title: Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes the survival and development of mesencephalic neurons in culture.
abstract: Neuronotrophic effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been reported for some central nervous system neurons. Here we report that also rat mesencephalic neurons are responsive to bFGF. bFGF produces a significant increase in the number of neurite-bearing cells, as well as in the degree of their fiber network. The present findings also provide the first evidence that bFGF can affect, in a concentration-dependent manner, at least two defined CNS neuronal populations, i.e., dopaminergic and gabaergic neurons. This effect was quantified by assessing the specific [3H]dopamine and [gamma-14C]aminobutyric acid uptakes with time in culture. Stimulation of uptake was more pronounced for dopaminergic neurons, suggesting a relative specificity in the actions of bFGF. These effects of bFGF were completely blocked by affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. The possibility that bFGF plays a key role in normal nervous system development or function is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Fidia Research Laboratories, Abano Terme, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Minozzi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Toffano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leon
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Skaper
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004298:Dopamine