Transforming growth factor beta 1 is a potent survival factor for rat embryo motoneurons in culture.
We have studied the effects of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) on the survival of embryonic motoneurons in culture. For this purpose, E14 rat embryo motoneurons were purified to more than 90% homogeneity by cell sorting and cultured at low density on monolayers of cortex astrocytes. Subnanomolar concentrations of TGF beta 1 (40-500 pM) increased the survival of motoneurons 2-fold after 9-11 days in culture. The increase in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity per culture caused by TGF beta 1 was attributable to its effects on survival. Comparable results were found with motoneurons cultured on lysed astrocytes, suggesting that the effects of the factor are not mediated by non-neuronal cells, but that motoneurons are a target for TGF beta 1.
Martinou
J C
JC
Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie Fondamentales, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France.
Le Van Thai
A
A
Valette
A
A
Weber
M J
MJ
D000320:Adrenergic Fibers / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015291:Transforming Growth Factors