Midbrain-derived neurotrophins support survival of immature striatal projection neurons.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal death occurs at several stages during embryogenesis and early postnatal development; however, it is unknown how the survival of immature neurons at their origin is regulated before these cells migrate to their final destination. Striatal projection neurons, known as medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), in both the direct and indirect pathways are generated in the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE). Here we report that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 are anterogradely transported from midbrain dopaminergic neurons and support the survival of immature MSNs of the indirect and direct pathways, respectively, in the developing mouse striatum and LGE. These results reveal a novel mode of neurotrophic action in the nervous system by linking neurotrophins to the survival

SUBMITTER: Baydyuk M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3711532 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature