Noticia de célula

Developmental Brain Research 101 Ž1997. 295–297

Short communication

NGF antibodies impair long-term depression at the mossy fibre-CA3 synapse in the developing hippocampus
Francesca Ruberti ) , Nicola Berretta, Antonino Cattaneo, Enrico Cherubini
Neuroscience Program and INFM Unit, Biophysics Sector, International School for AdÕanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 2–4, 34014 Trieste, Italy Accepted 15 April 1997

Abstract Nerve growth factor ŽNGF. and other neurotrophins are proteins involved in neuronal survival and differentiation. Much experimental evidence is now drawing attention into a role of neurotrophins in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity processes. We now show that slices from rats chronically deprived of NGF, by intraventricular injection of a D11 hybridoma cells, which produce monoclonal antibodies against NGF, display a reduced probability of induction of long-term depression at the mossy fibre-CA3 synapse. q 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
Keywords: Long-term depression; Hippocampus; CA3; Development; Plasticity; Nerve growth factor; Antibody

Nerve growth factor ŽNGF. and other neurotrophins have long been known as proteins involved in neuronal survival and differentiation w8,14x. More recently an important role in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity processes has also been suggested w18x. Changes in synaptic strength such as those occurring during long-term potentiation ŽLTP. or long-term depression ŽLTD. are considered to be the molecular basis of learning and memory in the CNS, either during development or in adulthood w2x. In the CA3 hippocampal region, between postnatal ŽP. day P6 and P14, a brief high frequency stimulation to the mossy fibres induces an NMDA receptor-independent form of LTD which is developmentally regulated. In fact, the same tetanic stimulation delivered after the second postnatal week induces LTP as in adult rats w1x. Since high levels of NGF are present in the hippocampus w13x, the possibility that this neurotrophin may