ISSN:
1573-6830
Keywords:
transforming growth factor β
;
neuromuscular junctions
;
acetylcholine receptor
;
motoneuron
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Transforming growth factors-β 1, 2, and 3 are known for their regulatory function in embryogenesis, fibrogenesis, and tissue repair of different cell types. A trophic function of TGF-β subclasses for motoneurons has been shown in vitro. TGF-β 1 is a potent survival factor for cultured embryonic rat motoneurons. In addition, TGF-β 1 stimulates proliferation of rat Schwann cells. Recently, TGF-β 2 has been reported to be associated with the subsynaptic nuclei of mature rat neuromuscular junctions. In this study, we investigated the expression of TGF-β 1, 2, and 3 at neuromuscular junctions in skeletal muscle of 11 adults without neuromuscular disease. On muscle biopsies, neuromuscular junctions were depicted by acetylcholine esterase reaction and acetylcholine receptor antibodies. TGF-β 1, 2, and 3 were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies. Some muscle fibers showed low levels of inhomogeneous immunoreactivity for both TGF-β 1 and TGF-β 3. Intense immunoreactivity of TGF-β 1 and 3 was shown at the postsynaptic area of neuromuscular junctions. TGF-β 2 was expressed in the same subcellular distribution, but less strongly. In conclusion, the colocalization of TGF-β with neuromuscular junctions may suggest a significant function in neuromuscular communication.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006989530148
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