Elsevier

Developmental Biology

Volume 200, Issue 1, 1 August 1998, Pages 116-129
Developmental Biology

Regular Article
Neurturin and GDNF Promote Proliferation and Survival of Enteric Neuron and Glial Progenitorsin Vitro

https://doi.org/10.1006/dbio.1998.8955Get rights and content
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Abstract

Signaling through the c-Ret tyrosine kinase and the endothelin B receptor pathways is known to be critical for development of the enteric nervous system. To clarify the role of these receptors in enteric nervous system development, the effect of ligands for these receptors was examined on rat enteric neuron precursors in fully defined medium in primary culture. In this culture system, dividing Ret-positive cells differentiate, cluster into ganglia containing neurons and enteric glia, and create extensive networks reminiscent of the enteric plexus establishedin vivo.Glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin both potently support survival and proliferation of enteric neuron precursors in this system. Addition of either neurturin or GDNF to these cultures increased the number of both neurons and enteric glia. Persephin, a third GDNF family member, shares many properties with neurturin and GDNF in the central nervous system and in kidney development. By contrast, persephin does not promote enteric neuron precursor proliferation or survival in these cultures. Endothelin-3 also does not increase the number of enteric neurons or glia in these cultures.

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1

To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, One Children's Place, Box 8116, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110. Fax: (314) 454-4218. E-mail:[email protected].

2

To whom correspondence should be addressed at Depts. of Pathology and Medicine, Box 8118, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110. Fax: (314) 362-8756. E-mail:[email protected].