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Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on optic axon branching and remodelling in vivo

Cohen-Cory, Susana and Fraser, Scott E. (1995) Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on optic axon branching and remodelling in vivo. Nature, 378 (6553). pp. 192-196. ISSN 0028-0836. doi:10.1038/378192a0. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150605-094932634

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Abstract

Neurotrophins are thought to be important for the survival and differentiation of vertebrate neurons. Roles have been suggested for target-derived neurotrophins, based both on their expression in target tissues at the time of neuron innervation, and on their effects on axonal sprouting. However, direct in vivo evidence of their involvement in axon arborization has remained elusive. We have used in vivo microscopy to follow individual optic axons over time, and have examined the role of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in their development. Here we show that injection of BDNF into the optic tec turn of live Xenopus laevis tadpoles increased the branching and complexity of optic axon terminal arbors. In contrast, injection of specific neutralizing antibodies to BDNF reduced axon arborization and complexity. The onset of these effects was rapid (within 2 hours) and persisted throughout the 24-hour observation period. Other neurotrophins had little or no significant effects. These results demonstrate the involvement of neurotrophins in the dynamic elaboration of axon terminals, and suggest a direct role for target-derived BDNF during synaptic patterning in the developing central nervous system.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/378192a0DOIArticle
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v378/n6553/abs/378192a0.htmlPublisherArticle
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Fraser, Scott E.0000-0002-5377-0223
Additional Information:© 1995 Nature Publishing Group. Received 30 June: accepted 13 October 1995. We thank J. Carnahan for the BDNF antibodies; Genentech for recombinant neurotrophins; and A. Collazo. B. Dobbins, J. Shih, K. Woo, B. Trevarrow and D. De Sha for helpful comments to the manuscript. This work was supported by the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation and NIMH.
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Helen Hay Whitney FoundationUNSPECIFIED
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)UNSPECIFIED
Issue or Number:6553
DOI:10.1038/378192a0
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20150605-094932634
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150605-094932634
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:58033
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:05 Jun 2015 17:55
Last Modified:10 Nov 2021 21:58

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