PDGF-alpha receptor is expressed by mature neurones of the central nervous system

The platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) are constitutively expressed by neurones in the central nervous system (CNS). The synthesis of the PDGF-alpha-receptor (PDGF-alpha R) is commonly attributed to oligodendrocyte precursors during late embryonic and early postnatal development, suggesting communication between neurones and glia which orchestrates amplification and final targeting of the myelinating cells. However PDGF A production persists when central myelination is achieved, which suggests that PDGF-alpha R are present in the adult CNS. In this study, we demonstrate the production of PDGF-alpha R transcripts and protein by various neuronal populations of the adult CNS. We propose a developmental shift, where glial cells and neurones are consecutive targets of PDGF A and neuromodulatory effects of PDGF, exerted on mature neurones via the expression of the PDGF-alpha R.