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Basic fibroblast growth factor prevents ontogenetic neuron death in vivo
D Dreyer1, A Lagrange, C Grothe
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Marburg, F.R.G.
Neuroscience Letters
|April 24, 1989
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) significantly enhances the survival of ciliary ganglionic neurons in chick embryos. This neurotrophic factor reduced neuronal death during critical developmental periods, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is recognized for its mitogenic and neurotrophic properties.
- Ciliary ganglionic (CG) neurons undergo significant cell death during embryonic development.
- Understanding factors that regulate neurotrophic support is crucial for developmental neuroscience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurotrophic effects of bFGF on developing ciliary ganglionic neurons in vivo.
- To determine if bFGF can prevent or reduce programmed cell death in CG neurons during embryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant bFGF was administered to the chorionic-allantoic membrane of chick embryos.
- Treatment occurred during the period of natural neuronal cell death (embryonic days 8-14).
- Neuronal survival rates were compared between treated and control groups (untreated and vehicle-only).
Main Results:
- Neuronal losses in control groups reached 44%.
- bFGF administration resulted in the survival of 87% of neurons present at embryonic day 8.
- No significant differences were observed in the size or number of non-neuronal cells.
Conclusions:
- bFGF demonstrates potent neurotrophic capacity in vivo, promoting the survival of CG neurons.
- These findings support the role of bFGF as a key multifunctional growth factor in neural development.
- bFGF may hold therapeutic potential for conditions involving neuronal loss.