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Nerve growth factor in medium conditioned by embryonic chicken heart cells
1Uppsala University, Department of Zoology, Sweden.
Summary
Embryonic chicken heart cells produce nerve growth factor (NGF) similar to mouse beta NGF. This factor promotes nerve cell growth and survival, suggesting a role in heart innervation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal development and survival.
- The source and function of NGF in embryonic heart development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether embryonic chicken heart cells produce neurotrophic factors.
- To characterize the nature of these factors and their potential role in heart innervation.
Main Methods:
- Culturing embryonic chicken heart cells and collecting conditioned medium.
- Assessing the effect of conditioned medium on neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival.
- Using antibodies against mouse beta nerve growth factor (NGF) to inhibit factor activity.
- Electrophoretic separation and activity assay of chicken NGF.
Main Results:
- Chicken heart cell conditioned medium promoted neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival.
- Antibodies against mouse beta NGF partially inhibited outgrowth in sympathetic ganglia but not parasympathetic neurons.
- Purified chicken NGF enhanced sympathetic fibre outgrowth, an effect blocked by anti-beta NGF antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic chicken heart cells produce a chicken nerve growth factor (NGF) similar to mouse beta NGF.
- This chicken NGF may play a role in the innervation of the developing heart.