Platelet-derived nerve growth factor supports the survival of cholinergic neurons in organotypic rat brain slices

Neurosci Lett. 2014 Jun 27:574:64-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.05.033. Epub 2014 May 23.

Abstract

Platelets play a role in repair of vessels and contain different growth factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF). Since NGF is the most potent growth factor to support survival of cholinergic neurons, we aimed to study the effects of platelet-derived NGF on cholinergic neurons in organotypic brain slices. Brain slices of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nBM) were cultured with or without NGF (10ng/ml) or platelet extracts (100μg/ml) or fresh platelets (10(8) platelets/ml). In order to enhance NGF in platelets recombinant NGF (100ng) was loaded into platelets using ultrasound (3h). Our data show that recombinant NGF markedly supports survival of cholinergic neurons. The addition of fresh platelets showed a tendency for enhancing cholinergic neuron numbers, while platelet extracts had no effects. Ultrasound was highly effective to load recombinant NGF into platelets. The addition of NGF-loaded platelets markedly enhanced cholinergic neuron numbers. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that NGF-derived platelets may counteract cell death of cholinergic neurons.

Keywords: Cholinergic neurons; Nerve growth factor; Neuroprotection; Platelets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basal Nucleus of Meynert / cytology*
  • Basal Nucleus of Meynert / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Cell Survival
  • Cholinergic Neurons / cytology*
  • Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Nerve Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factor