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NGF increases brain astrocyte number in culture
M Yokoyama1, I B Black, C F Dreyfus
1Department of Neurology, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021.
Experimental Neurology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) significantly boosts astrocyte numbers in developing rat brains by promoting cell division and survival. This neurotrophic factor impacts glial cells across multiple brain regions, revealing a novel role beyond neuronal support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal survival and maintenance.
- Previous research indicated low-affinity NGF binding sites on nonneuronal cells in the embryonic septum.
- These nonneuronal cells expressed the NGF receptor, suggesting a role for NGF beyond neuronal targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of NGF on nonneuronal cells, specifically astrocytes, in the developing rat brain.
- To determine if NGF influences astrocyte proliferation and survival.
Main Methods:
- Dissociation and culture of rat embryonic septal cells (E17) in a defined medium with NGF.
- Quantification of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells as a marker for astrocytes.
- Measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation to assess DNA synthesis and mitosis.
Main Results:
- NGF treatment resulted in a ninefold increase in GFAP-positive astrocytes after 7 days.
- NGF also increased astrocyte numbers in cultures from the hippocampus (E18) and substantia nigra (E16).
- [3H]thymidine incorporation showed a 50% increase, indicating stimulated mitosis.
Conclusions:
- NGF significantly enhances astrocyte proliferation and survival in vitro.
- NGF's effects on astrocytes are observed across different brain regions, suggesting a broad role in glial development.
- NGF likely increases astrocyte numbers by stimulating both cell division and survival/differentiation.
