Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a poly-peptide which is essential for development and maintenance of peripheral sympathetic and sensory neurons, has been investigated for its effects on the hypothalamopituitary adrenocortical axis (HPA). Intravenous injection of NGF in rats is followed by a prolonged elevation of plasma-ACTH, betalipotropin, beta-endorphin and corticosterone. In contrast to the acute intensive drinking response, this endocrine effect is independent from the renin contaminant of the standard 2.5 S NGF-preparation. This is supported by the fact, that intraventricular captopril (a potent inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme) abolished the drinking response, but did not block the stimulation of the HPA-axis. In addition a renin-free NGF, prepared by isoelectric focussing, stimulated ACTH-release, but failed to induce thirst.
In vitro incubation of NGF with dispersed anterior pituitary cells did not result in an enhanced ACTH-secretion, suggesting that NGF acts either at the hypothalamic level or has a specific peripheral action. However, it is still uncertain, whether the effect of NGF on the HPA-axis is direct or indirect.
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Otten, U., Baumann, J. & Girard, J. Involvement of Nerve Growth Factor in Neuroendocrine Regulation. Pediatr Res 15, 1539 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198112000-00026
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198112000-00026