The p75 neurotrophin receptor influences NT-3 responsiveness of sympathetic neurons in vivo

Nat Neurosci. 1999 Aug;2(8):699-705. doi: 10.1038/11158.

Abstract

To determine the role of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in sympathetic neuron development, we crossed transgenic mice with mutations in p75NTR, nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). Neuron number is normal in sympathetic ganglia of adult p75NTR-/- mice. Mice heterozygous for a NGF deletion (NGF+/-) have 50% fewer sympathetic neurons. In the absence of p75NTR (p75NTR-/- NGF+/-), however, neuron number is restored to wild-type levels. When NT-3 levels are reduced (p75NTR-/- NGF+/- NT3 +/-), neuron number decreases compared to p75NTR-/- NGF+/- NT3+/+. Thus, without p75NTR, NT3 substitutes for NGF, suggesting that p75 alters the neurotrophin specificity of TrkA in vivo.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cell Count
  • Ganglia, Sympathetic / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
  • Nerve Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neurotrophin 3
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / physiology*

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Neurotrophin 3
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor