CNTF is specifically expressed in developing rat pineal gland and eyes.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) attracts considerable attention because it supports survival and differentiation of various types of neurons and glial cells in vitro. Although CNTF functions as a moderate neurotrophic factor in mature motor neurons, its role in embryonic development remains unknown. Here, we found a specific CNTF expression in the rat pineal gland and eyes during embryonic development. In vitro, neonatal rat pineal extract including CNTF supported the survival of neonatal sympathetic neurons, which innervate pineal glands immediately after birth.
Hata
Katsusuke
K
Laboratory for Speciation Mechanisms, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.
Araki
Masasuke
M
Yamamori
Tetsuo
T
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002642:Chick Embryo; D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005123:Eye / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017783:Superior Cervical Ganglion / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism
D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger