Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) attracts considerable attention because it supports survival and differentiation of various types of neurons and glial cells in vitro. Although CNTF functions as a moderate neurotrophic factor in mature motor neurons, its role in embryonic development remains unknown. Here, we found a specific CNTF expression in the rat pineal gland and eyes during embryonic development. In vitro, neonatal rat pineal extract including CNTF supported the survival of neonatal sympathetic neurons, which innervate pineal glands immediately after birth.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Cells, Cultured
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Chick Embryo
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Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / biosynthesis*
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Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
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Eye / embryology*
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Eye / growth & development
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Eye / metabolism*
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Pineal Gland / embryology*
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Pineal Gland / growth & development
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Pineal Gland / metabolism*
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
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Superior Cervical Ganglion / cytology
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Superior Cervical Ganglion / embryology
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Superior Cervical Ganglion / metabolism
Substances
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Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
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RNA, Messenger