title: Characterization of a Schwann cell neurite-promoting activity that directs motoneuron axon outgrowth.
abstract: Schwann cells support and facilitate axonal growth during development and successful regeneration in the peripheral nerve. In the regenerating rat sciatic nerve, Schwann cells provide a trophic milieu for primary sensory, sympathetic, and motoneurons. We have characterized a neurotrophic activity produced by adult rat sciatic nerve Schwann cells and a spontaneously immortal Schwann cell clone (iSC). This activity elicits neurite outgrowth from chick embryo explants of both CNS and PNS. The iSC activity has been concentrated by cation-exchange chromatography and compared to known neurotrophins in bioassay. Pooled bound fractions elicit neurite outgrowth from sympathetic, ciliary and motoneurons. In collagen matrix cocultures of iSC and E4 ventral horn (before motor axon extension to muscle targets), the iSC activity can direct the initial axonal extension from motoneurons. The data presented suggest that Schwann cell-produced activity may mediate motoneuron axonal extension before contact with their peripheral source of neurotrophin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Bolin
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Shooter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange; D003094:Collagen; D005726:Ganglia, Parasympathetic / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015850:Interleukin-6; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D006133:Growth Substances; D015850:Interleukin-6; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008222:Lymphokines; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D003094:Collagen