ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Nerve growth factor receptors
;
gp140-trkA
;
Dorsal root ganglia
;
Sympathetic ganglia
;
Cutaneous sensory corpuscles
;
Skin
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Man
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is produced in target issues of sympathetic and neural-crest derived sensory neurons, including skin, to provide them trophic support. The biological effects of NGF on responsive cells are mediated by specific high-affinity receptors. Recently, a protein tyrosine kinase of ≃ 140 kDa molecular weight, encoded by the proto-oncogene trkA, has been identified as the high-affinity NGF receptor (gp140-trkA). The present work was undertaken to study the localization of gp140-trkA-like immunoreactivity (IR) in human peripheral ganglia (sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia), and in glabrous skin.Methods: Lumbar dorsal root ganglia, para- and prevertebral sympathetic ganglia, and digital glabrous skin were studied immunohistochemically using a rabbit anti-gp140-trkA polyclonal antibody. In order to accurately establish the localization of gp140-trkA IR, the neurofilament proteins and S-100 protein were studied in parallel in: (1) sensory and sympathetic ganglia, to label neuron cell bodies and satellite or supporting cells, respectively; (2) human skin, to label axons, Schwann and related cells within nerves and sensory corpuscles. Moreover, a quantitative study (neuron size, intensity of immunostaining) was carried out on sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia neuron cell bodies.Results: A specific gp140-trkA-like IR was found in: (1) a subpopulation (65%) of primary sensory neuron cell bodies, including most of the largesized ones but also small- and intermediate-sized ones; (2) most of sympathetic neuron cell bodies (82%); (3) theineurial cell, Schwann cells, and large axons of the nerve trunks supplying digital skin; (4) the lamellar cells of Meissner corpuscles; (5) the central axon, inner-core, outer-core, and capsule of Pacinian corpuscles. In addition, the occurrence of gp140-trkA-like IR was observed in some non-nervous tissues of the skin, including epidermis (mainly in the basal layer), sweat glands, and arterial blood vessels.Conclusions: Present results provide evidence for the localization of gp140-trkA-like IR in: (1) nerve cells which are known to be NGF-responsive, and (2) non-nervous cutaneous tissues which are innervated by NGF-dependent peripheral neruons. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-established role of NGF on sensory and sympathetic neurons, this neurotrophin may be able to regulate some other functions on non-nervous cell which are targets for NGF-dependent peripheral neurons. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1092400415
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