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Nerve growth factor-like activity in the rat pituitary intermediate lobe
S Soinila1, J Lakshmanan, T Lahtinen
1Neurobiological Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Neuroscience Research
|December 1, 1988
Summary
This study found biologically active Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the rat pituitary, which is regulated by neural input. Pituitary NGF supports nerve growth and its levels decrease with pituitary stalk transection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal development and survival.
- The presence and function of NGF in the pituitary gland, particularly the intermediate lobe, remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and biological activity of NGF within the rat pituitary intermediate lobe.
- To explore the regulation of pituitary NGF by neural pathways.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence using specific anti-NGF antisera to detect NGF-like immunoreactivity.
- Co-culture of rat pituitary intermediate lobes with superior cervical ganglia to assess biological activity.
- Pituitary stalk transection to evaluate neural regulation.
Main Results:
- NGF-like immunoreactivity was detected in the rat pituitary intermediate lobe.
- Co-culture demonstrated that pituitary tissue secretes biologically active NGF, promoting nerve fiber growth.
- Pituitary stalk transection led to a significant decrease in both NGF immunoreactivity and biological activity.
Conclusions:
- The rat pituitary intermediate lobe contains and secretes biologically active NGF.
- Pituitary NGF levels are subject to neural regulation, as evidenced by the effects of pituitary stalk transection.