Abstract
NGF is a protein which has a wide tissue distribution in the mouse and is able to stimulate growth, maturation, and function of autonomic neurons. Because thyroid hormone also is known to affect nervous system growth and function, it is possible that some of its effects may be mediated through NGF. Using a newly developed, highly sensitive (10-20 pg) radioimmunoassay (RIA) for β-NGF, we studied the effects of thyroxine (T4) and propylthiouracil (PTU) on NGF concentrations in several tissues of the adult male mouse. T4 (25 μg i.p. daily × 12 days) caused a significant increase in submaxillary gland and liver NGF concentrations (180 and 225% respectively) compared to controls (p<0.001), when expressed relative to wet weight or supernatant protein. There was no consistent effect on kidney NGF concentration. PTU (0.05% in drinking water × 21 days) led to a reduction in kidney NGF to 25% of control values (p<0.001) with no discernible effect in sub-maxillary gland and liver NGF concentrations. Conclusions: 1) A highly sensitive RIA for NGF has been developed. 2) T4 appears to have a significant effect on the concentration of NGF in sub-maxillary gland and liver of the adult male mouse, while PTU-induced hypothyroidism affects kidney NGF. These observations in adult mice suggest that thyroid hormone may play an important regulatory role in NGF metabolism.
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Walker, P., Weichsel, M., Guo, S. et al. 220 EFFECT OF THYROID HORMONE ON TISSUE NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) CONCENTRATIONS IN THE MOUSE. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 400 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00225
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00225