ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Key words: Chromaffin cells
;
Neurotrophic factor
;
RT-PCR
;
Immunocytochemistry
;
Western blotting
;
Rat (Hannover-Wistar)
;
Bovine
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a widely distributed member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and a potent neurotrophic molecule for several neuron populations in the peripheral and central nervous system. We show here that adrenal medullary chromaffin cells synthesize GDNF mRNA and contain immunoreactive GDNF protein. GDNF immunoreactivity can be found as early as embryonic day 16 in chromaffin progenitor cells of the rat adrenal gland and becomes more prominent with age. Most of the chromaffin cells within the adult rat adrenal medulla are GDNF immunoreactive, including both the noradrenergic and adrenergic subpopulations. The functions of adrenal medullary GDNF are still enigmatic but may include both auto/paracrine roles and retrograde trophic support of preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord or of sensory neurons that innervate chromaffin cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004410050696
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