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Macrophage colony-stimulating factor in nerve growth factor preparations
C L Erickson-Miller1, C N Abboud, R W Stach
1Department of Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Nerve growth factor preparations contain macrophage colony-stimulating factors. This factor, a contaminant, was found to be associated with the gamma subunit of nerve growth factor.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) preparations have been reported to possess granulocyte-colony-stimulating activity.
- The presence of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) in mouse submaxillary NGF and its subunits warranted investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and nature of colony-stimulating factors within 7s mouse submaxillary nerve growth factor and its subunits.
- To determine if the observed colony-stimulating activity was intrinsic to NGF subunits or a contaminant.
Main Methods:
- Mouse bone marrow cultures were exposed to purified 7s NGF, and its alpha, beta, and gamma subunits.
- Immunoprecipitation assays were performed using radiolabeled gamma subunit and antibodies to macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
- Separation of macrophage activity from esteropeptidase activity of the gamma subunit was achieved via molecular size chromatography.
Main Results:
- Macrophage colony formation was observed upon exposure to 7s NGF, the gamma subunit, and to a lesser extent, the alpha subunit.
- The beta subunit, responsible for nerve growth function, did not stimulate colony growth.
- Macrophage colony-stimulating factor activity was detected and separated from the esteropeptidase activity of the gamma subunit, indicating it was a contaminant.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a contaminant present in mouse submaxillary gland nerve growth factor preparations.
- This contaminant copurified with the gamma subunit of nerve growth factor.