CNS glial cells express neurotrophin receptors whose levels are regulated by NGF

Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1993 Jan;17(1-2):163-8. doi: 10.1016/0169-328x(93)90086-5.

Abstract

Normal CNS glial cells manufacture neurotrophin receptors and are competent to respond to NGF. Neurotrophins bind a common receptor (LNGFR) and ligand-specific, tyrosine kinase-containing subunits (TrkA, TrkB, or TrkC). Northern blots and transcription assays reveal complex transcriptional regulation of LNGFR in astrocytes; from undetectable basal levels, NGF dramatically induces LNGFR within 4-6 h. Oligodendrocytes' relatively high basal levels are unaffected by NGF. TrkA mRNA was undetectable, however, TrkB was present and upregulated by NGF in astrocytes but not oligodendrocytes. The results are consistent with receptor autoregulation by its ligand and suggest that NGF plays a role in normal glial functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Ligands
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Nerve Growth Factors / pharmacology*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / drug effects
  • Neuroglia / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / biosynthesis
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptor, trkA
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Ligands
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor, trkA