CNTF rescues motoneurons from ontogenetic cell death in-vivo, but not in-vitro.
We studied the effect of CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor, human recombinant and chick) on the survival of motoneurons in the embryonic chick lumbar spinal cord during the period of ontogenetic cell death. Daily applications of 5 micrograms CNTF to the chorionic-allantoic membrane from embryonic day 6 (E6) to E9 maintained approximately 15,500 motoneurons as opposed to 13,200 in controls. In contrast, CNTF failed to promote the survival of cells in spinal cord cultures enriched for motoneurons. These results suggest that CNTF may regulate motoneuron survival in-vivo, but its mode of action remains to be elucidated.
Wewetzer
K
K
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Marburg, Germany.
MacDonald
J R
JR
Collins
F
F
Unsicker
K
K
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo; D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology*
D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins