylate cyclase activity was predominantly associated with the plasma membrane. In cell cultures without NGF the activity was revealed on the contacting surfaces of cell aggregates; single grains of reaction product were revealed on exposed cell surface only in cultures with a high cell density. One day after administration of NGF, the adenylate cyclase activity on exposed cell surface increased, and three days later the whole cell surface was covered with lead sediment. The enzyme activity was also revealed in growth cones, filopodia and microcytospheres. The role of adenydlate cyclase system in neuron-like differentiation of PC 12 cells is discussed.