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Glucocorticoids differentially increase nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor expression in the rat
I Mocchetti1, G Spiga, V Y Hayes
1Department of Cell Biology, Division of Neurobiology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Summary
Adrenal steroids, including dexamethasone (DEX), increase nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA in the rat brain. This suggests a link between the adrenal system and central nervous system trophic regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and adrenal steroids are implicated in neuronal plasticity.
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are key players in neuronal trophism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if adrenal steroids induce the expression of NGF and bFGF in the rat brain.
- To elucidate the role of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis in regulating these neurotrophic factors.
Main Methods:
- Systemic administration of dexamethasone (DEX), ACTH, corticosterone, and aldosterone in rats.
- Quantitative analysis of NGF and bFGF mRNA accumulation using Northern blot and in situ hybridization.
Main Results:
- DEX rapidly and sustainably increased NGF and bFGF mRNA in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
- DEX differentially affected NGF and bFGF mRNA expression in various brain regions, suggesting neuronal and glial cell-specific induction.
- ACTH, corticosterone, and aldosterone also induced NGF and bFGF mRNA, indicating the involvement of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis.
Conclusions:
- Adrenal steroids and ACTH stimulate the expression of NGF and bFGF in the rat brain.
- NGF and bFGF may serve as a crucial link mediating the trophic effects of the adrenal system on the central nervous system (CNS).