title: Cross talk between vestibular neurons and Schwann cells mediates BDNF release and neuronal regeneration.
abstract: It is now well-established that an active cross-talk occurs between neurons and glial cells, in the adult as well as in the developing and regenerating nervous systems. These functional interactions not only actively modulate synaptic transmission, but also support neuronal growth and differentiation. We have investigated the possible existence of a reciprocal interaction between inner ear vestibular neurons and Schwann cells maintained in primary cultures. We show that ATP released by the extending vestibular axons elevates intracellular calcium levels within Schwann cells. Purinergic activation of the Schwann P2X(7) receptor induces the release of neurotrophin BDNF, which occurs via a regulated, tetanus-toxin sensitive, vesicular pathway. BDNF, in turn, is required by the vestibular neuron to support its own survival and growth. Given the massive release of ATP during tissue damage, cross-talk between vestibular neurons and Schwann cells could play a primary role during regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, University of Milano, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129, Milano, Italy. c.verderio@in.cnr.it
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Verderio
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bianco
authors.forename: Marie Pierre
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Blanchard
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bergami
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canossa
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scarfone
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matteoli
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D058910:Purinergic P2 Receptor Agonists; D020239:Receptor Cross-Talk / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000378:metabolism; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; C546469:P2rx7 protein, mouse; D058910:Purinergic P2 Receptor Agonists; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D002118:Calcium