Cold water swimming stress alters NGF and low-affinity NGF receptor distribution in developing rat brain

We have previously shown that the nerve growth factor (NGF) is released into the bloodstream following intraspecific fighting behaviour and that the level released correlates with the number of fighting episodes. We subsequently reported that NGF and its messenger RNA are present in identified hypothalamic nuclei and increase following intermale fighting behaviour. This report provides data showing that in 16-day-old rats cold water swimming stress (CWSS) alters the distribution of low-affinity NGF-Receptors (p75NGFR) and NGF levels in the central nervous system. A significant increase of NGF level was observed in the cortex, while the p75NGFR immunoreactivity decreased in neurons of the septum, nucleus basalis and striatum. Choline acetyltransferase activity in forebrain tissues remained at baseline levels. Our result suggests that NGF and p75NGFR, involved in the development and differentiation of the nervous system, are affected by stress.