Neuropeptide receptors are present in fetal neocortical transplants

Transplants of fetal neocortex (E15-19) within the minimally traumatized fourth ventricle were examined for the presence of receptors for the peptides bombesin (BN) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These peptides are involved in cellular growth or regulation of cerebral blood flow. Although fetal and adult cortex in situ have low and moderate receptor densities for BN-like peptides respectively, neocortical transplants developed high densities between 4 and 16 weeks postoperative. VIP receptors, which have moderate density in adult cortex, were initially high but later showed a variable distribution in the transplants. The results suggest that neuropeptides, particularly BN and VIP may have a role in the growth and vascularization of central nervous system transplants.