Ciliary neurotrophic factor increases muscle fiber number in the developing levator ani muscle of female rats

Neurosci Lett. 2000 Dec 22;296(2-3):73-6. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(00)01649-9.

Abstract

In addition to its well characterized neurotrophic properties, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) also has myotrophic effects in several experimental paradigms. We have previously observed that the volume of the levator ani (LA) muscle is increased in female rats treated with CNTF during the perinatal period. In order to determine the cellular basis for the effect of CNTF on LA muscle volume, female rat pups were given daily perineal injections of CNTF or a control solution from postnatal day 1 through 6. Mean cross-sectional area of LA muscle fibers and LA fiber number were assessed on postnatal day 7. CNTF treatment increased LA muscle fiber number more than 300% while having no effect on LA fiber size. We conclude that CNTF prevents muscle fiber degeneration and/or increases myogenesis in the developing LA muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cell Count / statistics & numerical data
  • Cell Size / drug effects
  • Cell Size / physiology
  • Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Pelvic Floor / anatomy & histology
  • Pelvic Floor / growth & development*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor