1
|
Maranesi M, Boiti C, Zerani M. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Animal Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1331:277-287. [PMID: 34453306 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74046-7_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stimuli that lead to the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and pituitary gonadotropins and, consequently, ovulation in mammals fall into two broad categories. In the first, high plasma oestrogen concentrations induce the events that trigger ovulation, a characteristic of spontaneous ovulators. In the second, nerve stimuli occurring during mating reach the hypothalamus and trigger the release of GnRH and ovulation with a neuroendocrine reflex that characterizes induced ovulators.In this review, we will give an overview of the distribution of NGF and its expression in the different tissues of the male accessory sex glands, the main sites of NGF production. Next, we will highlight the role of NGF in sperm function and its potential cryopreserving role in artificial insemination techniques. Finally, we will evaluate the functions of NGF in ovulation, particularly in induced ovulators. Overall, the information obtained so far indicates that NGF is widely distributed in organs that regulate the reproductive activity, in both males and females. In spontaneous ovulators, NGF exerts mainly a luteotrophic action, while, in induced ovulators it is the main ovulation-inducing factor. A better understanding of the role of NGF in reproduction would be of great interest, since it could help finding innovative therapeutic aids to improve mammalian fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Maranesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Perugia, PG, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Boiti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Perugia, PG, Italy
| | - Massimo Zerani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Perugia, PG, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Castellini C, Mattioli S, Dal Bosco A, Collodel G, Pistilli A, Stabile AM, Macchioni L, Mancuso F, Luca G, Rende M. In vitro effect of nerve growth factor on the main traits of rabbit sperm. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:93. [PMID: 31718673 PMCID: PMC6849245 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophins family, plays an important role not only in the nervous but also in other non-nervous systems such as the reproductive system. The aim of the paper is to study the in vitro effect of NGF on rabbit sperm functions. METHODS Ten adult rabbit bucks were collected five times, and pooled semen samples have been analysed. NGF was quantified in seminal plasma, and the distribution of NGF receptors (TrKA and p75NTR) in sperm was established. Moreover, the dose-effect of NGF on motility rate and track speed was evaluated. Successively, the effect of the neutralisation of NGF receptors was assessed to verify the specific role of each receptor. Untreated sperm were used as control. RESULTS Our study identified several interesting results: i) We detected NGF in seminal plasma and TrKA and p75NTR in sperm surface. In particular, TrKA is localised in the head and p75NTR in the midpiece and tail of rabbit sperm. ii) Once the optimal dose of NGF (100 ng/mL) was established, its addition affected both kinetics and other physiological traits (capacitation, apoptosis and necrosis) of rabbit sperm. (iii) The neutralisation of TrKA and p75NTR receptors affected sperm traits differently. In particular, sperm speed, apoptosis and capacitation seemed mainly modulated via p75NTR receptor, whereas motile, live cells, necrosis and acrosome reaction were modulated via TrKA. CONCLUSION For the first time, we showed the presence of p75NTR in rabbit sperm. NGF affects kinetic and other physiological traits of rabbit sperm. Most of these changes are modulated by the receptors involved (TrKA or p75NTR). Considering that some seminal disorders in human have been correlated with a lower NGF concentration and no studies have been done on the possible involvement of NGF receptors, these findings also provide new insights on human fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Castellini
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simona Mattioli
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dal Bosco
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06100, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, S. Maria dalle Scotte Hospital, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pistilli
- Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Stabile
- Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lara Macchioni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, P.Le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, P.Le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, P.Le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Rende
- Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, P.le Lucio Severi, 1, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Arias-Alvarez M, Timón P, Bautista JM, Rebollar PG, Lorenzo PL, Garcia-Garcia RM. Characterization of β-Nerve Growth Factor-TrkA system in male reproductive tract of rabbit and the relationship between β-NGF and testosterone levels with seminal quality during sexual maturation. Theriogenology 2018; 126:206-213. [PMID: 30579143 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
β-Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) is a neurotrophin which acts through its receptors TrkA and p75, performing important actions in male reproductive physiology and its presence in seminal plasma (SP) has been related to male fertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gene expression profile and the immunolocalization of β-NGF and its high-affinity receptor TrkA in sex organs in rabbits during sexual maturation period. β-NGF concentration for both SP and blood plasma (BP) and BP testosterone levels were determined as well as the seminal parameters during such period. Ten New Zealand White x California young rabbits were trained to semen collection since 20 weeks of age and routinely done once a week with two ejaculations per session. At 22 and 37 weeks of age, semen collection was carried out three times a week and seminal parameters were evaluated. Four males were randomly assigned and slaughtered in each age (n = 8); sex organs (prostate, bulbourethral glands and epididymis) were dissected and collected to determine β-NGF and TrkA gene expression and immunolocalization. SP and BP were also taken at each semen collection session to evaluate β-NGF concentration, and testosterone levels were also assessed in BP. The highest β-NGF mRNA expression was observed in prostate compared to bulbourethral glands and epididymis. These two last tissues showed residual β-NGF mRNA expression and limited localization of the neurotrophin. The prostate epithelial cells and lumen were strongly stained with regard to the other sex organs indicating that immunolocalization of β-NGF rely mainly in the prostate. TrkA gene expression was lower but constant and differentially immunolocalized in the sex organ tissues. Finally, β-NGF concentration in SP and BP remained unchanged in accordance to age, while some seminal characteristics such as sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm and mass and progressive motility were enhanced as endowed by BP testosterone variation. β-NGF and its cognate TrkA receptor are expressed and immunolocalized in the male reproductive tract in the two ages studied, independently of the circulating levels of testosterone and β-NGF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Arias-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Timón
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar G Rebollar
- Department of Agrarian Production, ETSIAAB, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro L Lorenzo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Garcia-Garcia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sari LM, Zampini R, Argañaraz ME, Carretero MI, Fumuso FG, Barraza DE, Ratto M, Apichela SA. Expression of β‐NGF and high‐affinity NGF receptor (TrKA) in llama (
Lama glama
) male reproductive tract and spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:934-944. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana M. Sari
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Renato Zampini
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de TucumánSan Miguel de Tucumán Tucumán Argentina
| | - Martin E. Argañaraz
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de TucumánSan Miguel de Tucumán Tucumán Argentina
| | - María I. Carretero
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de TeriogenologíaBuenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Fernanda G. Fumuso
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de TeriogenologíaBuenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Daniela E. Barraza
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Marcelo Ratto
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla TejaValdivia Chile
| | - Silvana A. Apichela
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Zootecnia General I, Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de TucumánEl Manantial Tucumán Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saeednia S, Shabani Nashtaei M, Bahadoran H, Aleyasin A, Amidi F. Effect of nerve growth factor on sperm quality in asthenozoosprmic men during cryopreservation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:29. [PMID: 27233989 PMCID: PMC4884433 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although routinely used in assisted reproductive technology, human sperm cryopreservation is not an entirely successful procedure. This study determined the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) supplementation of cryopreservation medium on post-thaw viability, motility, intracellular nitric oxide (NO) concentration, and DNA fragmentation of human spermatozoa in asthenozoospermic men. METHODS Semen samples were collected from 25 asthenozoosprmic men and divided into the following groups (n = 5/group): fresh semen (control); frozen-thawed semen without treatment; frozen-thawed semen with NGF treatment (0.5, 1, and 5 ng/ml). Prior to dividing the asthenozoospermic samples, 200 μl of each sample was collected for NGF content assessment by ELISA and then compared with normozoospermic semen samples (25 normozoospermic men). Sperm motility and viability were assessed according to WHO criteria. Furthermore, intracellular nitric oxide and DNA fragmentation were evaluated by Flow Cytometry. RESULTS NGF content was significantly higher in normozoospermic compared with asthenozoospermic men. Cryopreservation of asthenozoospermic semen samples significantly decreased sperm viability and motility, and increased intracellular nitric oxide concentration and DNA damage (p < 0.01). In asthenozoospermic frozen-thawed samples treated with 0.5 ng/ml exogenous NGF, we observed a significantly increased viability, motility, and decreased DNA fragmentation (p < 0.05), but intracellular nitric oxide concentration was not reduced. The other high doses (1 and 5 ng/ml) had no significant effect on the variables. CONCLUSION Supplementation with exogenous NGF could have partial and limited protective effect during cryopreservation of human spermatozoa but further research is needed to evaluate the possible clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Saeednia
- School of medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Maryam Shabani Nashtaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Bahadoran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Aleyasin
- Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maranesi M, Zerani M, Leonardi L, Pistilli A, Arruda-Alencar J, Stabile AM, Rende M, Castellini C, Petrucci L, Parillo F, Moura A, Boiti C. Gene Expression and Localization of NGF and Its Cognate Receptors NTRK1 and NGFR in the Sex Organs of Male Rabbits. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:918-25. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Maranesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - M Zerani
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Camerino; Matelica Italy
| | - L Leonardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A Pistilli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Biomediche; Sezione di Anatomia Umana; Clinica e Forense; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - J Arruda-Alencar
- Department of Animal Science; Federal University of Ceará; Fortaleza CE Brazil
| | - AM Stabile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Biomediche; Sezione di Anatomia Umana; Clinica e Forense; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - M Rende
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Biomediche; Sezione di Anatomia Umana; Clinica e Forense; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie; Alimentari e Ambientali; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - L Petrucci
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Camerino; Matelica Italy
| | - F Parillo
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Camerino; Matelica Italy
| | - A Moura
- Department of Animal Science; Federal University of Ceará; Fortaleza CE Brazil
| | - C Boiti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kershaw-Young CM, Maxwell WMC. Seminal Plasma Components in Camelids and Comparisons with Other Species. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:369-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
8
|
