Nerve growth factor inhibits the expression of long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices.
Nerve growth factor and its receptor(s) are present in several parts of the hippocampus (CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus) but nothing is known about their function in this area which plays a fundamental role in learning and memory processes. NGF delivered exogenously to hippocampal slices causes a concentration-dependent, marked reduction in the expression (but not the induction) of long term potentiation (LTP) without altering basal synaptic transmission. The effect is already half maximal at 0.05-0.1 ng ml-1 NGF, is reversible after removal of this growth factor, and is also detectable with a modified version of NGF which has lost its neurite outgrowth promoting activity in PC12 cells. These findings point to a role for hippocampal NGF as a possible modulator of learning and memory processes. Such modulation would be mediated by high-affinity receptors functionally distinct from those promoting morphological differentiation of PC12 cells and other NGF target cells.
Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemistry, II University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy.
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Tancredi
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D'Arcangelo
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Calissano
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013363:Submandibular Gland; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors