Related Experiment Videos
Neonatal exposure to bFGF exerts NGF-like effects on mouse behavioral development
D Santucci1, G Calamandrei, E Alleva
1Section of Behavioral Pathophysiology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) administration in neonatal mice accelerated early sensorimotor reflex development. Higher bFGF doses showed a slight but significant enhancement in reflexes, indicating potential neurodevelopmental benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trophic factors are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development.
- Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) is a protein known to support CNS cell survival and proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) bFGF administration on neurodevelopment in neonatal mice.
- To assess the impact of varying bFGF doses on physical growth and neurobehavioral development.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal CD1 mice received ICV injections of bovine bFGF (1, 5, 25, 1000 ng) on postnatal days 2, 4, and 7.
- Physical parameters (body weight, length) and neurobehavioral development (Fox's Scale, ultrasonic vocalization, homing, open-field activity) were assessed.
- Sensorimotor reflexes were evaluated during the first postnatal weeks.
Main Results:
- Doses of 25 and 1000 ng bFGF led to a slight but significant acceleration in the appearance of early sensorimotor reflexes.
- Specific reflexes enhanced included tactile stimulation, forelimb placing/grasping, and screen climbing.
- Other neurodevelopmental assessments showed minimal or no significant effects.
Conclusions:
- ICV administration of bFGF can promote early sensorimotor development in neonatal mice.
- The findings suggest a potential role for bFGF in modulating neurodevelopmental trajectories.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications and mechanisms of bFGF action.