Squillacioti C, De Luca A, Paino S, Langella E, Mirabella N. Effects of castration on the expression of the NGF and TrkA in the vas deferens and accessory male genital glands of the rat. Eur J Histochem 2012; 53:e29. [PMID: 22073361 PMCID: PMC3167333 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.e29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophin family. Neurotrophins exert their effects by binding to corresponding receptors, which are formed by the tyrosine protein kinases TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, and the low affinity p75NTR receptor. The role of neurotrophins in the biology of male genital organs is far from clear. In particular, little is known about the influence of sex hormones on the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors. In the present study, using immunohistochemistry and real time RT-PCR, we investigated the expression of NGF and TrkA in the vas deferens and accessory male genital glands in normal and castrated rats.In normal rats, both NGF- and TrkA-immunoreactivities (IR) were localized in the epithelial layer of the vas deferens. NGF-IR was also found in the stroma and epithelium of the vesicular gland and prostate. TrkA-IR was distributed in the epithelial cells of vesicular and prostate glands. The nerves were weakly immunoreactive in all the examined organs. After castration the immunoreactivities increased. Real-time RT-PCR experiments indicated that NGF and TrkA mRNA levels increased significantly after castration. These results suggest that NGF and TrkA are expressed in the internal male genital organs of the rat and that their expression is downregulated by androgen hormones. We hypothesize NGF and TrkA play a role in the processes that regulate the involution of these organs under conditions of androgen deprivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Squillacioti
- Department of Structures, Functions and biological Technologies - University of Naples "Federico II",
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kershaw-Young CM, Druart X, Vaughan J, Maxwell WMC. β-Nerve growth factor is a major component of alpaca seminal plasma and induces ovulation in female alpacas. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:1093-7. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovulation in camelids is induced by an unidentified protein in the seminal plasma of the male termed ‘ovulation-inducing factor’. This protein has been reported to be a 14-kDa protein under reducing conditions, which, when purified from seminal plasma, induces ovulation in llamas. The identification of this protein and investigation of its potential to induce ovulation in camelids may aid the development of protocols for the induction of ovulation. In the present study, alpaca seminal plasma proteins were separated using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the most abundant protein of 14 kDa was identified as β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Female alpacas (n = 5 per group) were given intramuscular injections of: (1) 1 mL of 0.9% saline; (2) 4 µg buserelin, a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist; (3) 2 mL alpaca seminal plasma; or (4) 1 mg human β-NGF. Ovulation was detected by transrectal ultrasonography 8 days after treatment and confirmed by plasma progesterone concentrations. Ovulation occurred in 0%, 80%, 80% and 80% of animals treated with saline, buserelin, seminal plasma and β-NGF, respectively. Treatment type did not affect the diameter of the corpus luteum, but plasma progesterone concentrations were lower in saline-treated animals than in the other treatment groups owing to the lack of a corpus luteum. The present study is the first to identify the ovulation-inducing factor protein in alpacas. β-NGF successfully induces ovulation in alpacas and this finding may lead to new methods for the induction of ovulation in camelids.
Collapse
|
10
|
Stewart AL, Anderson RB, Kobayashi K, Young HM. Effects of NGF, NT-3 and GDNF family members on neurite outgrowth and migration from pelvic ganglia from embryonic and newborn mice. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 8:73. [PMID: 18657279 PMCID: PMC2515305 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-8-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Pelvic ganglia are derived from the sacral neural crest and contain both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. Various members of the neurotrophin and GDNF families of neurotrophic factors have been shown to play important roles in the development of a variety of peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons; however, to date, the role of these factors in the development of pelvic ganglia has been limited to postnatal and older ages. We examined the effects of NGF, NT-3, GDNF, neurturin and artemin on cell migration and neurite outgrowth from explants of the pelvic ganglia from embryonic and newborn mice grown on collagen gels, and correlated the responses with the immunohistochemical localization of the relevant receptors in fixed tissue. Results Cell migration assays showed that GDNF strongly stimulated migration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) cells of pelvic ganglia from E11.5, E14.5 and P0 mice. Other factors also promoted TH cell migration, although to a lesser extent and only at discrete developmental stages. The cells and neurites of the pelvic ganglia were responsive to each of the GDNF family ligands – GDNF, neurturin and artemin – from E11.5 onwards. In contrast, NGF and NT-3 did not elicit a significant neurite outgrowth effect until E14.5 onwards. Artemin and NGF promoted significant outgrowth of sympathetic (TH+) neurites only, whereas neurturin affected primarily parasympathetic (TH-negative) neurite outgrowth, and GDNF and NT-3 enhanced both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurite outgrowth. In comparison, collagen gel assays using gut explants from E11.5 and E14.5 mice showed neurite outgrowth only in response to GDNF at E11.5 and to neurturin only in E14.5 mice. Conclusion Our data show that there are both age-dependent and neuron type-dependent differences in the responsiveness of embryonic and neo-natal pelvic ganglion neurons to growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Stewart
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, 3010, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Keast JR, Kepper ME. Differential regulation of trkA and p75 in noradrenergic pelvic autonomic ganglion cells after deafferentation of their cholinergic neighbours. Eur J Neurosci 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2001.01374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
12
|
Mirabella N, Squillacioti C, De Luca A, Paino G. Effects of Castration on the Expression of TrkB and p75NTR in the Vas Deferens and Male Accessory Genital Glands of the Rat. Anat Histol Embryol 2008; 37:118-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2007.00804.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
13
|
Dicou E. Peptides other than the neurotrophins that can be cleaved from proneurotrophins: a neglected story. Arch Physiol Biochem 2007; 113:228-33. [PMID: 17917853 DOI: 10.1080/13813450701531250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The members of the family of neurotrophic factors known as neurotrophins, NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT4/5 are known to be cleaved intracellularly from immature precursors, the proneurotrophins. NGF and the other neurotrophins regulate neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival during development via binding to Trk receptor tyrosine kinases and the p75 neurotrophin receptor. Surprisingly, the proneurotrophins were shown to be also biologically active ligands. ProNGF and proBDNF induce neuronal apoptosis via binding to a complex of p75 and sortilin. Therefore, life and death seems to be a delicate interplay between 'cleavage' or 'not cleavage' of the proneurotrophins. However, there is a third aspect to this story. In general, peptide-hormone precursors are known to give rise to several biologically active peptides from one precursor molecule. The paradox with the proneurotrophins is that although they have several additional potential cleavage sites that would necessarily give rise to other peptides besides the neurotrophins and thus new members in the neurotrophin family, this aspect has been largely neglected. This article aims to review evidence for biologically active peptides other than the NGF and NT-3 that can be generated from the proNGF and proNT-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Dicou
