Transforming growth factor alpha, but not epidermal growth factor, promotes the survival of sensory neurons in vitro

摘要: Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) is a mitogenic polypeptide that structurally homologous to epidermal (EGF) and appears bind the same receptor in all systems tested previously. In present study, TGF was found enhance survival neurite outgrowth of cultured neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons dose-dependent manner. This effect observed with concentrations as low 17.8 pM. By contrast, EGF at up 83 nM ineffective. Moreover, did not antagonize survival-promoting unless large excess (500-fold concentration for which effective); even this case, only partial antagonism achieved. Survival from nodose, trigeminal, sympathetic ganglia increased by alpha. Both subpopulation DRG macrophages cultures bound iodinated binding inhibited unlabeled but EGF. Our data are consistent possibilities actions on occur indirectly via unidentified neurotrophic molecules other than NGF well directly themselves. Thus, alpha, contrast EGF, may act or maintenance subset sensory neurons. Mediation new form receptor.