title: Electron microscopic immunolocalization of basic fibroblast growth factor in peripheral nerves.
abstract: In spite of ample information about the distribution and the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the central nervous system, few data are available concerning the localization of this protein in the peripheral nervous system. In view of the role of bFGF in the regulation of trophic and non-trophic functions, we focused on the presence and precise localization of this growth factor in normal peripheral nerves at the electron microscopic level. The study shows that bFGF is mainly located in the Schwann cells, especially in the nuclei. There is slight labeling in the myelin sheath and in the axon cytoplasm. The study provides morphologic evidence for an association between bFGF expression and Schwann cells. Such as association argues for a role of this peptide in the maintenance or regeneration of peripheral nerves.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health Sciences University, Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, EM/Histology Core, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97201-3098, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kayton
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Aktas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D003094:Collagen