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 660 route des Lucioles, Valbonne, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morrison JFB, Dhanasekaran S, Sheen R, Frampton CM, Mensah-Brown E. The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the rat seminal vesicle: A possible pathophysiological basis for disorders of ejaculation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1084:267-79. [PMID: 17151307 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1372.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In the streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rat major increases in noradrenaline concentration and content of the seminal vesicles were evident as early as 7 weeks following induction of hyperglycemia and returned toward normal after 34 weeks of hyperglycemia. There were significant reductions in the concentration and content of dopamine at 19-42 weeks of diabetes, and small occasionally significant reductions in the content of serotonin and adrenaline, particularly around 19-26 weeks after STZ treatment. The uptake of tritiated noradrenaline in the diabetics was increased at 12 weeks compared to the controls, and decreased to control levels with increasing age. Release of tritiated noradrenline was increased in response to electrical field stimulation and high potassium solutions, and raising calcium concentration caused increased release at rest and during electrical stimulation. Immunohistochemical demonstration of tyrosine hydroxylase was increased during the period when the noradrenaline concentration and content were elevated. It is concluded that there are significant changes in the sympathetic innervation of the seminal vesicle during the course of STZ diabetes, and that alterations in the reuptake, release, and synthesis of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline may contribute to changes in the concentration of the amine in the tissue. It is possible that the changes observed are related to the remodeling and regrowth of sympathetic nerve endings damaged in the early stages of hyperglycemia. These changes may also contribute to disorders of ejaculation in diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F B Morrison
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Keast JR. Plasticity of pelvic autonomic ganglia and urogenital innervation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2006; 248:141-208. [PMID: 16487791 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(06)48003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic ganglia contain a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons and provide most of the motor innervation of the urogenital organs. They show a remarkable sensitivity to androgens and estrogens, which impacts on their development into sexually dimorphic structures and provide an array of mechanisms by which plasticity of these neurons can occur during puberty and adulthood. The structure of pelvic ganglia varies widely among species, ranging from rodents, which have a pair of large ganglia, to humans, in whom pelvic ganglion neurons are distributed in a large, complex plexus. This plexus is frequently injured during pelvic surgical procedures, yet strategies for its repair have yet to be developed. Advances in this area will come from a better understanding of the effects of injury on the cellular signaling process in pelvic neurons and also the role of neurotrophic factors during development, maintenance, and repair of these axons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet R Keast
- Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bierl MA, Isaacson LG. Increased NGF proforms in aged sympathetic neurons and their targets. Neurobiol Aging 2005; 28:122-34. [PMID: 16377033 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2005] [Revised: 11/11/2005] [Accepted: 11/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Target-derived neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) regulate sympathetic neuron survival. Here, NGF and NT-3 protein and transcript were examined in sympathetic neurons and targets in order to determine their role in age-related neuronal atrophy. One obvious alteration was a dramatic increase (up to 50-fold) in NGF protein forms, corresponding to proNGF-B, in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and targets where sympathetic innervation shows atrophy. In the iris, where sympathetic innervation is protected into old age, proNGF-B was decreased. Alterations in NGF transcript paralleled changes in NGF protein, albeit to a lesser degree. Though significantly increased in aged SCG, NT-3 protein, found primarily as the 'mature' form, showed only minor changes in most tissues, though NT-3 mRNA generally was decreased. In contrast, both NT-3 transcript and NT-3 precursors were increased in iris. The dramatic increases in proNGF, together with minimal changes in NT-3, suggest that alterations in NGF regulation may contribute to the loss of sympathetic innervation observed in many aged peripheral targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Bierl
- Center for Neuroscience, Department of Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mirabella N, Squillacioti C, Paone I, Ciarcia R, Russo M, Paino G. Effects of castration on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the vas deferens and male accessory genital glands of the rat. Cell Tissue Res 2005; 323:513-22. [PMID: 16267672 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-005-0084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 08/24/2005] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor belonging to the family of neurotrophins. Although neurotrophins in the male genital organs have been well documented, their role in the biology of these organs is far from clear. In particular, little is known about the influence of sex hormones on neurotrophin expression. In the present study, using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we investigated the distribution and tissue concentration of BDNF in the vas deferens and accessory male genital glands in normal and castrated rats. The expression of BDNF mRNA was also investigated. In normal rats, BDNF immunoreactivity was localized in the musculature of the vas deferens and vesicular gland and in the fibromuscular stromal cells of the prostate. In the ventral prostatic lobes, BDNF immunoreactivity was localized in basal, secretory and neuroendocrine epithelial cells. Innervating ganglia and nerves were immunoreactive in all the examined tracts. After castration, BDNF immunoreactivity increased in the musculature of the vesicular gland and in the fibromuscular stromal cells of both dorsal and ventral prostatic lobes. BDNF immunoreactivity also increased in the nerves. ELISA and reverse transcription/real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed the findings of the immunohistochemical study. In the accessory glands, castration induced an increase of both BDNF tissue concentration and mRNA expression. These results suggest that BDNF is expressed in the internal male genital organs of the rat and that its expression is downregulated by androgen hormones. We hypothesize that the observed BDNF increases are related to the castration-induced regression of the sympathetic nerves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Mirabella
- Department of Structures, Functions and Biological Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Meusburger SM, Keast JR. Testosterone and nerve growth factor have distinct but interacting effects on structure and neurotransmitter expression of adult pelvic ganglion cells in vitro. Neuroscience 2002; 108:331-40. [PMID: 11734365 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(01)00420-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Circulating testosterone has potent effects on the structure and function of many pelvic ganglion cells in adult rats in vivo. However not all androgen-sensitive pelvic neurones possess androgen receptors and testosterone effects may therefore be indirect, by an action on the target organs. Here we have examined if testosterone influences neuronal structure in vitro in pelvic ganglion cells cultured from adult male rats. We have also used multiple label immunofluorescence to monitor the expression of transmitter-synthesising enzymes and peptides under various culture conditions. Testosterone was a more potent stimulant of noradrenergic soma growth in culture than nerve growth factor. Whereas nerve growth factor increased the number, branching and length of neurites, testosterone stimulated growth of a small number of very short processes, each of which bore numerous short protrusions. Testosterone also impeded the longer neurite growth induced by nerve growth factor. Many pelvic ganglion cells altered their expression of transmitters/neuropeptides under different culture conditions. In particular, under control conditions or during nerve growth factor treatment, vasoactive intestinal peptide was up-regulated in noradrenergic and cholinergic neurones; testosterone impeded this up-regulation in noradrenergic neurones. Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity could only be visualised when nerve growth factor was present in the cultures, and cholinergic neurones showed less neurite outgrowth than noradrenergic neurones under all culture conditions. Nerve growth factor did not stimulate levels of this enzyme as strongly if testosterone was present. This study has shown that testosterone has potent effects on the structure of many pelvic ganglion cells in vitro. It is possible that these effects are mediated indirectly, e.g. by stimulating glial-derived substances, however our results suggest that the effects are not mediated by nerve growth factor. The results also show that testosterone influences some of the actions of nerve growth factor, suggesting that there may be complex interactions between steroid signalling and neurotrophic factors in maintaining neuronal structure and function in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Meusburger
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Keast JR, Kepper ME. Differential regulation of trkA and p75 in noradrenergic pelvic autonomic ganglion cells after deafferentation of their cholinergic neighbours. Eur J Neurosci 2001. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2001.01374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
20
|
Xu TR, Wang WY, Huang YH, Meng QX, Li DS, Lu QM, Xiong YL. A nerve growth factor from the venom of Chinese cobra (Naja naja atra) and its effects on male reproductive system in rats. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART C, PHARMACOLOGY, TOXICOLOGY & ENDOCRINOLOGY 1999; 124:149-56. [PMID: 10622430 DOI: 10.1016/s0742-8413(99)00047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A nerve growth factor (NGF) was isolated from the venom of Chinese cobra (Naja naja atra) by ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). The N-terminal sequence of 22 amino acid residues was identical with other NGFs previously purified from the venom of the same genus. The NGF monomer molecular weight was estimated to be 13,500 by reducing SDS-PAGE and the isoelectric point was determined to be 7.2 by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis. NGF improved the epididymal sperm motility of male rats and increased the pregnancy rate and fetus number of mated female rats. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of male rats administrated NGF + gossypol was lower than that of male rats administrated gossypol. Histological sections of testes and epididymides showed that NGF reduced the destructive effects of gossypol on rat testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T R Xu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Keast JR. Unusual autonomic ganglia: connections, chemistry, and plasticity of pelvic ganglia. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1999; 193:1-69. [PMID: 10494620 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)61778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pelvic ganglia provide the majority of the autonomic nerve supply to reproductive organs, urinary bladder, and lower bowel. Of all autonomic ganglia, they are probably the least understood because in many species their anatomy is particularly complex. Furthermore, they are unusual autonomic ganglia in many ways, including their connections, structure, chemistry, and hormone sensitivity. This review will compare and contrast the normal structure and function of pelvic ganglia with other types of autonomic ganglia (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric). Two aspects of plasticity in the pelvic pathways will also be discussed. First, the influence of gonadal steroids on the maturation and maintenance of pelvic reflex circuits will be considered. Second, the consequences of nerve injury will be discussed, particularly in the context of the pelvic ganglia receiving distributed spinal inputs. The review demonstrates that in many ways the pelvic ganglia differ substantially from other autonomic ganglia. Pelvic ganglia may also provide a useful system in which to study many fundamental neurobiological questions of broader relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Keast
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Delsite R, Djakiew D. Characterization of nerve growth factor precursor protein expression by human prostate stromal cells: a role in selective neurotrophin stimulation of prostate epithelial cell growth. Prostate 1999; 41:39-48. [PMID: 10440874 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0045(19990915)41:1<39::aid-pros6>3.0.co;2-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoreactive proteins derived from human prostatic stromal cells (hPS) have been implicated in the paracrine regulation of prostate epithelial cell growth. However, mature NGFbeta does not appear to be expressed by these cells. In order to determine whether NGF precursors are expressed by these cells, we investigated the potential processing and expression of precursor forms of NGF by human prostatic stromal cells, and examined the effects of NGF precursor moieties along with the other members of the neurotrophin family of gene products on soft agar colony formation of prostate epithelial cells. METHODS Specific antibodies to the peptide domains defined as N4 and L38, and the NGFbeta moiety of prepro-NGF, were used in immunoblot assays to characterize the molecular weight forms of precursor NGF secreted by human prostatic stromal cells. The potential processing of NGF precursors with two enzymes, NGFgamma and trypsin, was performed by incubation with stromal cell secretory protein containing precursor NGF. The selective effects of the N4, L38, and NGFbeta peptide domains of precursor NGF, along with the remaining members of the neurotrophin family, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), were examined for their ability to stimulate growth of prostate tumor epithelial cells in an assay of soft agar colony formation. RESULTS Immunoblot analysis of stromal cell secretory protein identified NGF precursors of 35 kDa and 27 kDa, along with the partially processed 22-kDa form of pro-NGF, whereas mature NGFbeta was not observed. Treatment of precursor NGF with NGFgamma and trypsin did not produce the large intermediate forms of pro-NGF, although these two enzymes did appear to cleave the N-terminal peptide from NGFbeta. Of the N4, L38, and NGFbeta peptide domains of precursor NGF, only NGFbeta significantly stimulated the anchorage-independent growth of TSU-pr1 prostate epithelial cells in soft agar. The other members of the neurotrophin family of gene products had no effect on the anchorage-independent growth of prostate tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Human prostate stromal cells secrete the 35-kDa and 27-kDa precursor forms of NGF arising from alternate start sites, and the partially processed 22-kDa form of pro-NGF. Whereas the N4, L38, and NGFbeta peptide domains present within pro-NGF were previously shown to induce phosphorylation of the high-affinity NGF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk), only the NGFbeta moiety was able to stimulate anchorage-independent growth of prostate tumor cells. Likewise, the other neurotrophin family members did not stimulate anchorage-independent growth of prostate tumor cells. Hence, it would appear that NGF may be the predominant neurotrophic growth factor for prostate growth, albeit via precursor forms of NGF, and that its effect appears to be selectively mediated via the NGFbeta moiety of these NGF precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Delsite
- Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Smith PG, Fan Q, Zhang R, Warn JD. Cellular terrain surrounding sympathetic nerve pathways in the rat orbit: comparisons of orbital connective tissue and smooth muscle cell phenotypes. J Comp Neurol 1998; 400:529-43. [PMID: 9786413 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(19981102)400:4<529::aid-cne7>3.0.co;2-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sympathetic axons are abundant within some orbital tissues but are absent from others. This study investigated cellular phenotypes of tissues containing sympathetic nerves en passage and compared these with phenotypes in regions devoid of sympathetic nerves and with smooth muscle targets. Two primary orbital smooth muscle targets, the tarsal muscle and orbital muscle, contained many synaptophysin-immunoreactive nerves. Target cells had ultrastructural features typical of smooth muscle and were immunoreactive for alpha-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, desmin, vinculin, and laminin, but not non-muscle myosin, vimentin, fibronectin, or type IV collagen; nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Periorbital sheath devoid of sympathetic nerves contained elongated fibroblasts that were immunoreactive for vimentin, non-muscle myosin, and fibronectin, but not for alpha-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, vinculin, desmin, laminin, or type IV collagen, and did not express NGF mRNA. Regions of periorbital sheath containing sympathetic nerves had few synaptophysin-immunoreactive varicosities. Cells in this region contained myofilaments, ribosomes, and rough endoplasmic reticulum and were larger than tarsal muscle cells. They expressed NGF mRNA and showed a unique immunophenotype, reacting for vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin and myosin heavy chain, desmin, vinculin, laminin, and type IV collagen. This phenotype reflects both fibroblast and smooth muscle features similar to myofibroblasts or transdifferentiated smooth muscle described in other tissues. The spatial association between these cells and sympathetic nerves suggests that they may be involved in axon guidance or maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P G Smith
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and R.L. Smith Mental Retardation Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, 66160-7401, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen Y, Dicou E, Djakiew D. Characterization of nerve growth factor precursor protein expression in rat round spermatids and the trophic effects of nerve growth factor in the maintenance of Sertoli cell viability. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1997; 127:129-36. [PMID: 9099908 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(96)04001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is expressed by rat round spermatids and is thought to participate in the paracrine regulation of spermatogenesis. In order to elucidate the role of NGF in the rat testis, we further characterized the NGF immunoreactive protein secreted by round spermatids and examined the effect of NGF beta and related neurotrophin family members on the maintenance of Sertoli cell viability. Round spermatids were isolated from rat testes by centrifugal elutriation and the conditioned medium dialyzed/concentrated for the preparation of round spermatid protein (RSP). Immunoblot analysis of RSP with anti-NGF beta antibody identified two immunoreactive bands of 31 and 22 kD, whereas the 13 kD mature form of NGF beta was not observed. Similarly, immunoblot analysis of RSP with an antibody raised against a synthetic peptide (L38) corresponding to the -3 to -40 sequence of proNGF also recognized two immunoreactive bands of 31 and 22 kD. These results are consistent with the identification of two NGF precursors. Interestingly, immunoblot analysis of RSP with an antibody raised against a synthetic peptide (N4) corresponding to the -71 to -46 sequence of proNGF only recognized one immunoreactive band of 31 kD, consistent with the larger NGF precursor observed with the L38 antibody. In a bioactivity test of PC-12 neurite outgrowth, the 31 kD NGF precursor induced flattening and neurite outgrowth of PC-12 cells, consistent with NGF bioactivity. The 22 kD NGF precursor induced modest and inconsistent neurite outgrowth. These results suggest that round spermatids express the 31 and 22 kD precursor forms of the NGF gene product, and that processing of this gene product is incomplete such