Regulation of myelinated nociceptor function by nerve growth factor in neonatal and adult rats.
The role of nerve growth factor (NGF) as a survival factor for sensory neurons during embryonic life has been well documented. Here we examine the actions of NGF or antisera against NGF (anti-NGF) on physiologically identified sensory neurons with myelinated axons later in life, after the dependence on NGF for survival ends. We find that the effects of NGF and anti-NGF are specific for sensory neurons which are nociceptors. Treatments were found to affect the biophysical properties, the development, or the physiological function of myelinated nociceptors. They also affect the animal's behavioral response to noxious stimulation, depending upon when the treatments were given: neonatally, from 2-5 weeks of age, or chronically, beginning at birth. Thus, we find that the actions of NGF are specific for nociceptors but that the function of this neurotrophic factor changes according to the developmental age of the animal.
Ritter
A M
AM
Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794.
Lewin
G R
GR
Mendell
L M
LM
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors