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Purification of adult rat sciatic nerve ciliary neuronotrophic factor
Brain Research
|March 5, 1986
Summary
Researchers purified a mammalian ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF) from rat sciatic nerve. This nerve growth factor supports neuronal survival and differs from chick CNTF and nerve growth factor (NGF).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF) is essential for avian ciliary neuron survival.
- CNTF has been previously purified from chick ocular tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize mammalian CNTF activity from adult rat sciatic nerve.
- To compare mammalian CNTF with chick CNTF and nerve growth factor (NGF).
Main Methods:
- Fractionation procedure similar to chick CNTF isolation.
- Biochemical characterization including molecular weight and ion-exchange chromatography.
Main Results:
- Mammalian CNTF activity was purified from rat sciatic nerve extracts.
- Approximately 2 micrograms of CNTF protein were obtained per 1.5 g of nerve tissue.
- Mammalian CNTF supports survival of dorsal root, sympathetic, and ciliary ganglionic neurons.
- Mammalian CNTF exhibits different molecular weight and chromatographic behavior compared to chick CNTF.
- Mammalian CNTF is insensitive to anti-NGF antibodies and does not support survival of 8-day chick embryo dorsal root ganglion neurons.
Conclusions:
- A mammalian CNTF with neurotrophic properties has been purified from rat sciatic nerve.
- Mammalian CNTF is distinct from chick CNTF and NGF, suggesting unique biological roles.