that the 13 kD mature form of NGF beta is not observed. In view of the role of round spermatids in the paracrine regulation of spermatogenesis, we examined the effect of RSP on the rescue of the viability of Sertoli cells cultured under serum deprived conditions. In the absence of serum, RSP was able to extend the viability of Sertoli cells, and the elimination of this activity by anti-NGF antibody immunoprecipitation of RSP suggests that the NGF precursors in RSP support the maintenance of Sertoli cell viability. In addition, treatment with exogenous NGF beta was able to rescue Sertoli cell viability, whereas L38 peptide, N4 peptide, or the neurotrophins, brain derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 and neurotrophin-4/5 were unable to rescue Sertoli cell viability above control levels. Hence, it appears that round spermatids express the precursor forms of the NGF gene product, but not the mature form of NGF beta, and that the NGF beta moiety of the NGF precursor proteins exhibits trophic activity in the rescue of Sertoli cell viability, consistent with the paracrine regulation of spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Paul AB, Grant ES, Habib FK. The expression and localisation of beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) in benign and malignant human prostate tissue: relationship to neuroendocrine differentiation. Br J Cancer 1996; 74:1990-6. [PMID: 8980402 PMCID: PMC2074798 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1996.665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
beta-NGF is a determinant of sympathetic innervation and a neural differentiation factor. In the present study, we have examined 15 benign prostatic hyperplastic and 15 prostate cancer patients for the expression and localisation of beta-NGF by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. We have correlated the beta-NGF concentrations to prostate morphometry and neuroendocrine differentiation. The presence of beta NGF mRNA transcripts was confirmed by RT-PCR where a 542 bp product was found with specific primers for the human beta-NGF cDNA sequence. The presence of the peptide was also confirmed by Western blot analysis which showed a protein co-migrating with recombinant human beta-NGF. Our results demonstrate that beta-NGF is localised to prostate epithelium, and the concentrations of the peptide were not significantly different in malignant (mean +/- s.d.; 3100 +/- 1502 pg g-1 wet weight of tissue) than in benign tissues (1992 +/- 684 pg g-1, P = 0.512). We were, however, unable to correlate the concentrations of beta-NGF to neuroendocrine differentiation in malignant tissues. Clearly, the present study demonstrates that beta-NGF is a product of the prostate and may be involved in the control of the sympathetic innervation of the human prostate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B Paul
- University Department of Surgery/Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Milner P, Crowe R, Fernyhough P, Diemel LT, Tomlinson DR, Burnstock G. Nerve growth factor treatment of adult rats selectively enhances innervation of urinogenital tract rather than vascular smooth muscle. Int J Dev Neurosci 1995; 13:393-401. [PMID: 7484210 DOI: 10.1016/0736-5748(95)00029-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Following treatment of adult rats with nerve growth factor (0.5 mg/rat, three times a week for 3 weeks), the innervation of cardiovascular and urinogenital tract smooth muscle was investigated using immunoassay and immunohistochemical techniques. Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were increased in the vas deferens, but not in the atria or femoral artery. Neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels were unchanged. In penile tissues, there was a marked increase in the density of substance P-, calcitonin gene-related peptide-, neuropeptide Y-, tyrosine hydroxylase- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing nerves innervating the urethra and in SP-containing nerves in the tunica with little changes in the innervation of the deep dorsal vein and artery and corpus cavernosum. In the bladder, there was increased innervation of the detrusor by neuropeptide Y- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing nerves, but a decrease in innervation by substance P-containing nerves in the trigone. There were no changes in the density of innervation of the femoral artery after nerve growth factor treatment. Thus, in the mature rat, sensory and sympathetic nerve innervating urinogenital tract smooth muscle appear to be more responsive to exogenous nerve growth factor than those innervating cardiovascular smooth muscle. This may reflect an ongoing requirement of plasticity of innervation in the urinogenital tract of the sexually mature animal.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/innervation
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/innervation
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Nerve Growth Factors/pharmacology
- Neuropeptides/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Urogenital System/drug effects
- Urogenital System/innervation
- Urogenital System/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Milner
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dupont MC, Persson K, Spitsbergen J, Tuttle JB, Steers WD. The neuronal response to bladder outlet obstruction, a role for NGF. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1995; 385:41-54; discussion 75-9. [PMID: 8571844 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-1585-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M C Dupont
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
The sperm autoantigen concentration in the epididymis equals or exceeds that in the testis. This makes the epididymis a probable site of initiation of an antisperm autoimmune response. The mechanisms regulating antisperm antibody formation in the testicular excurrent ducts and some related aspects with clinical interest are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Pöllänen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Developmental Biology, University of Turku, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mitsiadis TA, Couble P, Dicou E, Rudkin BB, Magloire H. Patterns of nerve growth factor (NGF), proNGF, and p75 NGF receptor expression in the rat incisor: comparison with expression in the molar. Differentiation 1993; 54:161-75. [PMID: 8270144 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.1993.tb01599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), a target-derived neurotrophic substance, may have broader biological functions in various types of non-neuronal differentiating cells. The effects of NGF are dependent on initial binding of NGF to specific cell-surface receptors (p75NGFR and p140prototrk) on responsive cells. The continuously growing rat incisor offers an excellent model demonstrating defined territories of differentiation of specific cell populations. We used immunohistochemistry to determine sites of NGF, proNGF and p75NGFR accumulation in the rat incisor, whereas NGF mRNA expression was visualized by in situ hybridization in the developing rat molar and incisor. Strictly similar patterns of NGF mRNA, proNGF and NGF expression were observed in differentiating cells responsible for the production of the main structural matrices of the tooth. Thus, proNGF-like and NGF-like immunoreactivity, as well as the NGF mRNA signal were observed in preameloblasts and young ameloblasts of the dental epithelium and in polarizing odontoblasts of the dental mesenchyme. In contrast, the distribution of p75NGFR was correlated with differentiation event only in dental mesenchyme: polarizing odontoblasts expressed p75NGFR whereas the molecule was absent in functional odontoblasts. In dental epithelium, the restricted expression of p75NGFR in ameloblast precursor cells was correlated with proliferative phenomena. The patterns of proNGF, NGF and p75NGFR expression in epithelium and mesenchyme implicate both an autocrine and paracrine mode of action of the NGF molecule in dental tissues. The findings reported here are important for understanding NGF action in specific dental cell populations and suggest that this molecule is involved in the cascade of events that directs tooth development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T A Mitsiadis
- Laboratoire de Développement et Pathologie des Tissue Dentaires, CNRS-UPR 412, Faculté d'Oontologie de Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
MacGrogan D, Saint-André JP, Dicou E. Expression of nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor receptor genes in human tissues and in prostatic adenocarcinoma cell lines. J Neurochem 1992; 59:1381-91. [PMID: 1383421 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1992.tb08451.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNAs were detected and quantified in a variety of normal and neoplastic human tissues by northern blot hybridization. Human heart contained the highest NGF mRNA levels, whereas lower but comparable levels were found in the placenta, prostate, and kidney. All tissues examined coexpressed the low-affinity NGF receptor (LNGFR), whereas none of these tissues expressed the high-affinity NGF receptor encoded by the trk protooncogene. The widespread distribution of the LNGFR suggests that it plays a role in the regulation of normal cell growth. No overexpression of NGF or LNGFR mRNA was detected in neoplastic tissues, whereas LNGFR-like immunoreactivity was localized outside of tumor cells. Transforming growth factor-alpha and protooncogene c-fos expression in these tissues did not show a systematic correlation with NGF/LNGFR expression. Furthermore, regulation of the human NGF gene was studied in DU145 cells, a prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line that synthesizes significant NGF mRNA levels. Serum induced, whereas dexamethasone inhibited, NGF mRNA synthesis in these cells. Serum induction was preceded by a rapid and transient activation of the c-fos protooncogene.
Collapse
|
32
|
Falckh PH, Harkin LA, Head RJ. Nerve growth factor mRNA content parallels altered sympathetic innervation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1992; 19:541-5. [PMID: 1526060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1992.tb00502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
1. In order to explore the mechanisms responsible for the hypernoradrenergic innervation of the vasculature in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) the tissue content of nerve growth factor messenger ribonucleic acid (NGFmRNA) was examined. 2. The concentration of NGFmRNA was markedly elevated in mesenteric veins obtained from SHR when compared with the contents of NGFmRNA in veins from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). 3. The NGFmRNA content of kidneys was greater in SHR when compared with the levels present in WKY rats for 10- and 43-day-old animals. 4. In contrast to the pattern observed for veins and kidneys, the NGFmRNA content of SHR hearts was smaller than those present in hearts from WKY rats for 2, 10 and 43-day-old animals. 5. The results demonstrate that tissues with enhanced innervation (the kidney and mesenteric vasculature) in SHR are associated with an enhanced expression of NGFmRNA. In contrast, the heart, which does not display an enhanced sympathetic innervation in the SHR, does not have an increased expression of NGFmRNA. 6. It is suggested that in the SHR there is a tight relationship between hypernoradrenergic innervation in the vasculature and gene expression for NGFmRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P H Falckh
- CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition, Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dicou E. Nerve growth factor precursors in the rat thyroid and hippocampus. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1992; 14:136-8. [PMID: 1323012 DOI: 10.1016/0169-328x(92)90021-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A nerve growth factor (NGF) precursor form of about 24 kDa was identified in homogenates of rat thyroid and hippocampus by immunoprecipitation using three sera raised against a synthetic peptide that reproduces the sequence -71 to -46 of the proNGF molecule. Besides this species, a 31 kDa protein, as well as a cleavage product of 12 kDa were also immunoprecipitated in both tissues by one of these sera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Dicou
- INSERM U 298, CHRU, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mitsiadis TA, Dicou E, Joffre A, Magloire H. Immunohistochemical localization of nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF receptor (NGF-R) in the developing first molar tooth of the rat. Differentiation 1992; 49:47-61. [PMID: 1320577 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.1992.tb00768.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a well established target-derived trophic factor supporting sympathetic and sensory innervation in the peripheral tissues as well as cholinergic innervation in the brain. Despite its name, NGF may have broader biological functions early in development in a wide range of non-neuronal differentiating cells. The many effects of NGF are directly dependent on initial binding of NGF to specific plasma membrane receptors on target cells. Here we use immunohistochemical methods to show that NGF and its receptor (NGF-R) are localized in a variety of embryonic epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the rat developing molar tooth. Dental cells known to play important roles in morphogenesis and inductive tissue interactions show NGF-like reactivity. Thus, labelling is seen in epithelial preameloblasts and mesenchymal odontoblasts. We also show a transient expression of NGF-R in restricted parts of the dental epithelium (inner dental epithelium) and dental mesenchyme differentiating cells (post-mitotic, polarizing odontoblasts). The expression patterns of NGF are different to those of NGF-R during embryogenesis and this is illustrated in detail in the developing tooth. The histochemical findings reported here support the notion that NGF may have multiple roles during morphogenetic and cytodifferentiation events in the tooth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T A Mitsiadis
- Laboratoire d'histophysiologie et de pathologie des tissus dentaires, CNRS-UPR 412, Faculté d'Odontologie de Lyon, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|