Timing and site of nerve growth factor synthesis in developing skin in relation to innervation and expression of the receptor

Nature. 1987;326(6111):353-8. doi: 10.1038/326353a0.

Abstract

We show that nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in developing skin begins with sensory innervation and that sensory neurons do not express NGF receptors until their fibres reach their cutaneous targets. Both cutaneous epithelium and mesenchyme synthesize NGF, the concentration of messenger RNA for NGF being higher in the more densely innervated epithelium.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Mesoderm / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nerve Fibers / metabolism
  • Nerve Growth Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Neurons, Afferent / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Skin / embryology
  • Skin / innervation*

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor