Abstract
In this study, we examined the expression of neurotrophins in mouse lymphocytes and the regulation of their expression by mitogens and neurotransmitters. We found that mixed splenocytes as well as T and B lymphocytes expressed mRNA for all the neurotrophins examined. Differential regulation of the neurotrophins was obtained upon stimulation of the cells. Thus, LPS increased the expression of NGF, BDNF and NT-3 in splenocytes and B cells, whereas Con-A increased the mRNA of NT-3 and NT-4 in T cells and NGF expression in splenocytes. The neurotransmitter substance P and the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol induced an increase in the expression of NGF. Our results suggest an important role for the different neurotrophins in the function of the immune system and point to a bi-directional interaction between neurotrophins and neurotransmitters in this system.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / biosynthesis
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
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Cells, Cultured
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Concanavalin A / pharmacology
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Isoproterenol / pharmacology
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Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
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Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
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Lymphocyte Activation / physiology
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Lymphocytes / cytology
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Lymphocytes / drug effects*
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Lymphocytes / metabolism*
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mitogens / pharmacology*
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Nerve Growth Factor / biosynthesis
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Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
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Nerve Growth Factors / biosynthesis*
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Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
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Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
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Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology
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Neurotrophin 3 / biosynthesis
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Neurotrophin 3 / genetics
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Norepinephrine / metabolism
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Norepinephrine / pharmacology
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Spleen / drug effects
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Spleen / metabolism
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Substance P / metabolism
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Substance P / pharmacology
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T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
Substances
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Mitogens
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Nerve Growth Factors
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Neurotransmitter Agents
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Neurotrophin 3
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RNA, Messenger
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Concanavalin A
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Substance P
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Nerve Growth Factor
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Isoproterenol
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neurotrophin 4
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Norepinephrine